O best of the Dānavas, it is not surprising that you possess such greatness, for you were born in the illustrious lineage of Hiraṇyakaśipu. Indeed, O king, you have even surpassed the great ancestor of the Daityas himself. Thus, when these words were spoken to Bali, the mighty lord of the Dānavas, a change came over his household. When a certain noble lady entered there, the women of the palace, overcome by grief, became like widows, bereft of their joy. All the virtues—radiance, intelligence, effort, prosperity, knowledge, good conduct, and compassion—found their refuge in Bali. In his presence, they flourished and found rest as they wished. Bali was a performer of great sacrifices, an ascetic, gentle and truthful in speech, a generous giver, a steadfast supporter, and a protector of his own people. Ever illustrious, devoted to righteousness and self-control, though he was born as a mortal, he enjoyed the fruits of his desires. Meanwhile, the lord of Śacī, Indra, together with the other gods, journeyed to the abode of Brahmā. There, he saw his father Kaśyapa seated among the revered sages, and with him, Brahmā and all those ascetics rich in austerity. Indra approached them and addressed Brahmā as Grandfather, lamenting, “My kingdom has been taken by Bali, the mighty one.” Śakra then asked, “O lord, please tell me, what wrong have I done?” Brahmā responded, “From Diti’s womb, you forcefully cut the embryo into many parts. This act was done because she was impure at the time. And afterward, even her servant was slain by your thunderbolt, O lord.” Indra, troubled, pleaded, “Tell me, O mighty one, what expiation is there for my sin and destruction? What is beneficial for all the world, and especially for me, Śakra?” Brahmā counseled, “Take refuge in him who will bestow welfare upon you.” The gods then said, “Among mortals, there is great prosperity in a short time.” In this way, the son of Mitra and Varuṇa swiftly descended to the earth’s surface and stood firm. From the eastern side of that excellent, ancient place, he stood to the west of Vasu’s city. There, men of intelligence—those who had performed a hundred and a thousand sacrifices, and kings who had performed a thousand horse sacrifices—all attained fame as wielders of the mace, like a sharp axe felling the mighty tree of sin. By the grace of the Blessed Lord, people obtained the endless fruit of the great sacrificial rite. Through the acts of seeing, tasting, and anointing, he brought about the supreme destruction of the world’s sins. Establishing an ashram for the worship of the god, Indra remained there. The thousand-eyed Indra performed austerities, praising the god who wields the mace. For a year he practiced penance, free from desire and anger. At last, the god was pleased and said, “Go now; I am pleased with you. You are now freed from sin. I shall strive, O Śakra, so that the future good may be as you desire.” After the god had bathed, the men gathered and asked him, “Instruct us, O Lord, regarding this sin.” The god replied, “Dwell only in the region between the two blissful mountains, the Himālaya and Kaliñjara, O Pulindas.” Having been worshipped, the god then approached his mother, the abode of righteousness, worthy of praise. Bowing at her lotus-like feet, he reported his austerities and recounted his victory in battle, achieved by his own strength together with the hosts of gods. Afflicted with sorrow, his mother went to Viṣṇu, the ancient and praiseworthy god, seeking refuge in him. She worshipped the ancient source of all that moves and does not move, approaching him with pure conduct, restrained speech, and without expectation, seeking the lord of the gods for refuge. In her devotion, she prayed, “Conquer, O fire born of sin’s fuel, who blocks the mass of darkness—salutations, salutations to you!