Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 16
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
वैरोचनो बलि: सङ्ख्ये सोऽसुराणां चमूपति: । यानं वैहायसं नाम कामगं मयनिर्मितम् ॥ १६ ॥ सर्वसाङ्ग्रामिकोपेतं सर्वाश्चर्यमयं प्रभो । अप्रतर्क्यमनिर्देश्यं दृश्यमानमदर्शनम् ॥ १७ ॥ आस्थितस्तद् विमानाग्र्यं सर्वानीकाधिपैर्वृत: । बालव्यजनछत्राग्र्यै रेजे चन्द्र इवोदये ॥ १८ ॥
vairocano baliḥ saṅkhye so ’surāṇāṁ camū-patiḥ yānaṁ vaihāyasaṁ nāma kāma-gaṁ maya-nirmitam
Pour cette bataille, Mahārāja Bali, fils de Virocana et illustre commandant des asuras, prit place dans un merveilleux aéronef nommé Vaihāyasa, construit par le dānava Maya et se mouvant selon le désir. Ô roi, cet appareil, muni d’armes pour tous les modes de combat, était un prodige : inconcevable et indicible ; tantôt visible, tantôt invisible. Sous une ombrelle protectrice splendide, éventé par les meilleurs cāmaras et entouré de ses chefs, Bali resplendissait tel la lune qui se lève au soir, illuminant toutes les directions.
FAQs
This verse notes that Bali, as commander of the asuras, possessed an extraordinary aerial craft (Vaihāyasa) made by Maya, showing his formidable material strength and resources.
Maya is the famed architect associated with the demons; here he is credited with building Bali’s desire-moving aerial vehicle, highlighting advanced asuric craftsmanship.
Even astonishing technology and power (like a wish-moving aircraft) remain material advantages; the Bhagavatam later emphasizes that true victory and protection ultimately rest with the Supreme Lord’s will.