O embodiment of sacrifice, O form whose very limbs are sacrifice itself—I worship you. Thus, with deep reverence, the devotee offered his salutations. Then, the Lord, smiling gently, increased the joy within Kashyapa’s heart. With a voice full of assurance, He 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 the great sages—who praised him with beautiful poetry—Vāmana, for the sake of accepting the sacrificial oblation, was invoked by those wise sages who truly knew Brahman. Having taken leave of his mother Aditi and his father Kashyapa, the young Vāmana set out on his sacred mission. It was Hari himself, in the form of Vāmana, who appeared before King Bali, as if to partake of the oblation. For wherever there is devotion, Hari is always present within that heart. Recognizing Nārāyaṇa, the Supreme Lord, the entire assembly rose together in reverence. Yet, even in such moments, the wicked act without thought, disregarding even their own kin. Nonetheless, Viṣṇu, as Vāmana, had become the son of Aditi and approached Bali’s sacrifice. Some, however, counseled otherwise: “Nothing at all should be given—hear my opinion, O wise one. Heeding another’s counsel leads to ruin; a woman’s advice brings destruction. He who acts for the benefit of his enemies must especially be destroyed.” But Bali, steadfast in his devotion, thought otherwise. He declared, “When Viṣṇu himself accepts the offering, 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 who worships thus attains the realm of Viṣṇu, which is difficult to return from. He goes to the abode of Viṣṇu; so declare the wise. Through devotion to Hari, O greatly fortunate one, Viṣṇu becomes pleased. If Viṣṇu himself comes, I am fulfilled—there is no doubt.” With these thoughts, Bali entered the sacrificial place, which was delightful both to the mind and to the sacred fire. Vāmana, radiant and swift, rose to greet him, hands joined in reverence. With his family, Bali bowed, bearing them in his heart as he attained supreme joy. His body thrilled, his eyes brimmed with tears of happiness, and he spoke with emotion: “Today my life is truly fruitful; I am fulfilled—there is no doubt. By your mere arrival, O Lord, there is effortless and great celebration. The austerities I performed in the past are today fulfilled. Therefore, to you I bow, to you I bow, to you I bow, again and again. Endowed with utmost enthusiasm, command me, O Lord.” Vāmana then spoke, “Grant me a place to stand in penance, equal to three steps of land.” Bali replied, “A village, or a city, or wealth—what have you accomplished with these? For one whose kingdom is near loss, renunciation arises like hunger. For those devoid of all attachments, what purpose is served by these things? All this is in me, O Daitya; tell me, what is achieved by others? What can be accomplished with wealth for those whose nature is eternal bliss? For the one whose self is undivided from all, who is the giver, and what is given?” Thus unfolded the sacred dialogue, filled with humility, wisdom, and devotion, as the Lord and his devotee enacted the divine play at the heart of sacrifice.