Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 26
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
नैनं कश्चित् कुतो वापि प्रतिव्योढुमधीश्वर: । पिबन्निव मुखेनेदं लिहन्निव दिशो दश । दहन्निव दिशो दृग्भि: संवर्ताग्निरिवोत्थित: ॥ २६ ॥
nainaṁ kaścit kuto vāpi prativyoḍhum adhīśvaraḥ pibann iva mukhenedaṁ lihann iva diśo daśa dahann iva diśo dṛgbhiḥ saṁvartāgnir ivotthitaḥ
Tiada sesiapa di mana-mana mampu menangkis susunan ketenteraan Bali ini. Kini baginda tampak seolah-olah mahu meneguk seluruh alam dengan mulutnya, menjilat sepuluh penjuru dengan lidahnya, dan membakar segala arah dengan matanya; baginda bangkit laksana api pemusnah saṁvartaka.
FAQs
Saṁvartāgni is the devastating fire associated with cosmic dissolution; this verse uses it as a comparison to describe the overwhelming, world-consuming power seen on the battlefield.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks this verse while narrating to King Parīkṣit the intensity of the Deva–Asura conflict and the irresistible might displayed in the battle.
It reminds a devotee that worldly power has limits, while divine power is incomparable—encouraging humility, surrender, and reliance on Bhagavān rather than pride in temporary strength.