With the approval of Śukra, the great preceptor, the mighty Daitya king was ritually initiated to perform the Aśvamedha sacrifice. His ambition was boundless; he wished not only to fulfill the rite but also to conquer even the gods themselves. Yet, the gods, seeking their own contentment and security, prayed that whatever would please them might be the very force to destroy this formidable sacrifice. Recognizing the threat, the deities abandoned their own ritual roles, for they knew well that this great Asura was, for now, unconquerable. At that crucial moment, the blessed Lord assumed the wondrous form of Vāmana, the dwarf incarnation. In a mere instant, by his own divine will, he plunged into the sacrificial arena and arose again, his hair loosened, his presence unmistakable. Witnessing this, the foremost of the Brahmins and all those present abandoned the ritual actions connected to the sacrifice. The officiating priests, the sacrificer himself, and all the powerful ritual experts ceased their duties, bewildered by the turn of events. They questioned one another, “For what reason have you fallen here? By whom have you been cast down? Tell us the truth.” It was then that Dhundhu, together with his followers, replied, “Listen to the reason for our fall. I am wise, knowing the essence of all scriptures, and by lineage, a descendant of Varuṇa. My elder brother is the eldest among us, 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. But 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 to them, for they are not entitled to a full share of the property. Yet I am worthy of a share; by what justice am I denied? Because of this, he lifted me up and threw me into this river.” Dhundhu continued, “A full year has now passed here by your presence. But who is this consecrated, mighty-armed one, equal to Indra himself? You are blessed with great prosperity and show much compassion toward me.” The twice-born Brahmins spoke, “O Brahmin, our lineage is Bhārgava. The giver, the enjoyer, the distributor, and the one initiated in the sacrificial rite are all present here.” All those assembled addressed the lord of the Daityas with words meant for the sake of Vāmana: “He will grant you a splendid residence and many precious gems as well.” The Daitya king then said to the chief of the twice-born, “I shall give you as much wealth as you desire. Today, let your wish be fulfilled—choose what you will, O mighty one.” The Brahmin spoke to Dhundhu, the lord of the Asuras, words crafted to secure his own purpose: “What is given by one who cannot retract it, no other can take away. Among the capable chiefs of the twice-born, grant this, O mighty-armed one. Give, O lord of the Daityas, for you are not able to protect more than this.” Thus, the Daitya king gave to the chief of the twice-born three steps of land, and at that time, he did not take anything else. Then, to fulfill his promise, the infinite Lord assumed the cosmic form of Trivikrama. With one step, he seized the earth, together with its mountains and oceans, adorned with cities of treasure. With the second step, desiring what is dear to the gods, he swiftly claimed the heavens in order. Trivikrama, the blessed one, then fell upon his back, his body immense, equal to Mount Meru itself. A pit, thirty thousand yojanas deep, was made firm in the earth, and he poured down a rain of sand, filling that vast chasm. Thus, the divine play of Vāmana unfolded, restoring balance and fulfilling the will of the gods.