Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 12
Bali Mahārāja’s Surrender, Prahlāda’s Praise, and the Lord’s Mercy
Sutala and Future Indrahood
श्रीशुक उवाच तस्येत्थं भाषमाणस्य प्रह्लादो भगवत्प्रिय: । आजगाम कुरुश्रेष्ठ राकापतिरिवोत्थित: ॥ १२ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca tasyetthaṁ bhāṣamāṇasya prahrādo bhagavat-priyaḥ ājagāma kuru-śreṣṭha rākā-patir ivotthitaḥ
Śukadeva berkata: Wahai yang terbaik di antara kaum Kuru! Ketika Bali Mahārāja menguraikan keberuntungannya demikian, Prahlāda Mahārāja—bhakta yang paling dikasihi Bhagavān—tampak hadir di sana, bagaikan bulan terbit di malam hari.
FAQs
This verse calls Prahlāda “bhagavat-priyaḥ,” indicating he is especially dear to the Supreme Lord, and poetically compares his appearance to the rising moon—highlighting the auspiciousness and spiritual brilliance of a pure devotee.
In the flow of the story, Prahlāda’s arrival brings the presence of a foremost devotee into Bali’s surrender episode, underscoring that true greatness is measured by devotion to Bhagavān and guiding the situation toward dharmic, devotional resolution.
Honor and seek the association of sincere devotees, because their presence brings clarity, steadiness, and auspicious inspiration—like moonlight that cools and illuminates the mind.