Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 9
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
Puis Bali, grand héros, monta sur le char céleste donné par Śukrācārya de la lignée de Bhṛgu. Paré d’une belle guirlande, il revêtit son armure, saisit l’arc, prit l’épée et porta le carquois. Les bras ornés de bracelets d’or et les oreilles de pendants makara étincelants, assis sur le siège du char, il resplendit tel le feu sacré vénéré sur l’autel du yajña.
FAQs
In Canto 8, Chapter 15, this verse portrays Bali as a fully armed mahāratha on a divine chariot, dazzling with golden ornaments and radiant like sacrificial fire—showing his royal power and heroic readiness.
The comparison highlights his brilliance and commanding presence: just as fire on the altar blazes and draws attention in a yajña, Bali on his chariot shines with splendor and potency on the battlefield.
It teaches purposeful preparation: before facing major challenges, be disciplined, properly equipped, and inwardly steady—so your actions become focused and impactful rather than impulsive.