Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 17
Portents at the Birth of Diti’s Sons and Hiraṇyākṣa Challenges Varuṇa
दिविस्पृशौ हेमकिरीटकोटिभि- र्निरुद्धकाष्ठौ स्फुरदङ्गदाभुजौ । गां कम्पयन्तौ चरणै: पदे पदे कट्या सुकाञ्च्यार्कमतीत्य तस्थतु: ॥ १७ ॥
divi-spṛśau hema-kirīṭa-koṭibhir niruddha-kāṣṭhau sphurad-aṅgadā-bhujau gāṁ kampayantau caraṇaiḥ pade pade kaṭyā sukāñcyārkam atītya tasthatuḥ
金の冠の頂は天に触れんばかりで、四方の眺めを塞いだ。歩むたび大地は震え、腕には輝く腕輪。美しい腰帯で締めた腰は、立てば太陽さえ覆うかのようであった。
In the demoniac way of civilization, people are interested in getting a body constructed in such a way that when they walk on the street the earth will tremble and when they stand it will appear that they cover the sun and the vision of the four directions. If a race appears strong in body, their country is materially considered to be among the highly advanced nations of the world.
FAQs
This verse depicts the awe-inspiring confrontation: two mighty figures stand face to face, their splendor filling the sky and their steps making the earth tremble—setting the scene for the climactic battle between Lord Varāha and Hiraṇyākṣa.
It is poetic imagery for their immense stature and brilliance—so tall and radiant that the peaks of their helmets seem to obstruct the quarters of space, emphasizing the cosmic scale of the encounter.
It reminds a devotee that divine protection can appear in overwhelming power when dharma is threatened—encouraging steadiness and faith when facing formidable obstacles.