Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 3
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
श्रीशुक उवाच पराजितश्रीरसुभिश्च हापितो हीन्द्रेण राजन्भृगुभि: स जीवित: । सर्वात्मना तानभजद् भृगून्बलि: शिष्यो महात्मार्थनिवेदनेन ॥ ३ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca parājita-śrīr asubhiś ca hāpito hīndreṇa rājan bhṛgubhiḥ sa jīvitaḥ sarvātmanā tān abhajad bhṛgūn baliḥ śiṣyo mahātmārtha-nivedanena
شری شُک دیو نے کہا—اے بادشاہ، اندر کے ہاتھوں شکست کھا کر بلی اپنی شان و دولت سے محروم ہوا اور جنگ میں جان بھی گنوا بیٹھا؛ تب بھِرگو وंश کے شُکراچاریہ نے اسے دوبارہ زندہ کیا۔ اسی سبب مہاتما بلی نے شاگرد بن کر بھِرگوؤں کی بڑی عقیدت سے خدمت کی اور آتما-نِویدن کے ساتھ اپنا سب کچھ نذر کر دیا۔
FAQs
This verse shows Bali Mahārāja serving the Bhṛgu sages sarvātmanā—fully and without reservation—by offering his resources and accepting discipleship as the path to restoration and spiritual alignment.
In the narrative, Bali is defeated by Indra and loses his prosperity and even life; the Bhṛgus restore him, and Bali responds by dedicating himself to their guidance and service as a disciple.
By dedicating one’s time, skills, and a portion of earnings to dharmic and devotional service—supporting teachers, temples, study, and compassionate works—while cultivating sincerity and humility like Bali.