Prahlada, the venerable and aged asura, bowed respectfully before the grandsire and spoke with concern: “What are these omens? What should we do? For what reason have they arisen?” After offering his reverence to Hrishikesha, Prahlada continued, his words filled with insight. He explained that the mother had borne her child for the destruction of the asuras and for the benefit of the dwellers of heaven. Vasudeva himself had entered the body of his mother for the sake of the gods. On this very day, Vishnu entered the body of Aditi by his own will, descending as the great yogi, the ancient person, Hari. This being, whose form is the very essence of existence, was born as a portion of Vishnu. Along with him, Maya—the blessed Lakshmi—and Janardana had descended. Brahma, the sustainer of all existence, was also born from a single portion of Vishnu. Prahlada urged, “Seek refuge in him alone; then you will attain peace.” He recounted how Vishnu went to the refuge of the universe and protected it according to righteousness. From Kaśyapa, Aditi—the mother of the gods—herself gave birth to him. He appeared like a dark raincloud, radiant and adorned with splendor. Upendra, surrounded by Indra and the foremost gods, by Brahma and the seers, demonstrated proper conduct to the three worlds, as taught by Bharadvāja. Whatever standard he establishes, the world follows. Through sacrifices, the gods worshipped Vishnu, the lord of sacrifice who pervades all. The Brahmarṣis assembled at the sacrificial ground of the great-souled one. Assuming the form of Vāmana, Vishnu arrived at the place of sacrifice, appearing as a brāhmaṇa with matted hair, reciting the Vedas, and adorned with ashes. He requested from Bali a measured portion of land, asking for three steps of his own feet. Having ritually purified himself, Bali took a golden ladle and poured out water, cool and pure, to seal the gift. Desiring to fulfill his vow, he who had sought refuge performed the act. Those perfected beings who dwell in that world witnessed as Vāmana again attained divine abodes. The river established in the sky was named Gaṅgā by Brahmā. Seeing Vishnu here and there, the gods praised him, bowing down with their minds. The three worlds had been given existence by Vishnu. To Trivikrama, whose stride is immeasurable, the gods sang their praises. Again, Vishnu entered down to the root of the underworld. At the destruction of the world-age, he would again enter Aditi. Vishnu, the great-striding one, gave the three worlds to Purandara. Then Brahma, Shakra, the Blessed One, Rudra, the Adityas, and the hosts of Maruts—all witnessed as Vishnu disappeared right there. Prahlada, foremost among the Asuras and devoted to Vishnu, was instructed by Vishnu himself at that time in the method of worship. Having established the path of devotion and the discipline of action, the sacred way was revealed for all.