Those who are ever devoted to the welfare of the world, who strive for the good of all beings, always carry me within their hearts. Those who remain free from desire for women other than their own, those who are steadfast in protecting cows, and those who generously offer food and water to others—these, too, always bear me within them. Having been granted the status of your son, I promise to fulfill your heartfelt desire. With these words, the divine mother, adorned with a garland around her neck, bestowed that garland upon me and granted the boon of fearlessness. Then, her purpose fulfilled, she vanished from sight. After bowing with reverence to the beloved of Lakshmi, she returned to her own celestial abode. At the destined hour, she gave birth to a son, a child honored and revered by all the worlds. He appeared holding a pot filled with nectar and rice, and was known as Vamana. Adorned with every ornament, clad in radiant yellow garments, he was Hari himself manifest in form. Overcome with devotion, she folded her hands in reverence, bowed deeply, and began to sing his praises: “Salutations, salutations to you, Lord of the immortals! Salutations again and again to you, destroyer of the Daityas! O destroyer of the wicked, I bow to you, Lord of the universe. Homage to you who bear the bow, discus, sword, and mace—supreme among persons! Salutations to you, whose radiance is boundless like the sun and other luminaries, and to you who are reached through holy stories. “Salutations to you, who shine with the limbs of sacrifice, beloved of the virtuous! Salutations, giver of divine happiness, who dwell in the minds of your devotees. Homage to you, known as Yajna and Varaha, who tore apart the demon Hiranyaksha. Salutations to you, crusher of Ravana, elder brother of Nanda’s son. To you who destroy the suffering of those who remember you in distress, I offer my salutations again and again. O embodiment of sacrifice, O form whose very limbs are sacrifice, I worship you!” Hearing these words, the Lord smiled, his expression bringing even greater joy to Kashyapa. He spoke gently, “Very soon, I shall fulfill all your desires. Even in this very birth, I will grant you the highest happiness. Engaged by my teacher and the great sages through sacred hymns and poetry, and summoned by the sages who are knowers of Brahman for the purpose of accepting the oblation, I shall act.” Having taken leave of his mother and father, the youthful Vamana set forth on his divine mission. Hari himself, in the form of Vamana, appeared before King Bali, as if to accept the sacred offering. Know this: wherever there is devotion, Hari is always present within. Recognizing Narayana, the Supreme God, Bali and his entire assembly rose together in respect. Yet, the wicked act without consideration, even toward their own kin. Vishnu, in his Vamana form, had indeed become the son of Aditi. Some counseled, “Nothing at all should be given—this is my opinion, O wise one. Another’s counsel leads to ruin; a woman’s advice brings destruction. He who acts for the benefit of enemies must especially be destroyed.” But Bali, steadfast and wise, replied, “When Vishnu himself accepts the offering, what greater boon could there be than this? If he himself is the enjoyer of the oblation, who on earth could be greater than I? That alone is the supreme gift, and what is given thus becomes imperishable.” For whoever worships him in any way, the Lord grants the highest state. Just as fire burns even when touched without desire, so too does the divine respond to sincere worship, regardless of circumstance.