Bali : principled king of the Asūras, who after obtaining the boon of lordship over the three worlds, held a Yajña. After which, as required by Dharma he gave whatever alms mendicants asked as Dāna from him. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vāmana (q.v.) a child mendicant, & obtained the right to the land he covered in three steps. Resuming His universal form, he covered Swarga & Pṛthvi (Heaven & Earth) in two steps. Bali, recognising the Lord, offered his head as the third for Him to step on. Pleased, Vishnu gave him the kingdom of Pātāla.
... Bali, Page 386 ...
Share your feedback. Help us improve. Or ask a question.