In that celestial gathering, the divine women, their hearts overflowing with emotion, began to dance, accompanied by the radiant Apsarases. The Vidyādharas and Siddhas, delighted and carefree, wandered about in their wondrous aerial chariots, filling the heavens with movement and joy. Throughout these assemblies, conversations turned to the discernment of truth and falsehood, each group displaying their wisdom in diverse ways. Sweet, melodious songs arose, sung by those whose passions were subdued, yet who found themselves again and again swept up in waves of both sorrow and joy. Those who had reached the heavenly realms through righteousness joined in the dance, and from that sacred place, they ascended even higher, freed from sorrow and released from the darkness that binds souls. In the purity of that world, they longed for the ultimate bliss. Overhead, some voices rang out in the sky, crying, "Victory, victory, O Lord!" while others rejoiced in their hearts. Amidst this chorus of celebration, there were also those who, in quiet contemplation, meditated on the mysteries of birth, fear, old age, and death. The entire universe, in every corner, was thus filled with joy. In this atmosphere, Brahmā approached the supreme Viṣṇu and, for the sake of all worlds, spoke: "This Vāmana, though the Lord himself, is born for your sake." He declared, "He is Brahmā and Viṣṇu; he is indeed Maheśvara. He is the Vedas, the sacrifices, and he is heaven itself—there is no doubt of this." Brahmā continued, "Viṣṇu pervades this entire world, moving and unmoving alike. Though one, he is known as the Self-born, appearing in manifold forms." He explained further, "Just as a variegated crystal reflects the colors of its surroundings, so too does the Self-born manifest according to the qualities present. And just as the household fire may take on different names and return to its original, so the Blessed Lord is known by many appellations among Brāhmaṇas and others." All the dwellers of heaven, devoted and hopeful, believed that in every way, the god Vāmana would accomplish the task of the gods. Thus resolved, accompanied by Śakra, Vāmana journeyed to the resplendent city of Bāṣkala. From afar, they beheld the city, splendidly encircled, adorned with pale birds fit for riding, and embellished with every kind of jewel. Its principal mansions gleamed, and its wide avenues were perfectly laid out. The city was radiant with elephants, their temples moist in rut, resembling the dark mountain Anjana, descended from divine lineages and numbering in the hundreds. Graceful horses abounded, lean-limbed, small-eared, swift as thought, with long necks and proud foreheads, charming to behold. Thousands of courtesans, golden as the lotus heart and with faces like the full moon, moved through the city, skilled in playful conversation and jest. There was no merit, knowledge, art, or skill that did not reside there. Bāṣkala was crowded with lush gardens, alive with festivals and gatherings, and filled with the foremost Dānavas, save for the one destined to end their line. Everywhere resounded the music of vīṇā, flute, and drum, as Dānavas, ever joyful and adorned with many jewels, reveled. They played as the immortals do on Mount Meru, while the elder Dānavas intoned the Vedas in great, rolling chants. The air was filled with the smoke of clarified butter rising from sacred fires, their sins blown away by the wind, and the fragrance of sweet incense scattered everywhere. In this city of Bāṣkala, fragrant and prosperous, the mighty Dānava king, having brought the three worlds under his sway, dwelled in happiness. He ruled over all that moved and stood still, knowledgeable in righteousness, grateful, truthful, and self-controlled. Handsome and wise in both policy and its opposite, devoted to Brahmins, a refuge and protector, he was compassionate to the distressed. Endowed with great energy from Vedic mantras, possessed of all powers, skilled in the sixfold policy, he would always greet others first with a smile. He knew the essence of the Vedas and their branches, performed sacrifices, was devoted to austerity, avoided wickedness, and practiced nonviolence in all things. He honored others and was himself honored, pure and pleasant-faced, both worshipped and worshipper, knowing all purposes, unassailable, fortunate, and pleasing to behold. The demon king was abundant in grain, wealth, and vehicles, always fulfilling the three aims of life, and was the foremost among men in all three worlds. He resided always in his own city, having destroyed the pride of gods and demons alike, and protected all beings within the three worlds. Under his rule, no demon was base, poor, afflicted, short-lived, or unhappy; none was foolish, ugly, unfortunate, or rejected. All recognized his pure qualities and steadfast mind. It was to this radiant and ascetic king, shining like the sun, that the great-souled Purandara—Indra—sought to offer his respects. Amazed at the demon king’s power to sustain the three worlds, Indra came before him and gazed upon him in wonder. The fierce Dānavas, observing Indra’s approach, exclaimed: "This is a wonder—Indra himself comes to your city!" They addressed their king, saying, "Alone, with the foremost Brahmin, Vāmana, he comes. Tell us, O lord, what should we do?" The king addressed all the demons, instructing, "Remain gathered in the city; let the king of the gods enter, for today he is to be honored by me." At that very moment, Vāmana and Vasava entered, and the lord of the demons gazed upon them with loving regard. Feeling fulfilled, the king, bearer of his people’s burdens, greeted them with respect and spoke: "Today, in all three worlds, none is more blessed than I, for in the midst of such prosperity, I see Śakra come to my house. Whoever asks me for something, out of desire or need, having come to my house, to him I will surely give—even my life. What need have I for wife, children, or home in the three worlds? Having come face to face with him, I respectfully seated him on my lap.