The year-long period had now come to its completion. In that place stood a resplendent, mighty-armed figure, consecrated and radiant—his strength and presence were said to rival Indra himself. He was endowed with great prosperity and, above all, displayed deep compassion toward those around him. It was recalled how the twice-born had once declared, “O Brahmin, our lineage is that of the Bhārgavas.” Among them, there was one who was not only a giver and enjoyer, but also a generous distributor and an initiate in sacred rites. United in purpose, they all addressed the lord of the Daityas with words spoken on behalf of Vāmana. “He will grant a splendid residence and many precious gems as well,” they said. The lord of the Daityas, hearing these words, turned to the chief among the twice-born and declared, “I shall give you as much wealth as you desire. Today, I grant you a boon—choose what you wish, O mighty one.” With resolve, the chief of the twice-born spoke to Dhundhu, lord of the Asuras, words carefully chosen to secure his purpose: “What is given by one who cannot retract his gift—no other can take that away. Among all the capable chiefs of the twice-born, bestow, O mighty-armed one. Give, O lord of the Daityas; you cannot protect more than this.” Moved, the lord of the Daityas granted to the chief of the twice-born three steps, and at that moment, nothing else was taken. Then, the infinite power assumed the form of Trivikrama, ready to stride the worlds. With his first step, he seized the earth itself, along with its mountains, oceans, and its cities filled with treasures. With the second step, the god, seeking what is beloved to the gods, swiftly claimed it in order. Trivikrama, the blessed one, fell back with a body vast as Mount Meru, and a pit thirty thousand yojanas deep was made firm in the earth. He poured down a rain of sand, filling that enormous pit. Thus, all the gods were restored to the three worlds, free from trouble. Then, assuming the form of Kālindī, he vanished on the spot. In that sacred hermitage, the son of the king of the Daityas approached the great sage, a man of virtue. After observing a single night of fasting, he journeyed to the mountain where the sacred emblem was divided. Again, after fasting for one night, he made his way to the holy place called Kedara. There, he remained for seven days before moving on to Kubjamra. At this excellent holy place, he bathed, fasted, controlled his senses, and worshipped Hrishikesha, before setting out for the hermitage of Badarika. At the holy site of Varaha, he beheld the seat of Garuda and, filled with devotion, worshipped there. He also saw and worshipped Shiva, and then approached the river Vipasha. Fasting, he beheld the supreme Lord on the banks of the Iravati. Through these acts, he attained the highest form and a rare, lordly power. He gained incomparable health and unending progeny. Casting off all deformity, he was blessed with beauty and prosperity. O ascetic, this is how it happened in the beginning of the Treta age, long ago. There was a city named Shakala, renowned as an excellent place. In that city lived a wealthy, virtuous man, fond of pleasure and learned in many scriptures. He was accompanied by a great caravan and possessed many goods for trade. One night, a fierce robber attacked him. Alone in the desert, he wandered—self-controlled, yet as if mad from his ordeal. There, as if meeting his own self, he came upon an auspicious Shami tree in that desolate place.