Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
भगवन्नुद्यमो भूयान्बलेर्न: पूर्ववैरिण: । अविषह्यमिमं मन्ये केनासीत्तेजसोर्जित: ॥ २५ ॥
bhagavann udyamo bhūyān baler naḥ pūrva-vairiṇaḥ aviṣahyam imaṁ manye kenāsīt tejasorjitaḥ
主啊,我们昔日的仇敌巴利·摩诃罗阇如今兴起新的斗志;他获得了惊人的力量与威势,我们以为恐怕难以抵挡他的勇猛。
This verse shows the devas recognizing that Bali’s rise is not ordinary; his strength seems intolerable, suggesting he has gained extraordinary empowerment through higher backing and potency.
Indra, having previously been defeated by Bali, expresses alarm at Bali’s renewed and intensified effort, and seeks to understand the source of Bali’s empowerment while taking shelter of the Supreme Lord.
When challenges feel overwhelming, this verse models humility and God-centered dependence—recognizing limits of one’s own power and seeking divine guidance rather than reacting with pride or panic.