By mind, word, and deed, a curse was pronounced: “Be cast down from your kingdom.” It was declared further that in all the fourteen worlds, sovereignty would be denied—no realm, high or low, would remain under his rule. The curse continued, “Let me witness you thus, deprived of your kingdom.” Hearing these words, Bali, the mighty demon king, descended from his royal seat. With hands joined in humility and reverence, he approached the Brahman. He spoke with a gentle heart, “Even when children commit offenses, elders forgive them. I do not fear others, nor do I lament the loss of my kingdom. Yet, because I have committed an offense against you, my suffering is even greater. Elders forgive the faults of children, even those among the demons who approach them with sincerity.” After reflecting deeply on these words, marveling at the humility and wisdom of his grandson, the elder spoke sweetly to Bali: “By whom the all-pervading Viṣṇu is known, I am the seventh in your lineage. O mighty-armed one, when pride enters, discernment is lost. The results destined to be will never perish—what is ordained must come to pass. In times of gain and loss, the wise do not fall into despair. O king of demons, one must endure both happiness and sorrow with equanimity. Even when attaining great prosperity, one should remain steady. The steadfast are always supreme among men in their actions. Therefore, you ought to act; the learned do not fall into despair. Having heard this from you and from others, act accordingly.” He assured Bali, “He will be your protector from this fear, O lord of the demons. For those fallen into the pit of worldly existence, there is truly no support—just as men afflicted by fever find no comfort on earth. But Janārdana will provide you with the highest good. Freed from sin, I will then go to where Acyuta, the lord of the worlds, Nṛsiṃha, resides.” Having addressed all the leaders of the demon hosts, he then set out upon a pilgrimage to the sacred fords, seeking purification and divine grace. At this point, a question arose: “You ought to fully recount to me the pilgrimage of Prahlāda. The pilgrimage of Prahlāda, which bestows pure merit, is yours to tell.” The tale is renowned on earth as auspicious: the Mānasa, where the Lord of gods took form as a fish. Prahlāda, having worshipped Acyuta, the Lord of the universe accompanied by the Vedas, journeyed to see the Kacchapa—the Tortoise incarnation—at Kauśikī, destroyer of sins. There, after fasting and purifying himself, he gave gifts to the Brāhmaṇas. Bathing in the divine lake, he offered oblations to his ancestors and the gods. There, Prahlāda beheld the Lord of the universe, Govinda, wielder of the discus, and saw Trivikrama, the Lord of gods and worlds. It was this Lord, master of the worlds, who would bind Bali. A question followed: “Whom did Viṣṇu bind, and for what reason? Tell me that as well. At what time did this occur, and whom did he deceive?” The answer was revealed: Born from the womb of a demoness, he was mighty and powerful. He sought invulnerability from the gods, together with Indra, O Nārada. Pleased with his devotion, that mighty one departed for heaven. Dhundhu attained the station of Indra while Hiraṇyakaśipu was still alive. He dwelt on Mount Mandara, taking refuge with the demon Dhundhu. Thus, the tale unfolds, linking the trials of Bali and Prahlāda with the divine interventions of Viṣṇu, the Lord who upholds dharma in all worlds.