Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 10
Bali Mahārāja’s Surrender, Prahlāda’s Praise, and the Lord’s Mercy
Sutala and Future Indrahood
इत्थं स निश्चित्य पितामहो महा- नगाधबोधो भवत: पादपद्मम् । ध्रुवं प्रपेदे ह्यकुतोभयं जनाद् भीत: स्वपक्षक्षपणस्य सत्तम ॥ १० ॥
itthaṁ sa niścitya pitāmaho mahān agādha-bodho bhavataḥ pāda-padmam dhruvaṁ prapede hy akutobhayaṁ janād bhītaḥ svapakṣa-kṣapaṇasya sattama
Assim, tendo decidido, meu avô — grande alma de entendimento insondável — tomou com certeza refúgio firme aos Teus pés de lótus. Ó o mais excelente, ele temia até as pessoas comuns deste mundo, pois vira o seu próprio lado ser destruído por Ti; por isso encontrou em Teus pés o abrigo sem temor.
FAQs
This verse teaches that true fearlessness arises by taking firm shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet, which are described as the refuge free from fear in every direction.
Brahmā, though supremely intelligent, feared the destruction of his own followers amid the conflict, so he sought the Lord’s protection as the only secure shelter.
When overwhelmed by threats to one’s responsibilities or community, this verse advises turning to steady devotional shelter—prayer, remembrance, and dependence on the Lord—rather than panic or pride.