With deep reverence, she folded her hands, bowed low, and began to praise him with heartfelt devotion. Her words flowed in adoration: “Salutations, salutations to you, O Lord of the immortals; salutations to you, destroyer of the Daityas. 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 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 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. Salutations to you who destroy the suffering of those who remember you in distress, again and again. O embodiment of sacrifice, O form of sacrifice, O one whose limbs are sacrifice, I worship you.” Smiling gently, he spoke, his words bringing joy to Kashyapa: “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 poetic verses, and for the purpose of accepting the oblation, guided by the sages who are knowers of Brahman, that youthful Vāmana took leave of his mother and father and set out. Hari himself appeared before Bali, as if to partake of the sacred oblation. Indeed, wherever there is devotion, Hari is always present within. Recognizing Nārāyaṇa, the god, everyone in the assembly rose together in respect. But among the wicked, there was no consideration, not even for their own sister. Viṣṇu, in the form of Vāmana, had truly become the son of Aditi. Yet, voices of opposition arose: “Nothing at all should be given—hear my opinion, O wise one. Another’s counsel leads to ruin; a woman’s counsel brings destruction. He who acts for the benefit of enemies must especially be destroyed.” Bali, however, remained steadfast: “When Viṣṇu himself accepts, what greater boon could there be than this? If he himself is the enjoyer of the oblation, who on earth is greater than I? That alone is the supreme gift, and what is given thus becomes imperishable. Whoever worships him in any way—he grants the highest state. Even when touched without desire, fire indeed still burns. He attains the realm of Vishnu, which is difficult to return from. He goes to the abode of Vishnu; so declare the wise. Through devotion to Hari, O greatly fortunate one, Vishnu becomes pleased. If Vishnu himself comes, I am fulfilled—there is no doubt.” With these thoughts, Bali entered the sacrificial place, delightful to both mind and fire. Vāmana rose up swiftly and accepted him, hands joined in reverence. With his family, bearing them on his head, Bali attained supreme joy. His body trembled with delight, his eyes filled with tears of joy, and he spoke: “Today my life is fruitful; I am fulfilled—there is no doubt. By your mere arrival, there is effortless great celebration.