Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 10
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
ข้าแต่พระราชา ทหารบางพวกขี่แร้ง เหยี่ยว นกกระสา เหยี่ยวใหญ่ และนกภาสเข้ารบ บางพวกขี่ติมิงคิละ บางพวกขี่ศรภะ และบางพวกขี่ควาย แรด วัว โคผู้ วัวป่า และอรุณะ แล้วเข้าสู่สนามรบ
FAQs
This verse describes combatants entering the front lines by assuming fierce animal and bird forms, illustrating the use of mystic power and illusion (māyā) during the Deva–Asura conflict.
He is painting the intensity and supernatural nature of the battle—both sides employed extraordinary transformations to overwhelm the opposing army.
External appearances and power can be deceptive; a seeker should focus on dharma and devotion rather than being overwhelmed by intimidating displays of material or mystic strength.