Resplendent as ten million autumn moons, his eyes like blooming lotuses, the Lord appeared, his mane shimmering with nectar, radiant as countless flashes of lightning, and radiating auspiciousness. Divine armlets and bracelets, fashioned from many precious gems, adorned his arms, which themselves resembled the fruitful branches of the wish-fulfilling tree. The Supreme Lord bore four soft, divine arms, each beautified by hands as lovely as hibiscus flowers. Two of these arms were raised, holding the conch and discus, while the other two bestowed boons and fearlessness. Thus did the Man-Lion, Narasimha, shine forth in all his glory. His chest gleamed with the marks of Srivatsa and the Kaustubha jewel, further decorated with a garland of forest flowers, and his ears were adorned with earrings that glowed like the rising sun and moon. Necklaces, armlets, and bracelets adorned him beautifully, and on his left side was Lakshmi herself, united with him, making the Man-Lion resplendent. Beholding Lakshmi-Narasimha, the gods were overcome with joy, their hearts brimming with happiness and their eyes moist with tears of bliss. Immersed in an ocean of delight, they bowed again and again, worshipping the Lord of their souls with offerings of divine flowers. They anointed the Eternal One with pitchers filled with jewels and nectar, adorning him with delightful garments, ornaments, fragrances, flowers, and incense. Having worshipped the Man-Lion with divine lamps and offerings, they praised him with celestial hymns and prostrated themselves repeatedly. Pleased by their devotion, the Lord of Lakshmi granted the gods their desired boons. Then, the compassionate Lord of all, surrounded by the hosts of gods, made Prahlada, among all the demons, the imperishable king. Comforting his devoted Prahlada, he anointed him king with the foremost gods in attendance, granting him the boons he wished for and unwavering devotion. Thus praised by all the hosts of gods, the Lion-Man vanished from that place, his form showered with flowers. The gods, their hearts uplifted, returned to their own realms. Once more, the gods joyfully received their shares of sacrifices, and together with the Gandharvas, they became free from fear. With the great demon slain, all were filled with delight. Prahlada, upholding Vaishnava dharma, ruled as king. By Hari’s grace, the foremost devotee of Vishnu obtained the kingdom. He worshipped the Lion-Man with many sacrifices and gifts, and in time, he attained the eternal abode of Hari, accessible to yogis. All who listen daily to this story of Prahlada are freed from sin and reach the supreme state. Thus, O Devi, you have heard the glory of Narasimha, Hari. Now, O Devi, listen as I recount the remaining majesty of the Lord, in due order. Thus ends the two hundred and thirty-eighth chapter, called “The Appearance of Narasimha,” in the sacred dialogue between Uma and Maheshvara, in the Uttarakanda of the glorious Padma Mahapurana. Sri Mahadeva continued: Then, at the end of a thousand years, Aditi gave birth to Vamana, the infallible Vishnu, Lord of all the worlds. His chest bore the marks of Srivatsa and the Kaustubha gem, his radiance like the full moon, his eyes beautiful and lotus-like. Though his form was very small, he was Hari himself. He appeared in the attire of a student, accessible through all the limbs of the Vedas, marked with the sacred belt, deer skin, staff, and other symbols of the celibate initiate. Seeing him, all the gods led by Indra, together with the great sages, praised him and bowed to the mighty one. Pleased, the Blessed Lord spoke to the foremost gods: “What should I do today? Tell me, O best of gods.” The delighted gods replied, “O Madhusudana, at this very time, Bali’s great sacrifice is underway. During the sacrifice, the demon king cannot refuse a request. By asking, you should restore to us the heavenly world.” Thus addressed, Hari, in the form of Vamana, went to the place where Bali sat at the sacrificial altar, accompanied by eight sages. Seeing the divine Brahmin approach, Bali, king of the Daityas, immediately arose. Recognizing Vishnu himself, he welcomed him with reverence, seating him upon a seat strewn with flowers, bowing deeply and offering respects, his voice choked with emotion. Bali said, “I am truly blessed; my life has found its purpose and fulfillment. Having worshipped you, O foremost of Brahmins, what can I do to please you? Surely you have come for some purpose. Please, speak—whatever you desire, I will grant it swiftly. O best knower of the Vedas, tell me your wish.” With a delighted heart, Vamana replied, “Hear, O king, the reason I have come. O lord of the Daityas, grant me land measuring three steps from the fire-altar. I desire nothing more, O bestower of honor. Among all gifts, the gift of land is supreme. A king who gives land to a Brahmin who owns nothing attains the highest merit. Even if it is only the size of a thumb, he becomes a lord of the earth. Nothing in this world is as pure as the gift of land. Both he who gives and he who receives land perform great merit, and at death, go to heaven. Therefore, O great king, grant me these three steps of land. Do not hesitate to give this small piece of earth, O lord of the earth. This will be known as the gift of the three worlds.” With a joyful face, Bali replied, “So be it,” and resolved to give the land according to the proper rite. But as the king prepared to give, his priest Ushanas intervened, saying, “O king, do not give the land.