The Generous King
King Bali was no ordinary demon. He was scrupulously righteous, extraordinarily generous, and had won the three worlds not by treachery but by virtue and valour. Even his guru Shukracharya — guru of the asuras — acknowledged his greatness.
Bali was conducting a great yajna, a sacrifice, in which he was giving gifts to all who asked. At this gathering, a tiny Brahmin boy appeared — Vamana, a dwarf with the bearing of a great sage. He approached Bali and asked for a gift.
"Ask for anything," Bali said. "Gold, land, cattle — whatever you desire."
The Request
"I ask only for three steps of land," said Vamana.
Bali laughed with affection. "Three paces? O Brahmin boy, ask for a kingdom — you deserve more!"
Shukracharya, who could see clearly, pulled Bali aside. "This is no ordinary child. This is Vishnu himself. Those three paces will encompass everything. Do not give him this. It is a trap."
Bali considered this. Then he smiled.
"Guru," he said, "you tell me this is Vishnu himself. If Vishnu has come to me asking for land — that is the greatest honour any king could receive. I will not refuse the Lord who has deigned to ask."
He poured the ritual water into Vamana's hands, sealing the gift.
The Three Steps
Vamana grew.
With His first step, He covered the entire earth. With His second step, He covered all of heaven and the celestial realms. The third step — there was nowhere left to place it.
Bali stood before the Lord who had just received everything and had nowhere left to step. He bowed and offered his own head.
"Place Your third step here, Lord."
Vishnu was moved. He placed His foot on Bali's head — but gently, with blessing. He made Bali the king of Sutala, a realm more beautiful than heaven. And He Himself stands as eternal guardian at the gates of Bali's kingdom.