Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 10
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
गृध्रै: कङ्कैर्बकैरन्ये श्येनभासैस्तिमिङ्गिलै: । शरभैर्महिषै: खड्गैर्गोवृषैर्गवयारुणै: ॥ १० ॥ शिवाभिराखुभि: केचित् कृकलासै: शशैर्नरै: । बस्तैरेके कृष्णसारैर्हंसैरन्ये च सूकरै: ॥ ११ ॥ अन्ये जलस्थलखगै: सत्त्वैर्विकृतविग्रहै: । सेनयोरुभयो राजन्विविशुस्तेऽग्रतोऽग्रत: ॥ १२ ॥
gṛdhraiḥ kaṅkair bakair anye śyena-bhāsais timiṅgilaiḥ śarabhair mahiṣaiḥ khaḍgair go-vṛṣair gavayāruṇaiḥ
Tâu Đại vương, có binh sĩ cưỡi kền kền, đại bàng, vịt, chim ưng và chim bhāsa mà giao chiến. Có kẻ cưỡi timiṅgila, có kẻ cưỡi śarabha; lại có kẻ cưỡi trâu, tê giác, bò, bò đực, bò rừng và aruṇa, cùng lao vào chiến trận.
FAQs
This verse describes combatants entering the front lines by assuming fierce animal and bird forms, illustrating the use of mystic power and illusion (māyā) during the Deva–Asura conflict.
He is painting the intensity and supernatural nature of the battle—both sides employed extraordinary transformations to overwhelm the opposing army.
External appearances and power can be deceptive; a seeker should focus on dharma and devotion rather than being overwhelmed by intimidating displays of material or mystic strength.