Sunday, 19 April 2026

King Bali’s Sacrifice and Devotion

  Srimad Bhagavatam  - King Bali's Sacrifice and Devotion 



Lord Vamana received from King Bali 3 paces of land by stepping one foot on earth, the second foot on the sky, and the third on King Bali's head. 


He threw King Bali to Sutala loka tightly bound with the cords of Varuna (the gods of water). 


The demon King Bali, least affected, lives there even to this day. He was endowed with enormous wealth and supreme devotion.  Indra had the illusory pleasures of sense and affluence alone.   


Bali’s felt Indra is surely not clever in attaining the objective of his life, though he has celebrated  Brahaspati as his preceptor (guru).  He has asked me through Lord Vamana the sovereignty of three worlds and on no account the service to that Lord.  


 After all, this sovereignty will remain only until the end of a Manvantara (period of around 71 rounds of 4 yugas). This period moves out in a fraction of the second.

     

My grandfather, Prahlada, asked for His service alone and not the throne of his father, Hiranyakashipu. The Lord himself offered kingdom and protection, yet my grandfather declined it. Having followed his footsteps, how can I think of anything else other than service to Him.  


Lord Srihari knew Bali's devotion. He protects him in Sutala loka by staying at his doorstep holding a mace in His hand. Hence, Lord Srihar is known as Gadhadari.  


Once, ten headed Ravana desirous of conquering 3 worlds reached Sutala. The Lord, in invisible form, kicked Ravana using his toes a hundred million yojanas to safeguard King Bali.


Source:  Bhagavatha Mahapurana 


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