Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 10
Bali Mahārāja’s Surrender, Prahlāda’s Praise, and the Lord’s Mercy
Sutala and Future Indrahood
इत्थं स निश्चित्य पितामहो महा- नगाधबोधो भवत: पादपद्मम् । ध्रुवं प्रपेदे ह्यकुतोभयं जनाद् भीत: स्वपक्षक्षपणस्य सत्तम ॥ १० ॥
itthaṁ sa niścitya pitāmaho mahān agādha-bodho bhavataḥ pāda-padmam dhruvaṁ prapede hy akutobhayaṁ janād bhītaḥ svapakṣa-kṣapaṇasya sattama
このように決意して、底知れぬ悟りを得た私の祖父という大聖は、確かにあなたの蓮華の御足へと堅く帰依しました。最上の善き方よ、彼はこの世の凡人さえ恐れました。あなたが自ら彼の側近たちを滅ぼされたのを見たからです。ゆえに、恐れなき避難所として御足にすがったのです。
FAQs
This verse teaches that true fearlessness arises by taking firm shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet, which are described as the refuge free from fear in every direction.
Brahmā, though supremely intelligent, feared the destruction of his own followers amid the conflict, so he sought the Lord’s protection as the only secure shelter.
When overwhelmed by threats to one’s responsibilities or community, this verse advises turning to steady devotional shelter—prayer, remembrance, and dependence on the Lord—rather than panic or pride.