Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 6
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
यं विनिर्जित्य कृच्छ्रेण विष्णु: क्ष्मोद्धार आगतम् । आत्मानं जयिनं मेने तद्वीर्यं भूर्यनुस्मरन् ॥ ६ ॥
yaṁ vinirjitya kṛcchreṇa viṣṇuḥ kṣmoddhāra āgatam ātmānaṁ jayinaṁ mene tad-vīryaṁ bhūry anusmaran
جب گربھودک سمندر سے زمین کا اُدھار کرنے کے لیے ورَاہ اوتار میں آئے بھگوان وِشنو نے سخت جنگ میں بڑی دشواری سے ہِرَنیہاکش کو مار گرایا، تو بعد میں اس کے نادر پرाकرم کو بار بار یاد کرکے بھگوان نے اپنے آپ کو واقعی فاتح سمجھا۔
FAQs
This verse shows how Bali, after a hard-won triumph, began to think of himself as the true victor—illustrating how success can inflate ego and obscure the Lord’s higher purpose.
Śukadeva indicates that Viṣṇu’s descent is ultimately for cosmic welfare—protecting and restoring balance—regardless of how the demons temporarily interpret events as their own victory.
Even genuine achievements can breed arrogance; remembering that results depend on divine order and cultivating humility helps keep success aligned with dharma.