The Vaman Avatar and King Bali

The asura king Bali was Prahlad's grandson: brave, generous and obedient to his guru Shukracharya. By his guru's grace he conquered heaven, and the devas were left homeless. Aditi, mother of the devas, was heartbroken. On the advice of her husband, the sage Kashyap, she kept the Payovrat fast for the Lord. Pleased, the Lord said: I will come as your son.

The Lord was born from Aditi as Vaman, a small, radiant Brahmin boy. At that time Bali was performing a great yajna on the bank of the Narmada. Holding an umbrella and a water pot, Vaman arrived. Seeing his glow, the sages rose, and Bali respectfully washed his feet.

Bali said: ask for whatever you want. Vaman said: I only want as much land as I can cover in three steps. Bali laughed: such a small gift? But Vaman said contentment is a Brahmin's wealth. Then Shukracharya warned Bali: this is Vishnu Himself, he will take everything. Bali replied: I have given my word; I will not go back on it.

As soon as Bali poured the water of his sankalp, Vaman began to grow until He became a cosmic giant. With one step He measured the whole earth; with the second, the sky and heaven. Then He asked: where shall I place the third step? Bali folded his hands and bowed his head: Lord, place the third step on my head.

The Lord was deeply pleased by Bali's truthfulness and surrender. Prahlad also arrived. The Lord gave Bali the kingdom of Sutal, more beautiful than heaven, and promised to guard his door Himself. The devas got heaven back, and Bali got the Lord's company.