Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
देवेष्वथ निलीनेषु बलिर्वैरोचन: पुरीम् । देवधानीमधिष्ठाय वशं निन्ये जगत्त्रयम् ॥ ३३ ॥
deveṣv atha nilīneṣu balir vairocanaḥ purīm deva-dhānīm adhiṣṭhāya vaśaṁ ninye jagat-trayam
దేవతలు దాగిన తరువాత విరోచనుని కుమారుడైన బలి మహారాజు స్వర్గధానిలో ప్రవేశించి అక్కడ అధిష్ఠానమేసి, అక్కడి నుంచే మూడు లోకాలను తన వశం చేసుకున్నాడు।
This verse states that when the demigods hid themselves, Bali (son of Virocana) occupied the gods’ capital, Devadhānī, and brought the three worlds under his control.
In this narrative, the demigods were overwhelmed by Bali’s power and influence, so they concealed themselves, allowing Bali to seize their seat of rule—setting the stage for Lord Vāmana’s intervention.
Power can rapidly shift when rightful leaders become fearful or inactive; the Bhagavatam highlights the need for courage, dharmic leadership, and reliance on the Lord when circumstances seem overpowering.