Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 34
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
तं विश्वजयिनं शिष्यं भृगव: शिष्यवत्सला: । शतेन हयमेधानामनुव्रतमयाजयन् ॥ ३४ ॥
taṁ viśva-jayinaṁ śiṣyaṁ bhṛgavaḥ śiṣya-vatsalāḥ śatena hayamedhānām anuvratam ayājayan
เหล่าพราหมณ์เชื้อสายภฤคุ ผู้เอ็นดูศิษย์ยิ่งนัก พอใจในศิษย์ผู้พิชิตทั่วจักรวาล จึงให้เขาประกอบอัศวเมธยัญหนึ่งร้อยครั้งตามวัตรและพิธีของตน
We have seen in the dispute between Mahārāja Pṛthu and Indra that when Mahārāja Pṛthu wanted to perform one hundred aśvamedha-yajñas, Indra wanted to impede him, for it is because of such great sacrifices that Indra was made King of heaven. Here the brāhmaṇa descendants of Bhṛgu decided that although Mahārāja Bali was situated on the throne of Indra, he would not be able to stay there unless he performed such sacrifices. Therefore they advised Mahārāja Bali to perform at least as many aśvamedha-yajñas as Indra. The word ayājayan indicates that all the brāhmaṇas induced Bali Mahārāja to perform such sacrifices.
FAQs
This verse states that the Bhṛgu sages had their disciple perform a hundred Aśvamedha sacrifices as a vowed observance, showing the prominence of Vedic yajña within prescribed dharma.
Because they were śiṣya-vatsala—deeply affectionate to their disciple—and thus guided him in powerful Vedic rites meant to establish and confirm his victorious, world-conquering status.
The verse highlights steady, disciplined commitment; in modern life this can mean keeping regular spiritual vows—daily japa, study, charity, and service—performed consistently and responsibly.