Vamana and King Bali

Mahabali, the grandson of Prahlada, was a powerful and righteous Asura (demon) king. Though an Asura, he was highly devoted to Lord Vishnu and a generous ruler. However, his ambition led him to conquer the three worlds, driving the Devas (gods) out of heaven.

Aditi, the mother of the Devas, prayed to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a radiant dwarf Brahmin boy carrying a wooden umbrella. Vamana approached the grand sacrifice (Yajna) being performed by King Bali.

Bali, famous for never refusing a request, welcomed the boy and offered him wealth, land, or elephants. Vamana smiled and said, "O King, I only need as much land as I can measure with three paces of my small feet." Bali laughed at this modest request and agreed.

Bali's guru, Shukracharya, realized that Vamana was Vishnu in disguise and warned the king not to make the promise. But Bali replied, "If the Lord of the Universe comes to my door as a beggar, it is my greatest honor to give Him what He asks."

As soon as the promise was sealed with water, Vamana began to grow to cosmic proportions (Trivikrama). With his first step, he covered the entire earth. With his second step, he covered the heavens and the entire universe. There was nowhere left to place the third step.

Vishnu asked, "O King, where should I place my third step?" Unfazed and completely surrendered, Bali bowed down and offered his own head. Deeply touched by Bali's devotion and truthfulness, Vishnu placed his foot on Bali's head, pushing him to the underworld (Patala), but blessing him to rule there and promising to serve as his eternal guard.