Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 23
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
तां देवधानीं स वरूथिनीपति- र्बहि: समन्ताद् रुरुधे पृतन्यया । आचार्यदत्तं जलजं महास्वनं दध्मौ प्रयुञ्जन्भयमिन्द्रयोषिताम् ॥ २३ ॥
tāṁ deva-dhānīṁ sa varūthinī-patir bahiḥ samantād rurudhe pṛtanyayā ācārya-dattaṁ jalajaṁ mahā-svanaṁ dadhmau prayuñjan bhayam indra-yoṣitām
Bali Mahārāja, chef d’innombrables armées, rassembla ses troupes au-dehors de la demeure d’Indra et l’assaillit de toutes parts. Il fit retentir la grande conque que lui avait donnée son maître spirituel, Śukrācārya, inspirant la crainte aux femmes placées sous la protection d’Indra.
FAQs
This verse describes the asura commander besieging the demigods’ city and using a powerful conch to spread terror—showing how the devas sometimes face overwhelming adversity due to shifting karmic and cosmic circumstances.
The conch-shell, received through the ācārya’s favor, symbolizes sanctioned military strength and morale; its thunderous blast was used as psychological warfare to intimidate Indra’s household and the heavenly residents.
It highlights how fear can be amplified through intimidation and noise; a devotee learns to stay steady in dharma and take shelter of the Lord rather than becoming shaken by external threats.