A fierce battle raged between the gods and the Dānavas, and in the midst of this turmoil, Viṣṇu suddenly vanished from sight. Seizing the moment, a radiant and mighty warrior from the ranks of the Dānavas took up his mace and launched a powerful assault upon the army of the gods. Charging into their midst, he struck down thousands, engaging the foremost warriors of the devas in single combat. The battle’s fury was so intense that even the gods’ own forces began to falter, their ranks corroded and thrown into confusion. When Janardana, the divine Viṣṇu, departed from the battlefield, the gods’ spirits were broken. Those who had once aspired to conquer the three worlds now fled in terror, abandoning heaven itself and seeking refuge in the realm of Brahma. In their absence, Bali, the Daitya king, ascended to the sovereignty of heaven, along with his sons, brothers, and kin. In this new order, Varuna became Maya, Soma was transformed into Rahu, and Hlāda became Hutāśana. Many other gods were similarly changed, and among them, the enemies of the gods were born anew. Another great battle erupted between the gods and the demons, and even mighty Shakra, lord of the gods, was defeated by Bali. Thus, Bali became the renowned lord of the ten realms, celebrated as the ruler of Bhur, Bhuvah, and Svar. In the heavens, Gandharvas led by Viśvāvasu gathered to worship, while Yakṣas, Vidyādharas, and others played melodious instruments in honor of the new king. Amidst this splendor, Bali remembered his great-grandfather Prahlada in his heart. Swiftly, Prahlada came up from the netherworld to the imperishable heavens. With hands joined in reverence, he bowed at Bali’s feet. Bali, filled with devotion, lifted Prahlada up, embraced him, and led him to the supreme seat beside him. Bali declared with humility and pride, “By my strength and power, the gods have been defeated and Shakra’s kingdom seized. Enjoy now the sovereignty of the three worlds, while I, your servant, stand before you. Absorbed in worship at your feet, I eat only the food you leave behind. The steadfastness that arises in one who serves the teacher, O Lord, is my only strength.” Prahlada, in turn, spoke words that fulfilled righteousness, desire, and wealth. “Whatever a parent gives as desired, so too should the sons. Now Bali stands as a true practitioner of yoga. Therefore, always remain devoted to the service of teachers.” Bali was then quickly seated upon Indra’s throne, shining on the lion seat like Maghavan himself. Prahlada addressed him with words as deep and resonant as thunderclouds: “Instruct me, O son, regarding righteousness, wealth, desire, and liberation. If it is proper, O mighty-armed one, speak the next word.” Prahlada then spoke excellent counsel, joined with righteousness and wealth: “Acquire wealth, but never at the expense of righteousness. Perform those actions that are beneficial both here and hereafter, O son. Act always so that your fame remains unsullied. Let all in our house dwell in perfect contentment—elders, kinsmen, virtuous Brahmins, and all who cherish fame and renown. By your pure conduct and effort, you will become renowned throughout the world. Kings attain prosperity through steadfast devotion to service. Therefore, the foremost twice-born, versed in the scriptures, perform sacrifices for kings; through the smoke of the sacrificial fire, the king’s peace is attained.” Thus, Prahlada guided Bali in the ways of dharma, ensuring the continued prosperity of the worlds under his rule.