Strengthened by divine power, the gods, emboldened by their Lord, stood firm in their resolve, declaring that having conquered the three worlds by his might, they would never bow to a demon. Hearing these words, the slayer of the Daityas—the Lord who destroys evil—addressed all the immortals, assuring them that their purpose would be fulfilled. He explained, “Bali, the Daitya, is my devotee; he cannot be slain by gods or demons. Just as you are nourished by me, so is Bali. Without battle, I will bind him by means of a mantra, and having subdued him, I will restore to you the kingdom of heaven.” Satisfied, the hosts of gods replied, “So be it,” and returned to their celestial abode, while the blessed Lord entered Aditi’s womb. As the Lord was born, joyous celebrations filled the heavens; he appeared as Vāmana—the dwarf incarnation, the Lord of sacrifice, the very personification of sacrificial rites. Meanwhile, Bali, the mighty king of the Daityas, was consecrated for a grand horse-sacrifice, attended by the foremost sages. His priest, Śukra, wise and learned in the Vedas and their branches, presided over the rite, surrounded by gods, Gandharvas, and Nāgas. The sacrificial proceedings echoed with the repeated declaration: “Let it be given, let it be enjoyed, let worship be performed separately and fully,” ensuring the completeness of the ritual. Gradually, Vāmana, singing the sacred Sāma hymns, arrived at the sacrificial enclosure, adorned with brilliant earrings. Bhārgava, seeing Vāmana and recognizing the divine presence, praised the sacrifice and understood that Vāmana was none other than the god in the form of Brahma, the slayer of demons. Knowing him as the giver, the fruit of sacrificial austerities, and the destroyer of demons, Bhārgava quickly informed the king, who was radiant with energy, that Vāmana was the conqueror by kṣatriya duty and the giver of wealth through devotion. Śukra, the wise and venerable Bhṛgu sage, spoke to Bali, who was meditating on the sacrificial person and offering oblations: “The Brahmin who has arrived in the form of Vāmana is not an ordinary Brahmin, O Bali; he is the Lord of sacrifice, the bearer of sacrifice. This child has come to ask you, surely for the benefit of the gods. Consult with me before you give.” Bali, the subduer of enemies, replied to Bhārgava: “Blessed am I, for the Lord of sacrifice has come to my house in person. Having arrived, he asks for something—what remains to be discussed?” With these words, Bali, his wife, and Śukra went to meet Vāmana, the son of Aditi. With hands joined in reverence, Bali asked, “For what purpose have you come?” Vāmana replied, “Give me land measuring three steps.” Vāmana explained, “Give, O king, for there is no other purpose; what use is wealth?” Bali agreed, saying, “So be it,” and brought vessels adorned with jewels. Pouring water as a preliminary rite, Bali gave land to Vāmana, as Śukra and the assembled sages looked on. The lords of the worlds watched as Bali bestowed the land, and the assembly of demons raised shouts of victory. Slowly, Vāmana spoke: “Blessings, O king, be happy; give me the measured land of three steps—it will be quickly taken.” The lord of demons replied, “So be it,” gazing at Vāmana, the Lord of sacrifice, whose chest bore the moon and sun. As the gods stood at the fore, Vāmana’s form grew immense; the endless and infallible Lord took on the mighty stride. Witnessing this, Bali, together with his wife, spoke humbly: “Stride forth, O Viṣṇu, Lord of the worlds, as much as your power allows, O embodiment of the universe. O Lord of gods, O creator of all, I have given you all I possess.” At that very moment, the great sacrificer Viṣṇu replied: “O lord of the Daityas, mighty-armed one, I shall stride; watch, O king.” Bali repeatedly urged him, “Stride, O Viṣṇu, stride!” Viṣṇu placed one foot upon the back of the tortoise and another at the site of Bali’s sacrifice; his second step reached the eternal world of Brahmā. For the third step, there was no place left. Smiling, Hari asked Bali, “Where shall I stride? Give me the earth, O lord of the Asuras.” Bali, together with his wife, replied with joined palms: “The whole world was created by you; I am not the creator, O Lord of gods. Because of your power, mine became small—what can I do, O embodiment of the universe? Yet, I have never spoken falsehood before, O Keśava. Make my word true—place your foot upon my back.” Pleased, the blessed Lord, worshipped by the gods, said, “Choose a boon, O fortunate one; I am pleased with your devotion, O king of the Daityas.” Bali replied, “I do not ask you, O Trivikrama.” Yet Viṣṇu, pleased, granted him what he desired in his heart: to fall to Rasātala, to again attain the position of Indra, and sovereignty over himself. Thus, having given everything, Bali, along with his sons and wife, was established by Hari in Rasātala, fulfilling the divine purpose and restoring balance to the worlds.