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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 85: Verses 25-37
Just as (each of the five elements-) ether, air, fire, water and earth-though one in essence, appears differently in its different products and can be distinguished as manifest or unmanifest, meagre or abundant, and so on, so the Self too appears as many through Its (various) adjuncts. Sri Suka continued : Pariksit, hearing these words of the almighty Lord Vasudeva was rid of his sense of diversity, and delighted at heart, became silent and drove away all thoughts from his mind. Devaki, who represented all the deities in her person (and was also present there when this conversation was going on) was greatly astonished to hear that her Sons had brought back the (deceased) son of Their preceptor (from the abode of Yama). Recollecting her sons who had been done to death by Kamsa, she felt agitated in mind and, addressing Sri Krsna and Balarama with tears in her eyes, piteously spoke (thus). Devaki said : 0 Balarama, the delighter of hearts, Your nature is beyond the ken of mind and speech, 0 Krsna, You are the supreme Lord even of great masters of Yoga. I know You to be the rulers of even Prajapatis (the progenitors of all creation) and manifestations of the most ancient Being (Sri Narayana Himself). They say You have descended on earth through me this time for the destruction of kings who having lost through flux of time their virtues and excellences are transgressing the injunctions of the scriptures and have, therefore, become a burden to the earth. O Soul of the universe, it is well-known that from Your part manifestation in the form of the Spirit proceeds Maya and from Maya, the three Gunas-Sattva, Rajas and Tamas; and from a particle of these Gunas, proceed the creation, growth and dissolution of the universe. Today, I resort to You for protection. I have heard that being urged by Your preceptor, Sandipani, and guided by Providence, You brought back his son, who had died long before, from the abode of Death, and thereby discharged Your debt to the preceptor.
The Lords (even) of masters of Yoga as You are, I desire that You should similarly grant my desire also, and bring my sons, who had been done to death by Kamsa so that I may see them (and bring satisfaction to my eyes). Sri Suka went on : Thus directed by Their mother, 0 scion of Bharata, both Sri Krsna and Balarama, with the help of Their Yogamaya, (divine power), entered (the subterranean region of) Sutala. When Bali (the king of demons) saw the, Soul and adorable object of the universe as well as of his own (manifested in the dual form of Sri Krsna and Balarama) enter Sutala, he sprang at once from his seat and with a heart overflowing with joy at Their sight, greeted Them alongwith his family. Full of delight he offered them excellent seats and, when both these divine personages were seated on them, so the tradition goes, washed Their feet and sprinkled on his head as well as on all the members of his family that water which purifies the whole universe from Brahma downwards. (Then) Bali duly worshipped Them by offering Them valuable clothes, ornaments, sandal-paste, betel-leaves, lights, dishes sweet as nectar and other sumptuous articles, and surrendering (his all, including) his family, wealth and (even) his self (to Them).
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