Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 9
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
अथारुह्य रथं दिव्यं भृगुदत्तं महारथ: । सुस्रग्धरोऽथ सन्नह्य धन्वी खड्गी धृतेषुधि: ॥ ८ ॥ हेमाङ्गदलसब्दाहु: स्फुरन्मकरकुण्डल: । रराज रथमारूढो धिष्ण्यस्थ इव हव्यवाट् ॥ ९ ॥
athāruhya rathaṁ divyaṁ bhṛgu-dattaṁ mahārathaḥ susrag-dharo ’tha sannahya dhanvī khaḍgī dhṛteṣudhiḥ
Pagkaraan, sumakay si Mahārāja Bali—ang dakilang mandirigma—sa makalangit na karwaheng ibinigay ni Śukrācārya ng angkan ni Bhṛgu. Nakasuot siya ng magandang kuwintas na bulaklak, nakabaluti, may hawak na busog, may tabak, at may sisidlan ng mga palaso. Sa mga bisig na may gintong pulseras at mga taingang may kumikislap na makara-kundal, nang maupo siya sa luklukan ng karwahe ay nagningning siyang tulad ng sinasambang apoy sa dambana ng yajña.
FAQs
In Canto 8, Chapter 15, this verse portrays Bali as a fully armed mahāratha on a divine chariot, dazzling with golden ornaments and radiant like sacrificial fire—showing his royal power and heroic readiness.
The comparison highlights his brilliance and commanding presence: just as fire on the altar blazes and draws attention in a yajña, Bali on his chariot shines with splendor and potency on the battlefield.
It teaches purposeful preparation: before facing major challenges, be disciplined, properly equipped, and inwardly steady—so your actions become focused and impactful rather than impulsive.