Listen closely, for I shall recount how certain types of people arise among the noble ones. In the forest of gifts, there are those who seek the great lotus, and among them are found people devoted to its purity. Those who dedicate themselves to the lotus are known as universally contented, their hearts at peace. Others, who are associated with both just and unjust expenditures, turn to the great blue lotus. There are also those who engage in theft and false speech; these people are said to resort to the conch, O mighty one. Thus, the judgment regarding their gifts has been explained. O lord of the forest of gifts, I hold a vow that is approved by the virtuous. In all the three worlds, none is your equal or superior in strength. By your valor in battle, you have conquered even the king of the gods. Witnessing your supreme courage, which surpasses the strength of all, I am not surprised, O best of the Dānavas, for you were born in the illustrious lineage of Hiraṇyakaśipu. O king, you have even surpassed the great ancestor of the Daityas. Having spoken these words to Bali, the lord of the Dānavas, and as she entered there, the women were left like widows. Radiance, intelligence, effort, prosperity, knowledge, conduct, and compassion—all these found refuge in Bali and rested as they wished. He was a performer of sacrifices, an ascetic, gentle, truthful in speech, generous, supportive, and a protector of his people. Ever illustrious and devoted to righteousness, self-controlled, and though human, he enjoyed the pleasures of life. Meanwhile, the lord of Śacī, Indra, accompanied by the gods, went to the abode of Brahmā. There he saw his father Kaśyapa seated among the sages. Indra beheld Brahmā, Kaśyapa, and all those ascetics rich in austerity. “Grandfather,” Indra said, “my kingdom has been taken by Bali, the mighty one.” He asked, “O lord, tell me, what wrong have I done?” Kaśyapa replied, “From Diti’s womb, by your action, the embryo was forcefully cut into many parts. It was done because she was impure at that time. Afterward, even the servant was slain by the thunderbolt, O lord. Tell me, O mighty one, the expiation for my sin and destruction. What is beneficial for all the world, and especially for me?” Kaśyapa advised, “Take refuge in him; he will bestow welfare upon you.” The gods said, “Among mortals, in a short time, there is great prosperity.” In the same way, having swiftly reached the earth’s surface by the son of Mitra and Varuṇa, he stood firm. From the east of the excellent place, renowned from ancient times, he stood to the west of Vasu’s city. A man of intelligence, one who has performed a hundred and a thousand sacrifices, and a king who has performed a thousand horse sacrifices—all attained fame as ‘the wielder of the mace,’ like a sharp axe to the mighty tree of sin. By the grace of the Blessed Lord, people obtain the endless fruit of the great sacrificial rite. He brought about the supreme destruction of the world’s sins through acts of seeing, tasting, and anointing. Having established an ashram for the worship of the god, Indra remained there. The thousand-eyed Indra performed austerities, praising the god who wields the mace. A year passed for him, free from desire and anger. At last, he was told, “Go now; I am pleased with you. You are now freed from sin.