Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 6
Bali Liberated, Prahlāda Blessed, and Vāmana Accepted as Universal Protector
श्रीप्रह्लाद उवाच नेमं विरिञ्चो लभते प्रसादं न श्रीर्न शर्व: किमुतापरेऽन्ये । यन्नोऽसुराणामसि दुर्गपालो विश्वाभिवन्द्यैरभिवन्दिताङ्घ्रि: ॥ ६ ॥
śrī-prahrāda uvāca nemaṁ viriñco labhate prasādaṁ na śrīr na śarvaḥ kim utāpare ’nye yan no ’surāṇām asi durga-pālo viśvābhivandyair abhivanditāṅghriḥ
پرہلاد نے کہا—اے سراسر معبودِ برحق! جن کے کنول چرنوں کو برہما اور شِو بھی سجدہ کرتے ہیں، ایسی عنایت نہ برہما کو ملی، نہ لکشمی کو، نہ شرو کو؛ پھر دوسروں کی کیا بات! پھر بھی آپ نے ہم اسوروں کی حفاظت کا وعدہ فرمایا ہے۔
The word durga-pāla is significant. The word durga means “that which does not go very easily.” Generally durga refers to a fort, which one cannot very easily enter. Another meaning of durga is “difficulty.” Because the Supreme Personality of Godhead promised to protect Bali Mahārāja and his associates from all dangers, He is addressed here as durga-pāla, the Lord who gives protection from all miserable conditions.
FAQs
This verse states that the kind of favor being shown by the Lord is not easily attained even by Brahmā, Lakṣmī, or Śiva—highlighting how extraordinary and independent the Lord’s mercy is.
Prahlāda marvels at the Lord’s surprising arrangement: although universally worshiped, the same Lord can, by His will, stand as protector for the asuras’ stronghold—showing His supreme independence and mastery over all sides in cosmic affairs.
Recognize that spiritual grace is not a matter of status, power, or achievement; cultivate humility and reverence for the Lord’s lotus feet, and see life’s reversals and unexpected turns as governed by a higher, benevolent intelligence.