Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 9
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
उष्ट्रै: केचिदिभै: केचिदपरे युयुधु: खरै: । केचिद्गौरमुखैरृक्षैर्द्वीपिभिर्हरिभिर्भटा: ॥ ९ ॥
uṣṭraiḥ kecid ibhaiḥ kecid apare yuyudhuḥ kharaiḥ kecid gaura-mukhair ṛkṣair dvīpibhir haribhir bhaṭāḥ
Sebahagian askar bertempur di atas belakang unta, sebahagian di atas gajah, sebahagian di atas keldai. Ada yang menunggang kera bermuka putih, ada yang menunggang harimau dan singa; demikianlah semuanya terjun ke medan perang.
FAQs
This verse depicts the variety of mounts and animal forces used by the combatants—camels, elephants, donkeys, and even bears, tigers, and monkeys—showing the vast and dramatic scale of the conflict.
He is narrating the battlefield scene in vivid detail to convey the extraordinary, cosmic nature of the Deva-Asura war that unfolds after the events surrounding the churning of the ocean.
Even when events appear chaotic and overwhelming, the Bhagavatam’s broader narrative teaches that dharma is ultimately upheld under the Supreme Lord’s direction—encouraging steadiness and faith amid conflict.