The mother of the gods, feeling awe and humility before the Supreme Person, spoke to him, “O God, how can I, a mere mortal, sustain you, the Supreme Person? How can that divine one, who is worthy of birth among mortals, be freed, O Lord? Who indeed knows your actions, O Lord of the universe? I contemplate only you, O God; do as you wish.” Having granted fearlessness, the mother of the gods addressed him with gentle words. Yet, she continued, “O auspicious one, listen—I will share with you a secret even more hidden. Those who are ever free from envy and deceit always bear me. Those who delight in hearing my stories always bear me. Even women, O goddess, who have abandoned pride, always bear me. Whoever acts for the welfare of others always bears me. Those who are devoted to the welfare of the world always bear me. Those who are not lustful toward other women always bear me. Those who are devoted to protecting cows always bear me. Those who give food and water always bear me.” She then declared, “Having obtained the status of your son, I shall fulfill your desire.” With this, she gave the garland from around her neck, bestowed fearlessness, and vanished from sight. Bowing reverently to the beloved of Lakshmi, she returned to her own abode. At the appointed time, she gave birth to a son who was honored throughout all the worlds. He held a pot of nectar and rice and was called Vamana. Adorned with all ornaments, wearing yellow garments, he was Hari himself. With reverence and folded hands, she bowed to him and began to praise him: “Salutations, salutations to you, Lord of the immortals; salutations, salutations to you, destroyer of the Daityas. Salutations, salutations to you, destroyer of the wicked; salutations to that Lord of the universe. Salutations to him who bears the bow, discus, sword, and mace; salutations to that Supreme Person. Salutations to you whose radiance is limitless like the sun and others; salutations, salutations to you who are reached through holy stories. Salutations to you who shine with the limbs of sacrifice; salutations to you, beloved of the virtuous. Salutations to you, giver of divine happiness; salutations, salutations to you who dwell in the minds of devotees. Salutations to you, known as Yajna and Varaha; salutations to you, who tore apart Hiranyaksha. Salutations to you, crusher of Ravana; salutations to you, elder brother of Nanda’s son. To you who destroy the suffering of those who remember you in distress, again and again, salutations. O embodiment of sacrifice, O form of sacrifice, O one whose limbs are sacrifice, I worship you.” Hari, smiling and increasing the joy of Kashyapa, spoke, “Very soon I shall fulfill all your desires. Even in this very birth, I will grant you the highest happiness.” Engaged by his teacher and by the great sages with poetry, and for the purpose of accepting the oblation, by the sages who are knowers of Brahman, Vamana took leave of his mother and father and set out. Hari himself appeared before Bali, as if to partake of the oblation. He who is endowed with devotion—Hari is always present within him. Recognizing Narayana, the god, the assembly rose together in reverence.