Śukra, the revered lord of the Bhṛgus, initiated Bali, the mighty lord of the Asuras, into the great Aśvamedha sacrifice. With Śukra’s blessing and accompanied by Śukra’s learned disciples, Bali undertook the sacred rites. With Śukra’s consent, the Asura king commanded his own kind to perform the elaborate ceremonies of the sacrifice. As the sacrificial horse was released, it was followed closely by the illustrious, iron-haired Bali himself—a great Asura of formidable presence. Such was his power that, as he moved, a fierce scent emanated from him, reaching even to the world of Brahmā; the very wind in Brahmā’s realm carried this sign of his might. Alarmed by these omens, Indra and the hosts of the gods sought refuge with Janārdana, the supreme shelter and ultimate goal. Filled with fear, their voices choked, the gods pleaded with Viṣṇu, “O destroyer of the gods’ distress, hear our petition! Bali, lord of the three worlds, has conquered all the gods and grown mighty. His power increases unchecked, just as a disease grows when neglected. Now, with Śukra’s approval, he has been initiated into the Aśvamedha sacrifice and seeks to perform the rite, intending to conquer even the gods themselves. O Lord, may that which brings us contentment destroy this sacrifice! We have abandoned all other deities, for we know this great Asura to be unconquerable.” Hearing their plea, the blessed Lord assumed the form of Vāmana. In a moment, by his own will, Vāmana appeared—his hair loosened, radiant in divine splendor. At that very instant, the ritual actions of the sacrifice were abandoned. The officiating priests, the sacrificer, and the powerful ritual experts all ceased their work, bewildered. Those present questioned the fallen priests and sacrificers, “For what reason have you been cast down here? Who has caused this? Tell us.” Dhundhu, along with his followers, answered, “Listen to the cause. I am wise, versed in all scriptures, and a descendant of Varuṇa by lineage. My elder brother is the eldest, while I am the younger, the lesser one. 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. My brother 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 to them, for they do not take a portion of the property. But I am worthy of a share; by what justice am I denied? For this reason, he lifted me up and cast me into this river. Thus, a year has passed here for you.” Curious, they asked, “Who is this consecrated, mighty-armed one, equal to Indra, who stands before us? You are endowed with great prosperity and show compassion toward me.” The twice-born then spoke, “O Brahmin, our lineage is Bhārgava. Among us are the giver, the enjoyer, the distributor, and the one initiated in the sacrificial rite.” All present addressed the lord of the Daityas with words spoken for the sake of Vāmana. Bali, in his generosity, declared, “He will give the splendid residence and many kinds of gems as well.” He then addressed the chief of the twice-born, “I shall give you as much wealth as you desire. Today, I grant you this boon—choose what you wish, O mighty one.” Thus, he spoke to the lord of the Asuras, Dhundhu, words that would further his own purpose, setting the stage for the unfolding of the divine plan.