The great-souled Indra, known as Purandara, approached the radiant and ascetic king of the demons, who shone with the brilliance of the sun. Indra was struck with wonder at this mighty being’s power to uphold the three worlds, and he came forward to gaze upon the demon king. The fierce demons, ever ready for battle, were astonished themselves and said, “This is a marvel—Indra himself is coming to your city!” They turned to their lord and continued, “He comes alone, accompanied only by the foremost of Brahmins, Vamana. Please, tell us what we should do.” The demon king addressed his followers, “Remain gathered within the city. Let the king of the gods enter; for today, it is my wish to honor him.” At that very moment, Vamana and Indra arrived together, and the lord of the demons looked upon them with affection. Feeling deeply fulfilled, he offered them respectful salutations and spoke with humility, “Today, in all the three worlds, none is more blessed than I. Surrounded by prosperity, I see Shakra himself come to my home.” He continued, “Whoever comes to my house seeking something, whether out of need or desire, I will surely give—even my life if asked. What need have I for wife, children, or home in these worlds? Having met you face to face, I seat you with respect upon my own lap.” Embracing and welcoming Indra, the demon king led him into his house, offering water and other signs of hospitality, and worshipped him with great care. “Today my birth is fruitful; all my desires are fulfilled, for I see you, Shakra, in my own home. Because of you, I am now renowned among the chief of demons. By your presence here, my merit is supreme indeed.” He went on, “The fruits gained from sacrifices like the Agnishtoma, when properly performed, are attained simply by seeing you, Purandara. Whatever merit comes from giving land or cows to a priest, or even from performing the Rajasuya sacrifice—may that be mine today. O Vasava, your audience cannot be won by small austerities. Now that you are here, tell me what dear act I may do for you.” He assured Indra, “Let there be no doubt in your heart. Whatever you desire, even if it is most difficult, consider it already accomplished. I am blessed; I have gained merit by seeing you, destroyer of enemies. Your feet, worshipped by the best of gods, have now been honored by me. Tell me, Lord, why you have come—tell me everything. I consider the reason for your arrival to be most extraordinary.” Indra replied, “I know you to be the chief among the Danavas, O Baskala. Seeing you, O best of Asuras, is not so astonishing. Those who come to your house as petitioners never leave disappointed. You are like the wish-fulfilling tree to those who seek, and there is no other giver like you. In brilliance you are like the sun, in depth like the ocean, in forbearance you are the earth itself, and in splendor you are like Narayana.” Indra then explained, “This Brahmana, Vamana, born in the lineage of Kashyapa, has asked me to request from you: ‘Grant me three steps of land.’ For the sake of my fire-sacrifice, where I would perform the ritual, this is what I seek, O Lord. This is the reason for my request. You have taken the three worlds with your stride, O Baskala; I am left without means, without wealth—what you wish to give, I do not possess. Yet I ask you, whether for another’s sake or my own; since I too am a petitioner, please do what is fitting.” Indra continued, “You are born in the lineage of Kashyapa, the increaser of the line; your mother is Diti, and your father is honored by the three worlds. Knowing this, I now ask you: for the sake of this fire-sacrifice, grant three steps of land.” He added, “To this Vamana, whose body is exceedingly small, O Danava, I am not able to give land that belongs to another. I give only what you have asked of me; if my elders or counselors approve, let him have the three steps. Whether as a petitioner myself, or for my own family or kin, or when someone comes to my house—whatever is proper, let that be done. If it pleases you, O mighty lord of the Danavas, then let the three steps be given quickly to this great-souled Vamana.” Baskali, the demon king, replied with warmth, “Indra, welcome to you! May auspiciousness come to you without delay. Reflect upon your own self, the ultimate refuge of all. Having entrusted the burden of the worlds to you, Pitamaha (Brahma) rests comfortably, absorbed in meditation and contemplation of the supreme state. Wearied by many battles and having set aside worldly concerns, Keshava now dwells on the island in the milk ocean and sleeps peacefully.” He continued, “All the other powerful Danavas, armed and mighty, have been vanquished by you alone, O Shakra, without any assistance. Here are the twelve Adityas, the eleven Rudras, the two Ashvins, the Vasus, and Dharma, the eternal one. Relying on the strength of your arms, they partake in sacrifices in heaven; by you, hundreds of rituals have been performed, completed with the granting of boons and gifts.” Baskali concluded, “By your hand, Vritra and Namuci have been slain, O lord of the gods; at the command of mighty Vishnu, they were destroyed. Hiraṇyākṣa, brother of Hiraṇyakaśipu, was also killed, and Hiraṇyakaśipu himself was slain, having been placed upon the thigh.” Thus, with reverence and humility, the demon king welcomed Indra and Vamana, honoring them and acknowledging the greatness of the gods and the extraordinary turn of fate that had brought them to his door.