Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 5
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
यतो जातो हिरण्याक्षश्चरन्नेक इमां महीम् । प्रतिवीरं दिग्विजये नाविन्दत गदायुध: ॥ ५ ॥
yato jāto hiraṇyākṣaś carann eka imāṁ mahīm prativīraṁ dig-vijaye nāvindata gadāyudhaḥ
C’est dans ta dynastie que naquit Hiraṇyākṣa. Seul, n’ayant pour arme que sa massue, sans aucune aide, il parcourut la terre pour conquérir toutes les directions ; et nul héros rencontré ne put l’égaler.
FAQs
This verse says Hiraṇyākṣa wandered the earth alone and, while conquering all directions, could not find a warrior equal to challenge him—highlighting his unchecked power and pride.
The narration sets the scene for the asura’s arrogance and restlessness: despite dominating others, he remains dissatisfied, which foreshadows divine intervention to protect dharma and the earth.
Worldly conquest without humility breeds dissatisfaction; the Bhagavatam points seekers toward inner discipline, devotion, and reverence for divine order rather than ego-driven achievement.