Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 33
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
देवेष्वथ निलीनेषु बलिर्वैरोचन: पुरीम् । देवधानीमधिष्ठाय वशं निन्ये जगत्त्रयम् ॥ ३३ ॥
deveṣv atha nilīneṣu balir vairocanaḥ purīm deva-dhānīm adhiṣṭhāya vaśaṁ ninye jagat-trayam
Lorsque les demi-dieux eurent disparu, Bali Mahārāja, fils de Virocana, entra dans Devadhānī, la capitale céleste, et de là soumit les trois mondes à son pouvoir.
FAQs
This verse states that when the demigods hid themselves, Bali (son of Virocana) occupied the gods’ capital, Devadhānī, and brought the three worlds under his control.
In this narrative, the demigods were overwhelmed by Bali’s power and influence, so they concealed themselves, allowing Bali to seize their seat of rule—setting the stage for Lord Vāmana’s intervention.
Power can rapidly shift when rightful leaders become fearful or inactive; the Bhagavatam highlights the need for courage, dharmic leadership, and reliance on the Lord when circumstances seem overpowering.