144 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 8, Ch. 21

TRANSLATION

No one can surpass the time representation of the Supreme Per-
sonality of Godhead by material power, by the counsel of
ministers, by intelligence, by diplomacy, by fortresses, by mystic
mantras, by drugs, by herbs or by any other means.

TEXT 23

wafafafin Ga TESTA zt: |
dtadte cara af feat aafea a? 1123

bhavadbhir nirjita hy ete
bahuso ’nucarad hareh

daivenarddhais ta evddya
yudhi jitvad nadanti nah

bhavadbhih—by all of you demons; nirjitah—have been defeated;
hi—indeed; ete—all these soldiers of the demigods; bahusah—in great
number; anucarah—followers; hareh—of Lord Visnu; daivena—by
providence; rddhaih—whose opulence was increased; te—they (the
demigods); eva—indeed; adya—today; yudhi—in the fight; jitua—
defeating; nadanti—are vibrating in jubilation; nah—us.

TRANSLATION

Previously, being empowered by providence, you defeated a
great number of such followers of Lord Visnu. But today those
same followers, having defeated us, are roaring in jubilation like
lions.

PURPORT

Bhagavad-gita mentions five causes of defeat or victory. Of these five,
daiva (providence) is the most powerful (na ca daivat pararn balam).
Bali Maharaja knew the secret of how he had formerly been victorious
because providence was in his favor. Now, since that same providence
was not in his favor, there was no possibility of his victory. Thus he very
intelligently forbade his associates to fight.
