Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 8
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
अथारुह्य रथं दिव्यं भृगुदत्तं महारथ: । सुस्रग्धरोऽथ सन्नह्य धन्वी खड्गी धृतेषुधि: ॥ ८ ॥ हेमाङ्गदलसब्दाहु: स्फुरन्मकरकुण्डल: । रराज रथमारूढो धिष्ण्यस्थ इव हव्यवाट् ॥ ९ ॥
athāruhya rathaṁ divyaṁ bhṛgu-dattaṁ mahārathaḥ susrag-dharo ’tha sannahya dhanvī khaḍgī dhṛteṣudhiḥ
Luego, el gran guerrero Bali subió al carro celestial otorgado por Śukrācārya, de la estirpe de Bhṛgu. Adornado con una hermosa guirnalda, se ciñó la armadura, empuñó el arco, tomó la espada y llevó su aljaba. Con los brazos ornados de brazaletes de oro y las orejas con brillantes pendientes de makara, al sentarse en el trono del carro resplandeció como el fuego sagrado venerado en el altar.
FAQs
This verse shows a righteous warrior preparing with divine resources—celestial chariot, bow, sword, and arrows—indicating that higher protection and strength come by divine sanction, not mere pride.
Bhṛgu’s gift signifies the support of great sages for the cause of dharma; the devas’ strength is reinforced through blessings and sacred authority during the devasura conflict.
Before entering any difficult struggle, prepare properly—externally with tools and discipline, and internally by seeking guidance and blessings from wise, dharmic sources.