Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 7
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
एवं स विप्रार्जितयोधनार्थ- स्तै: कल्पितस्वस्त्ययनोऽथ विप्रान् । प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य कृतप्रणाम: प्रह्लादमामन्त्र्य नमश्चकार ॥ ७ ॥
evaṁ sa viprārjita-yodhanārthas taiḥ kalpita-svastyayano ’tha viprān pradakṣiṇī-kṛtya kṛta-praṇāmaḥ prahrādam āmantrya namaś-cakāra
Demikianlah, setelah melaksanakan upacara suci khas (svastyayana) seperti yang dinasihatkan para brāhmaṇa dan, dengan rahmat mereka, menerima kelengkapan untuk berperang, Mahārāja Bali mengelilingi para brāhmaṇa dan bersujud hormat. Baginda juga memberi salam kepada Prahlāda Mahārāja serta mempersembahkan penghormatan kepadanya.
FAQs
This verse shows Bali’s adherence to dharma and Vaiṣṇava culture—he honors the brāhmaṇas who perform auspicious rites and seeks their blessings before undertaking a major duty like battle.
Prahlāda is Bali’s revered elder and a great devotee; taking permission and offering obeisances reflects Bali’s humility and his recognition of Prahlāda’s spiritual authority.
Before important actions, seek blessings and guidance from spiritually mature mentors, show gratitude to teachers, and maintain humility through respectful conduct.