Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 17
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
यत्र नित्यवयोरूपा: श्यामा विरजवासस: । भ्राजन्ते रूपवन्नार्यो ह्यर्चिर्भिरिव वह्नय: ॥ १७ ॥
yatra nitya-vayo-rūpāḥ śyāmā viraja-vāsasaḥ bhrājante rūpavan-nāryo hy arcirbhir iva vahnayaḥ
Di sana para wanita jelita, senantiasa muda dan indah, bersifat śyāmā, serta mengenakan busana yang suci, berkilau laksana api yang menyala dengan lidah-lidah nyala.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura gives a hint of the quality of the śyāmā woman.
FAQs
This verse depicts Svarga’s women as eternally youthful, exquisitely beautiful, dressed in spotless garments, and shining like fire with flames—highlighting the dazzling opulence of heavenly life.
In the flow of the Deva–Asura conflict narrative, Śukadeva describes the splendor of higher realms to situate the listener in the cosmic setting and to contrast material opulence with the deeper goal of devotion to Bhagavān.
It reminds a seeker that even the most dazzling pleasures and beauty are part of the material cosmos; therefore, one should not make sensory brilliance the ultimate aim, but cultivate steady bhakti and inner purity.