The sages, eager to understand the mysteries of the past, wondered among themselves: “How did thousand-eyed Indra, accompanied by all the gods, arrive at that place?” None among them knew the details of that ancient deed, but they were certain that Śukra, the wise preceptor, would know without doubt. So they approached Śukra and asked, “By what act does one attain the exalted seat of Brahmā?” Śukra began to recount the glorious and ancient deeds of Śakra, the mighty Indra who once slew Vṛtra. “O lord of the Daityas,” Śukra explained, “it was by means of horse sacrifices—the great Aśvamedha—that Indra attained the seat of Brahmā.” Then, Śukra summoned together the preceptor of the Asuras and the foremost among the Dānavas. At that time, they resolved to descend to earth and approach the lords who ruled there. “Let all the treasures be brought forth,” they declared, “and let the Yakṣas be informed as well.” With these preparations, they made their way to the eastern region, determined to perform the sacred Aśvamedha sacrifice. All agreed gladly, and the treasurers gave their commands. Śukra, lord of the Bhṛgus, himself initiated the chosen one for the Aśvamedha. With the approval and guidance of Śukra and his learned disciples, the lord of the Asuras arranged for the Asuras to carry out the rites. As the horse of the sacrifice was led forth, a mighty and illustrious Asura of iron-grey hair followed in its wake. By his fierce presence, a powerful scent rose up to the very world of Brahmā, carried by the wind—so great was his might, O sage. Witnessing these events, the gods, fearful for their place in the cosmos, sought refuge. Indra, joined by all the hosts of heaven, went to Janārdana—Viṣṇu, the shelter and supreme goal. With voices trembling and choked by fear, the gods pleaded: “Hear our petition, O Viṣṇu, destroyer of our distress! Bali, lord of the three worlds, has conquered all the gods and become mighty. His power grows unchecked, like a disease left untreated. With Śukra’s blessing, he has been initiated for the Aśvamedha sacrifice. He seeks to perform this rite and conquer even the gods themselves. Let that which would bring us contentment destroy this sacrifice. We have abandoned all other deities, for this great Asura is unconquerable.” Hearing their plea, the blessed Lord Viṣṇu assumed the form of Vāmana, the dwarf. In an instant, by his own will, he plunged into the midst of events and rose again, his hair loosened in divine splendor. At that moment, the ritual actions of the sacrifice were abandoned. The officiating priests, the sacrificer, and the powerful experts of ritual all ceased their duties. The question arose among them: “For what reason have you fallen here? By whom have you been cast down? Tell us.” It was Dhundhu, along with his followers, who answered: “Listen to the reason. I am wise, knowing the meaning of all scriptures, and by lineage a descendant of Varuṇa. My elder brother is the eldest; I am the younger, the lesser. Out of curiosity, my father named me Gatibhāsa. My brother was endowed with the virtues of the heavenly realm, beautiful in form, a great Asura. After performing his funeral rites, we both returned home. He said to me, ‘You have no share, indeed, O sir.’ For the mad and the blind, there is no share of wealth—only a little is given, but they do not receive a true portion of the property. I am worthy of a share; by what justice am I denied? Yet, lifting me up, he cast me into this river for that very reason.” Thus, the story unfolded, revealing the ancient deeds, the rise of Bali, the anxiety of the gods, the intervention of Viṣṇu as Vāmana, and the sorrowful tale of Dhundhu and his lost inheritance.