Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 28
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
युयोध बलिरिन्द्रेण तारकेण गुहोऽस्यत । वरुणो हेतिनायुध्यन्मित्रो राजन्प्रहेतिना ॥ २८ ॥
yuyodha balir indreṇa tārakeṇa guho ’syata varuṇo hetināyudhyan mitro rājan prahetinā
ข้าแต่พระราชา พลีรบกับพระอินทร์; คุหะ (การ์ตติเกยะ) รบกับตารกะ; วรุณะรบกับเหติ; และมิตรารบกับประเหติ
FAQs
This verse lists key pairings in the battle: Bali fought Indra; Guha attacked Tāraka; Varuṇa fought Heti; and Mitra fought Praheti.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating the battle to Mahārāja Parīkṣit, so he directly addresses him (rājan) while describing the combatants.
The verse highlights disciplined engagement in duty amid conflict; for a devotee, it points to aligning one’s struggle with dharma and remembrance of the Lord rather than ego-driven rivalry.