Aditi, revered as the mother of the gods, was present at his neck, and within the circles there abided the essence of knowledge itself. The sacred scriptures—those that guide righteousness, desire, and liberation, pure and resplendent—found their place there as well. Mātariśvan, the wind god, dwelled in his breath, while the Maruts, the storm deities, were established in all his joints. His eyes shone with the brilliance of the moon and the sun; the Krittikas and other star clusters adorned his eyelashes. The pores of his hair were filled with stars, and from his very hairs emerged the great sages. With each step, in a single stride, he took possession of the earth, embracing all that moved and stood still. His navel encompassed the vast sky, and the sun and moon were positioned to his left and right. With half a stride, he crossed the cosmic expanse, and with his middle stride, he filled the heavens. Having surrounded the interior of the cosmic egg, he entered into the depths of darkness. Then, the crooked one, upon reaching Vishnu’s foot, was transformed, becoming crooked himself. Even before the third step was completed, the all-pervading Lord spoke, “You must fulfill your promise of a step for me; if not, then accept bondage, O king!” Bali, steadfast and wise, addressed the Lord of the Immortals with words filled with reasoning: “How do you ask for such a vast gift from Bali, which you yourself once made immeasurable? That much was already given by his father—why bind him today with mere words? He is indeed able to honor you, O slayer of Mura; be gracious, do not command his binding. “O wielder of the discus, in this most sacred place and auspicious time, everything is manifest. The time is governed by Jyeshtha Nakshatra, the moon is present, and we stand in Kurukshetra, the renowned holy land. You are the original creator of the Vedas, pervading and abiding in all the worlds, both manifest and unmanifest. O Lord, why do you not accept the three worlds with your form, which is worshipped by all realms? Step by step, you are able to cross over; you have performed this act as a sport, O Lord of the worlds. O Vishnu, you do not truly bind Bali, nor are you ever far away; the Lord does whatever he wishes.” Then the Blessed Lord, Janardana, the original creator, spoke these words: “Hear now my reply, joined with reasoning. Grant to me, according to the measure, that which has been duly performed—by whom my three great strides were fearlessly granted. Even for Bali’s own benefit, these three steps were accomplished. By him was given a lifespan that will last as long as an age, and when the Sāvarṇika Manvantara arrives, Bali will become Indra. “Approaching Bali, he spoke with sweet and gentle words: ‘Dwell in Sutala, the realm called Patala, there free from affliction. In the future, I too shall reside there, unharmed and untroubled. There will be great treasures; I shall describe them all in detail. When those observances are performed, you will receive their fruits. A festival called Dvārapratipada will arise for you in times to come. By offering flowers and lamps, people will earn great merit with diligence. Just as you now rule your kingdom, so too shall the Kaumudi festival flourish.’ “Having taken up the sacrifice, he swiftly departed to the assembly of Indra, filled with sages and gods. The Lord of the universe then vanished from sight, even as the chiefs of Mura looked on. Thereafter, he built the famed city called Saubha and wandered freely in the sky.