|| 8

Chapter Twenty-one

Vmana Punishes Bali|| 8.21.1 ||r-uka uvca

satya samkybja-bhavo nakhendubhir

hata-svadhma-dyutir vto 'bhyagt

marci-mir ayo bhad-vrat

sanandandy nara-deva yogina

ukadeva Gosvm said: O King! Seeing his planet touched by Vmanas foot, Lord Brahm, his abode, his effulgence and his own form made dim by the light from the effulgence of Vmanas moon-like toe nails, offered respects to the Lord. The great sages headed by Marci and by yogs like Sanandana also offered respects to the Lord. In the Twenty-first Chapter, Brahm worship Vmana, Bali forbids the demons from attacking, and Garua, knowing the Lords intentions, ties up Bali. In the last chapter it was mentioned Vmanas foot reached Brahmaloka. Then what happened? Seeing Satyaloka with the moons of Vmanas toe nails, Brahm approached the Lord. Marci and others also went. They offered respects and Brahm offered respects. Verbs should be supplied for both subjects. Brahm, whose effulgence and abode were dimmed by the moons of the nails of Vmana, was also made dim by the moons of his toe nails. Thus the moons of his toe nails eclipsed Satyaloka, his effulgence and Brahm himself. || 8.21.2-3 ||vedopaved niyam yamnvits

tarketihsga-pura-sahit

ye cpare yoga-samra-dpita-

jngnin randhita-karma-kalma

vavandire yat-smaranubhvata

svyambhuva dhma gat akarmakam

athghraye pronnamitya vior

upharat padma-bhavo 'rhaodakam

samarcya bhaktybhyagc chuci-rav

yan-nbhi-pakeruha-sambhava svayam

The Vedas, Upavedas, Nyya scriptures, histories, the agas of the Vedas, Puras, Sahits, along with yamas and niyamas, and persons purified of sinful acts by the fire of knowledge which was ignited by the air of yoga, who had attained Brahmaloka , which is devoid of karma-ka, by the power of remembering the Lords feet, offered respects to the Lord. Brahm offered foot water to the Lords raised feet. Brahm of spotless fame, who appeared from the Lords navel, then worshipped the Lord with devotion and praised him.Tarka means scriptures of logic. Itihsa refers to Mahbhrata and other scriptures. Aga refers to the Vedic agas like sika, kalpa, nirukta, chandas, vykaraa, and jyoti. Puras refers to Brahma Puraa and others. Sahit refers to Brahma-sahit and others. Satyaloka is devoid of the practice of inferior karma-kda. Abhyagt means he praised.|| 8.21.4 ||dhtu kamaalu-jala tad urukramasya

pdvanejana-pavitratay narendra

svardhuny abhn nabhasi s patat nimri

loka-traya bhagavato viadeva krti

O King! The water from Lord Brahm's pot, purified by washing the lotus feet of Vmanadeva, became the water of the Gag. Falling down from the sky, it purifies the three worlds like the pure fame of the Supreme Lord.The water from his pot became purified by washing the Lords feet and then became the Gag. However, in the Fifth Canto it is mentioned that the Gag arose from the water outside the universal shell, which was pierced by Vmanas toe nail. Elsewhere it is said that the Gag is directly a liquid form of Nryaa. It should thus be understood that all three of these mix and become the Gag. This Gag falls (patat should be patant) in the sky and purifies (nimri) the three worlds.|| 8.21.5 ||brahmdayo loka-nth

sva-nthya samdt

snug balim jahru

sakipttma-vibhtaye

Lord Brahm and the lords of the planets and their followers in great respect arranged for worship of their master, who reduced his size again.

The Lord withdrew his form as Trivikrama and became Vmana again (sakipttma-vibhtaye). Brahm and others, coming there, arranged for worship (balim) by offering foot water and other articles.

|| 8.21.6-7 ||toyai samarhaai sragbhir

divya-gandhnulepanai

dhpair dpai surabhibhir

ljkata-phalkurai

stavanair jaya-abdai ca

tad-vrya-mahimkitai

ntya-vditra-gtai ca

akha-dundubhi-nisvanai

They worshiped the Lord by offering foot water, arghya, garlands, fragrant sandalwood pulp and aguru pulp, incense, lamps, popped rice, unbroken grains, fruits, sprouts and prayers, and by shouts of Victory, victory indicating the Lords great prowess, as well as by dancing, music, singing, and a tumult of conchs and drums.|| 8.21.8 ||jmbavn ka-rjas tu

bher-abdair mano-java

vijaya diku sarvsu

mahotsavam aghoayat

Arriving quick as the mind, Jmbavn, king of the bears, sounded his bugle in all directions and declared a great festival for Lord Vmanadeva's victory.

|| 8.21.9 ||mah sarv ht dv

tripada-vyja-ycay

cu sva-bhartur asur

dkitasytyamarit

When the demons saw that their master with a vow of sacrifice had lost all his possessions to Vmanadeva, who had taken them away on the plea of begging three paces of land, they became indignant and spoke as follows.

|| 8.21.10 ||na vya brahma-bandhur

viur myvin vara

dvija-rpa-praticchanno

deva-krya cikrati

This Vmana is certainly not a brhmaa but the greatest of cheaters, Lord Viu. Assuming the form of a brhmaa, he has covered his form and is working for the interests of the devats.|| 8.21.11 ||anena ycamnena

atru vau-rpi

sarvasva no hta bhartur

nyasta-daasya barhii

Our enemy, Viu, dressed in the form of a begging brahmacr, has taken away all the possessions of our master who, because of his position in performing sacrifice, has given up the power to punish.

Barhii means in sacrifice.

|| 8.21.12 ||satya-vratasya satata

dkitasya vieata

nnta bhitu akya

brahmayasya dayvata

Bali Mahrja is always fixed in truthfulness, and this is especially so at present, since he has been initiated into performing a sacrifice. He is always kind and merciful toward the brhmaas. He cannot at any time speak lies.

|| 8.21.13 ||tasmd asya vadho dharmo

bhartu uraa ca na

ity yudhni jaghur

baler anucarsur

Therefore to serve our master, it is our duty to kill Vmana. After making this decision, the demonic followers of Mahrja Bali took up their weapons. || 8.21.14 ||te sarve vmana hantu

la-paia-paya

anicchanto bale rjan

prdrava jta-manyava

O King! The angry demons, taking their lances and tridents in hand, and against the will of Bali Mahrja, rushed to kill Vmanadeva.

|| 8.21.15 ||tn abhidravato dv

ditijnkapn npa

prahasynucar vio

pratyaedhann udyudh

O King! When the associates of Lord Viu saw the demons attacking, they took up their weapons while smiling and repulsed them.

|| 8.21.16-17 ||nanda sunando 'tha jayo

vijaya prabalo bala

kumuda kumudka ca

vivaksena patattrir

jayanta rutadeva ca

pupadanto 'tha stvata

sarve ngyuta-pr

cam te jaghnur surm

Nanda, Sunanda, Jaya, Vijaya, Prabala, Bala, Kumuda, Kumudka, Vivaksena, Garua Jayanta, rutadeva, Pupadanta and Stvata, as powerful as ten thousand elephants, killed the demonic army.In order to show the frightful nature of offending the devotees of the Lord, expansions of Jaya and Vijaya fell from Vaikuha. This has been explained in the description of Vaikuha in the Third Canto. Ngas are elephants which move around Lokloka mountain range. Or they are elephants who are vibhtis of the Lord in Vaikuha.

|| 8.21.18 ||hanyamnn svakn dv

purunucarair bali

vraym sa sarabdhn

kvya-pam anusmaran

When Bali Mahrja saw that his soldiers were being killed by the associates of Lord Viu and remembered the curse of ukrcrya, he prevented his angry soldiers from fighting.

|| 8.21.19 ||he vipracitte he rho

he neme ryat vaca

m yudhyata nivartadhva

na na klo 'yam artha-kt

O Vipracitti, O Rhu, O Nemi! Please hear my words! Don't fight. Stop immediately, for the present time is not in our favor.

|| 8.21.20 ||ya prabhu sarva-bhtn

sukha-dukhopapattaye

ta ntivartitu daity

pauruair vara pumn

O demons! By human efforts it is not possible to overcome that which has the power to create the happiness and distress of all living beings.

|| 8.21.21 ||yo no bhavya prg sd

abhavya divaukasm

sa eva bhagavn adya

vartate tad-viparyayam

The supreme time factor was previously in our favor and not in favor of the devats, but now that same time factor is the opposite.

|| 8.21.22 ||balena sacivair buddhy

durgair mantrauadhdibhi

smdibhir upyai ca

kla ntyeti vai jana

No one can surpass time by material power, by the counsel of ministers, by intelligence, by diplomacy, by fortresses, by mystic mantras, by herbs or by any other means.

Klam means the Lord in the form of time.

|| 8.21.23 ||bhavadbhir nirjit hy ete

bahuo 'nucar hare

daivenarddhais ta evdya

yudhi jitv nadanti na

The many followers of Viu who were defeated by you, because you had strength by fate, have now defeated us, and are roaring in jubilation.Seeing the demons covered with ignorance could not understand philosophy, Bali then gave inspiring instructions that they could accept. Previously the devats had been defeated by you who had great strength by fate (daivena ddhai).

|| 8.21.24 ||etn vaya vijeymo

yadi daiva prasdati

tasmt kla pratkadhva

yo no 'rthatvya kalpate

If providence is in our favor, we shall be able to gain victory over them. Therefore we must wait for the time which will be favorable to us.

Arthatvya means able to produce benefit.|| 8.21.25 ||r-uka uvca

patyur nigadita rutv

daitya-dnava-ythap

ras nirvivi rjan

viu-prada tit

ukadeva Gosvm said: O King! In accordance with the order of their master, all the chiefs of the demons entered the lower regions of the universe, while being beaten by the associates of Viu.|| 8.21.26 ||atha trkya-suto jtv

vir prabhu-cikritam

babandha vruai pair

bali stye 'hani kratau

Thereafter, on the day of pressing soma, after the sacrifice was finished, Garua, king of the birds, understanding the desire of his master, bound Bali Mahrja with the ropes of Varua.Vir means king of the birds. Garua understood the Lords intentions. Having accepted all of Balis possessions, my master now desires to accept Balis very self. Unable to pay his debt, the Lord will become Balis door keeper. In order to broadcast to the world the Lords dependence on his devotee and the excellence of his devotee, I will show everyone Balis indestructible fortitude by punishing him. Thus Garua bound him up. Stye ahani means on the day of pressing soma.|| 8.21.27 ||hhkro mahn sd

rodasyo sarvato diam

nighyame 'sura-patau

viun prabhaviun

When Bali Mahrja was thus arrested by Lord Viu, who is the most powerful, there was a great roar of lamentation in all directions throughout the upper and lower planetary systems of the universe.Rodasyo means in heaven and on earth.

|| 8.21.28 ||ta baddha vruai pair

bhagavn ha vmana

naa-riya sthira-prajam

udra-yaasa npa

O King! The Supreme Lord Vmanadeva, then spoke to Bali Mahrja, tied with the ropes of Varua, who had lost all wealth but remained undisturbed in his intelligence, since he had become most famous.Though Bali lost all wealth, he remained undisturbed in intelligence (sthita-prajam), because though he lost all wealth, he gained all fame (udra-yaasam).

|| 8.21.29 ||padni tri dattni

bhmer mahya tvaysura

dvbhy krnt mah sarv

ttyam upakalpaya

O King of the demons! You have promised to give me three steps of land, but I have occupied the entire universe with two steps. Now think about where I should put my third step.Mah sarv means here all that you own.

|| 8.21.30 ||yvat tapaty asau gobhir

yvad indu sahoubhi

yvad varati parjanyas

tvat bhr iya tava

As far as the sun shines with its rays and as far as moon shines along with the stars and as far as the clouds pour rain, all the land throughout the universe is in your possession.Asau means the sun.

|| 8.21.31 ||padaikena maykrnto

bhrloka kha dias tano

svarlokas te dvityena

payatas te svam tman

Of these possessions, with one step I have occupied Bhrloka, and with my body I have occupied the entire sky and all directions. And in your presence, with my second step, I, with my original form, have occupied Svarga owned by you. Tanoh means by my body. Svam means Svarga which is your wealth. tman means by my form. Trivikrama is not some other form, by my very svarpa. By one step I have covered the earth from the eastern side of Lokloka mountain range to the western side. || 8.21.32 ||pratirutam adtus te

niraye vsa iyate

via tva niraya tasmd

guru cnumodita

Because you have been unable to give charity according to your promise, you should live in the hellish planets. Therefore, being pleased, enter hell along with your guru.What should I do if I cannot fulfill my promise? You should live in hell. The Lord now speaks to show to the world the steadiness and pure bhakti of Bali. Niraye means in hell. This is approved by your guru. You can ask your learned guru whether what I now say is reasonable or not. Actually, since even a person with bhakybhsa should not go to hell, just for breaking your promise you also cannot go to hell. Niraye can also mean nilaye, since r and l can be interchanged. Thus, please go and live to my abode Vaikuha (nilaye). Though now I am ordering you to enter my special place Sutala, provided by me, after your position there is finished I will have you enter Vaikuha. Though you disregard you guru, because you know he is opposed to me, I understand that he has lost his discrimination out of great affection for you. He is also dear to me. Therefore go with him to Sutala. || 8.21.33 ||vth manorathas tasya

dra svarga pataty adha

pratirutasydnena

yo 'rthina vipralambhate

Far from being elevated to the heavenly planets or fulfilling one's desire, one who does not properly give a beggar what he has promised falls down to a hellish condition of life.The meaning is clear. However, seeing the results of the Lords words later, this verse has another meaning. The desire to take the position of Indra by you who are my devotee, is useless, since Svarga falls much below Vaikuha. Though now you will be situated in Sutala, you are more elevated that being in Svarga, since the pleasure of Sutala is not available in Svarga. You will attain (lambhate) especially (vi) and excellently (pra) me, the possessor of all four purusrthas (arthinam), by completely () giving (danena) what you promised, since you offered everything-- body and soul--to me. This means that you will attain me as your door keeper because of your complete surrender.|| 8.21.34 ||vipralabdho dadmti

tvayha chya-mnin

tad vyalka-phala bhukva

niraya katicit sam

Being falsely proud of your possessions, you cheated me by saying I will give. Therefore, you must live for a few years in hellish life, as the result of lying.Then what will happen? Please listen. (There is another meaning to the verse.) You are more respected by people than Indra (hya-mnin) because you have attained me especially (vipralabdha). Therefore I give this result. Enjoy for some years the pleasures of Sutala, the abode whose result is the highest truth (vyalka), since it is given by me. Then during the eighth Manvantara, I will put you in the post of Indra and then take you to my abode Vaikuha. Thus ends the commentary on the Twenty-first Chapter of the Eighth Canto of the Bhgavatam for the pleasure of the devotees, in accordance with the previous cryas. The original forms remained in Vaikuha and in the present pastime they assist the Lord in the fight. Their expansions playing the roles of demons stayed n the material world until Ka liberated them.

See SB 5.20.39.