Srimad Bhagavatam – day 479
Madhusudanaya namah
Maharishi Śuka continued, “These Brahmins, who were the descendants of Bhṛigu, possessed supreme supernatural powers. They were extremely pleased with Bali. Strictly abiding by the dictates of the scriptures, they performed abhisheka to Bali, who was desirous of conquering heaven. They helped Bali perform the supremely powerful Viśwajit Yāga.
When offerings were made into the homa fire, from it emerged a chariot which was covered with gold cloth. Yellow complexioned horses that were similar to Indra’s horses and a flag that bore the symbol of a lion also emerged from the flames.
A celestial bow which was encased in gold, a quiver which contained an inexhaustible supply of arrows and a celestial armour emerged from the fire. Bali’s grandfather Prahlāda appeared there and blessed him with a garland that never withers. Guru Śukracharya blessed him with a conch.
Thus the descendants of Bhṛigu supplied all the equipment necessary for waging a war and blessed him profusely. Bali circumambulated them and reverentially prostrated before them. He then offered obeisance to his grandfather Prahlāda.
The great warrior then, with their permission, wore the garland, armour and his quiver. He then held the bow and sword in his hands and mounted his chariot. His arms shone with golden armlets. He wore glittering crocodile shaped ear-rings. Seated in his chariot he shone like the brightly illumining fire. He was surrounded by huge demon armies led by their respective commanders, each of whom was equal to Bali in might, opulence and power.
These powerful commanders appeared as if they could swallow the entire space and burn the directions merely with their gaze. Leading this vast army Bali reached Amaravati, the capital of Indra. Bali, who was leading this vast army, caused the earth to tremble.
Nandana and other celestial gardens of heaven were filled with chirping bird-couples and melodiously buzzing male bees. With huge, heavy trees, branches of which were fully laden with flowers, fruits and tender shoots, the gardens brought great delightful to the eyes and mind.
Groups of swans, cranes, ducks and kāranḍava birds were noisily sporting in the lotus-filled lakes. Celestial damsels who are highly respected by all the celestials were playing in the waters of those lakes.
The ever-worshipful River ākāśa-ganga was flowing all around the city of Amaravati guarding it like a moat. The entire city was protected by a very high wall which glowed like fire. Many minarets stood atop this high wall.
All the doors leading to this city had silver door frames. These doors were laden with crystals and marbles. In this city, which was constructed by Viśwakarma, the royal paths were neatly laid out. It was a wondrous city. With its royal paths, assembly halls and courtyards the city was thriving. The city was filled with 10 crore airplanes, and cross roads that were laden with precious gems. The stages made of diamonds and corals glittered marvellously.
The beautiful ladies in this city were eternally youthful. With their pure, clean clothes and beautiful ornamentation they glowed like fire. The wind absorbed the fragrance from the flower garlands which slipped from the hair of these divine celestial ladies, and then blowed gently carrying these fragrances. From the golden windows, fragrant agaru smoke emerged which permeated the entire path. Apsarasas gently walked on such paths.
The entire city was covered with pearl shades, flags studded with precious stones and many homes which held smaller flags. Peacocks, pigeons and bees enlivened the area with their melodious humming. The divine songs sung by the ladies rendered the place auspicious.
While the Gandharvas sang melodiously to the beating of the drums, conches, kettle-drums, veena, flutes and other auspicious musical instruments, the apsaras danced. The glitter in this wondrous city appeared to put the illumination to shame.
The wicked, cheaters, wrong-doers, arrogant, lusty and greedy people can never reach this place. They can never even understand this place. Its doors are open only absolutely faultless people.
Together with his army, Bali attacked this city of Amaravati from outside. He blew his conch so loudly that Indra’s wives trembled in fear.
Coming to know of Bali’s attempt to dethrone him, Indra, together with all the Devatas, approached Guru Brihaspati and said,
“O revered one! Our enemy Bali’s preparations towards this war far surpass his earlier ones. I fear we cannot withstand his might. With whose grace have they accomplished this power? He appears to be undefeatable. He is behaving like the great fire of dissolution and appears to drink the universe with his mouth, taste the directions and burn the directions with his gaze. I cannot conquer this enemy of mine.
What is the reason for this rise in his prowess? How could he obtain unsurpassed physical might, mental fortitude and sense-control? Protected by this force he is jumping with enthusiasm.”
Hearing this Guru Brihaspati replied, “O Indra, I am very well aware of the reason behind the rise of his power and might. He is the disciple of the descendants of Bhrigu, the supreme Vedic scholars.
They have filled him with their power and radiance.
Bhavad-vidho bhavān vāpi varjayitveśvaraṁ harim
Nāsya śaktaḥ puraḥ sthātuṁ kṛtāntasya yathā janāḥ
Just as living entities cannot oppose the Lord of death, neither you nor anyone who is equal to you in might can oppose Bali presently. Barring the Supreme Lord Srihari there is none who can conquer him. To conquer him, you need to obtain the grace of Lord Srihari.
I advise you all to immediately leave heaven and hide elsewhere. Please await the right time. Time alone will reverse the fate of the enemies. The present time is favourable to him. In the present time his prowess, which is being fed by the power of the Brahmins, is increasing by the day. The day he insults these Brahmins he, along with his entire retinue, will be totally destroyed”.
Seeking the well-being of the Devatas, Guru Brihaspati thus aptly assessed the present situation and advised the Devatas.
Krishnāya vasudevaya