Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 12
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
गृध्रै: कङ्कैर्बकैरन्ये श्येनभासैस्तिमिङ्गिलै: । शरभैर्महिषै: खड्गैर्गोवृषैर्गवयारुणै: ॥ १० ॥ शिवाभिराखुभि: केचित् कृकलासै: शशैर्नरै: । बस्तैरेके कृष्णसारैर्हंसैरन्ये च सूकरै: ॥ ११ ॥ अन्ये जलस्थलखगै: सत्त्वैर्विकृतविग्रहै: । सेनयोरुभयो राजन्विविशुस्तेऽग्रतोऽग्रत: ॥ १२ ॥
gṛdhraiḥ kaṅkair bakair anye śyena-bhāsais timiṅgilaiḥ śarabhair mahiṣaiḥ khaḍgair go-vṛṣair gavayāruṇaiḥ
Ó Rei, montados em seres da água, da terra e do céu, inclusive criaturas de formas deformadas, os dois exércitos se puseram frente a frente e avançaram, fileira após fileira.
FAQs
In Canto 8 Chapter 10, Śukadeva describes fighters entering the armies in many terrifying animal and monster-like forms, showing the deceptive and formidable nature of the conflict.
He is narrating the Deva–Asura battle in vivid detail so Parīkṣit can understand the intensity of the struggle and how divine providence ultimately protects the righteous.
The verse reminds one to stay steady in dharma even when obstacles appear in many ‘shapes’—fear, temptation, and confusion—and to seek shelter of the Lord’s guidance.