In ages past, other appointed gods came into being, and among them, the adversaries of the gods—the demons—were born. A fierce battle erupted between the gods and these demons, a conflict so intense that even Shakra, the mighty Indra, was defeated by Bali, the great Daitya king. Bali, lord of ten realms, became renowned throughout the worlds as Bhur, Bhuvah, and Svar, holding sway over earth, atmosphere, and heaven. In his court, the Gandharvas, led by Vishvavasu, gathered in worship, their presence lending celestial grace. Yakshas, Vidyadharas, and other beings played musical instruments, filling the air with divine melodies. Amidst this grandeur, Bali remembered his great-grandfather Prahlada, holding him in deep reverence within his heart. Swiftly, Prahlada journeyed from the netherworld to the imperishable heaven, where Bali awaited him. With hands joined in reverence, Bali bowed at Prahlada’s feet. Prahlada raised him up, embraced him lovingly, and entered the supreme seat alongside him. Bali declared, “The gods have been defeated, and Shakra’s kingdom has been seized by my strength and power. Enjoy the sovereignty of the three worlds while I, your servant, stand before you. Absorbed in worship of your feet, I eat only the food left by you.” He spoke of the steadfastness that arises in one who serves the teacher, addressing Prahlada with humility. Prahlada, ever wise, spoke words that accomplished righteousness, desire, and wealth. He said, “Whatever is given as desired by the parent, so too the sons; now Bali stands as a practitioner of yoga. Thus, always be devoted to the service of teachers.” Bali was then quickly seated upon Indra’s throne. On the lion throne, the lord of the Daityas shone with brilliance, like Maghavan himself. Prahlada addressed Bali with words deep as thunderclouds, urging him, “Let you instruct me regarding righteousness, wealth, desire, and liberation. If it is proper, O mighty-armed, speak the next word.” Prahlada then spoke excellent words, joined with righteousness and wealth: “That which is the acquisition of wealth without violating righteousness—whatever is beneficial here and hereafter, O son, perform that action. As there is no loss of fame, so act, O wise one. By which those in our house dwell in complete contentment—an elder, a kinsman, a virtuous Brahmin, and fame along with renown—by your pure conduct and effort, you will become renowned in the world. Kings attain prosperity here through steadfastness born of 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.” He continued, “Let the Kshatriyas, O lord of the Daityas, be devoted to the duty of protecting the people. Let those who live by trade and prostitution engage in tending livestock. Let the Shudras, O best of the Asuras, always act according to your command. Then righteousness will increase, and with the growth of righteousness, the rise of kings will follow. With that increase comes your own prosperity; with its decline, loss is said to occur.” Bali listened with devotion and replied, “Then, whatever you command, I shall do.” Thus he spoke to the great sage Prahlada. Bali, ever endowed with righteousness, governed the three worlds. He sought refuge in Brahma, compelled by the nature of his own disposition. With his own radiance, he illuminated his realm, along with the gods and demons. Yet, O best of the gods, my nature has been destroyed by the mighty Bali.