Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 9
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
अथारुह्य रथं दिव्यं भृगुदत्तं महारथ: । सुस्रग्धरोऽथ सन्नह्य धन्वी खड्गी धृतेषुधि: ॥ ८ ॥ हेमाङ्गदलसब्दाहु: स्फुरन्मकरकुण्डल: । रराज रथमारूढो धिष्ण्यस्थ इव हव्यवाट् ॥ ९ ॥
athāruhya rathaṁ divyaṁ bhṛgu-dattaṁ mahārathaḥ susrag-dharo ’tha sannahya dhanvī khaḍgī dhṛteṣudhiḥ
ତାପରେ ଭୃଗୁବଂଶୀ ଶୁକ୍ରାଚାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଦିଆ ଦିବ୍ୟ ରଥରେ ଆରୋହଣ କରି ମହାରଥୀ ବଳି ସୁନ୍ଦର ମାଳା ଧାରଣ କଲେ, କବଚ ପିନ୍ଧିଲେ, ଧନୁ ଧରିଲେ, ଖଡ଼୍ଗ ଓ ବାଣତୂଣୀର ନେଲେ। ସୁନାର ଅଙ୍ଗଦରେ ଶୋଭିତ ବାହୁ ଓ ଚମକୁଥିବା ମକରକୁଣ୍ଡଳରେ ଦୀପ୍ତ କାନ ସହ, ରଥାସନରେ ବସି ସେ ଯଜ୍ଞବେଦୀରେ ଅବସ୍ଥିତ ପୂଜ୍ୟ ଅଗ୍ନି ପରି ତେଜସ୍ୱୀ ହେଲେ।
FAQs
In Canto 8, Chapter 15, this verse portrays Bali as a fully armed mahāratha on a divine chariot, dazzling with golden ornaments and radiant like sacrificial fire—showing his royal power and heroic readiness.
The comparison highlights his brilliance and commanding presence: just as fire on the altar blazes and draws attention in a yajña, Bali on his chariot shines with splendor and potency on the battlefield.
It teaches purposeful preparation: before facing major challenges, be disciplined, properly equipped, and inwardly steady—so your actions become focused and impactful rather than impulsive.