There, he beheld Govinda, the Lord of the universe, radiant and resplendent, bearing the mighty discus. Before him stood Trivikrama, the Lord of gods and worlds, the one who had measured the cosmos in three great strides. It was that sovereign Lord, master of all realms, who would bind the powerful Bali. A question arose: whom did Viṣṇu bind, and for what reason? When did this binding take place, and whom did the Lord deceive? The answer began with Bali, mighty and formidable, born from the womb of a demoness. Seeking protection, he had once approached the gods and Indra himself, desiring invulnerability. Pleased with his devotion, Bali departed for heaven, his power and stature growing. At that time, Dhundhu attained the station of Indra, even while Hiraṇyakaśipu still lived. Bali took refuge with the demon Dhundhu upon the slopes of Mount Mandara. Meanwhile, even in Brahmā’s world, the gods remained afflicted, enduring suffering. A call went out among the Daityas: “Let us go, O brothers, to our elder’s assembly and conquer the gods and Indra together!” They wondered which path would take them to the ancient seat of the Grandfather, for the way was perilous and difficult to traverse. The Daityas knew that the mere glance or direction of those with great power could burn them and their allies to ashes. Among the Asuras were the revered cow-mothers, whose very dust could bring destruction, and there stood the foremost Sādhyas, whose breath and wind were unbearable for the Daityas. Yet, the abode of truth, the dwelling of the boon-giver, was indeed Bali’s own dwelling. But those Asuras who matched Bali in nature became diminished in his presence. The realm of Virāj, called Dhundhu, was always difficult for men to ascend. Nevertheless, Bali desired to reach Brahmā’s abode and to conquer its lords. A question arose among them: how had thousand-eyed Indra once arrived there with the gods? None among them knew the answer, but they were certain that Śukra, the wise preceptor, would know. So they approached Śukra and asked, “By what act does one attain the seat of Brahmā?” Śukra spoke of the ancient deeds of Śakra, the slayer of Vṛtra, and revealed that by performing horse sacrifices, Indra had attained the seat of Brahmā. Then Bali summoned Śukra, the preceptor of the Asuras, and gathered the foremost Dānavas. “Let us go to earth,” he said, “and approach the lords of the earth. Let the treasures be summoned, and inform the Yakṣas as well. Arriving at the eastern place, let us perform the Aśvamedha sacrifice.” Śukra agreed, saying, “So be it,” and the treasurers gave their command. Bali was duly initiated for the great horse sacrifice by Śukra, lord of the Bhṛgus, with the learned disciples of Śukra present. With Śukra’s consent, the lord of the Asuras had the Asuras perform the sacred rites. The illustrious, iron-haired great Asura followed the horse, and by his fierce presence, a scent so strong it reached the sky, the wind blew even in Brahmā’s world. Alarmed, the hosts of gods, led by Indra, sought refuge with Janārdana, the supreme shelter and goal. With voices trembling and choked by fear, all the gods pleaded, “Hear our petition, O Viṣṇu, destroyer of the gods’ distress! Bali, lord of the three worlds, has conquered all and grown mighty. His power grows unchecked, like a disease left untended.