Shloka 13
Bali Mahārāja Upholds Truth; Vāmana Reveals the Universal Form and Takes the Two Steps
एष वा उत्तमश्लोको न जिहासति यद् यश: । हत्वा मैनां हरेद् युद्धे शयीत निहतो मया ॥ १३ ॥
eṣa vā uttamaśloko na jihāsati yad yaśaḥ hatvā maināṁ hared yuddhe śayīta nihato mayā
ఈ బ్రాహ్మణుడు నిజంగా ఉత్తమశ్లోకుడైన శ్రీ విష్ణువే అయితే, ఆయన తన కీర్తిని ఎప్పుడూ విడిచిపెట్టడు; కాబట్టి యుద్ధంలో ఆయన నన్ను చంపుతాడు, లేక నా చేతిలో చనిపోయి పడివుంటాడు.
Bali Mahārāja’s statement that Viṣṇu would lie down having been killed is not the direct meaning, for Viṣṇu cannot be killed by anyone. Lord Viṣṇu can kill everyone, but He cannot be killed. Thus the real meaning of the words “lie down” is that Lord Viṣṇu would reside within the core of Bali Mahārāja’s heart. Lord Viṣṇu is defeated by a devotee through devotional service; otherwise, no one can defeat Lord Viṣṇu.
FAQs
This verse states that Uttamaśloka—the Lord praised by the best hymns—never abandons His glory; His honor remains untouched even amid battle and apparent reversals.
In the midst of combat, Vṛtrāsura reveals his awareness of the Supreme Lord’s transcendence, implying that even victory or defeat cannot truly diminish the Lord’s eternal renown.
By acting with integrity, avoiding behavior that discredits spiritual life, and speaking about the Lord respectfully—so one’s actions align with devotion rather than ego or reputation.