Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 23
Bali Mahārāja Upholds Truth; Vāmana Reveals the Universal Form and Takes the Two Steps
रसामचष्टाङ्घ्रितलेऽथ पादयो- र्महीं महीध्रान्पुरुषस्य जङ्घयो: । पतत्त्रिणो जानुनि विश्वमूर्ते- रूर्वोर्गणं मारुतमिन्द्रसेन: ॥ २३ ॥
rasām acaṣṭāṅghri-tale ’tha pādayor mahīṁ mahīdhrān puruṣasya jaṅghayoḥ patattriṇo jānuni viśva-mūrter ūrvor gaṇaṁ mārutam indrasenaḥ
Sesudah itu Bali Mahārāja, yang menduduki singgasana Indra, melihat Rasātala dan alam-alam bawah lainnya pada telapak kaki wujud semesta Tuhan. Ia melihat permukaan bumi pada kaki-Nya, gunung-gunung pada betis-Nya, aneka burung pada lutut-Nya, dan berbagai arus angin pada paha-Nya.
The universal situation is described herein in regard to the complete constitution of the Lord’s gigantic universal form. The study of this universal form begins from the sole. Above the soles are the feet, above the feet are the calves, above the calves are the knees, and above the knees are the thighs. Thus the parts of the universal body, one after another, are described herein. The knees are the place of birds, and above that are varieties of air. The birds can fly over the mountains, and above the birds are varieties of air.
FAQs
This verse describes how the demigods perceive entire realms—Rasātala, the earth, mountains, birds, and the Maruts—situated on different limbs of the Lord’s universal form, showing that all worlds rest within Him.
In the Trivikrama expansion of Vāmana, the Lord reveals His cosmic form to demonstrate His supreme ownership and support of all creation, humbling all claims to dominion and restoring divine order.
Remembering that everything rests within the Supreme helps reduce pride and anxiety, encouraging humility, gratitude, and devotional alignment rather than possessiveness.