Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 41
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
बलिर्महेन्द्रं दशभिस्त्रिभिरैरावतं शरै: । चतुर्भिश्चतुरो वाहानेकेनारोहमार्च्छयत् ॥ ४१ ॥
balir mahendraṁ daśabhis tribhir airāvataṁ śaraiḥ caturbhiś caturo vāhān ekenāroham ārcchayat
Pagkatapos ay inatake ni Maharaja Bali si Indra gamit ang sampung palaso at inatake si Airavata, ang elepanteng sinasakyan ni Indra, gamit ang tatlong palaso. Gamit ang apat na palaso, inatake niya ang apat na mangangabayo na nagbabantay sa mga binti ni Airavata, at gamit ang isang palaso ay inatake niya ang tagapagmaneho ng elepante.
The word vāhān refers to the soldiers on horseback who protected the legs of the carrier elephants. According to the system of military arrangement, the legs of the elephant bearing the commander were also protected.
FAQs
This verse describes Bali’s prowess in the Deva–Asura battle: he directly wounds Indra, Indra’s elephant Airāvata, and even the accompanying carriers and rider with precise arrows.
In this chapter’s narrative of the Deva–Asura war, Bali leads the Daityas in combat against the devas; the verse highlights a specific moment where Bali gains the upper hand over Indra and his entourage.
Worldly power and victory can shift quickly; the Bhagavatam encourages seekers to look beyond mere strength and remember that lasting refuge is devotion and alignment with dharma, not battlefield advantage.