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to go to Naraka for not being able to fulfil your promise. And where
shall you yourself remain after giving over all you have? Therefore
desist from what you are doing. No doubt truth is preferable. But
the Vedas also allow untruth in extreme cases."
Bali replied: "The grandson of Prahlada shall never speak
an untruth. I will give to this Brahmana boy what I have promised,
even if he be Vishnu and my enemy too."
Sukra said in anger " You disregard the words of your Guru.
So you shall forthwith lose everything."
Bali remained unmoved. He worshipped the Brahmana boy
and read out the formal Mantra of giving over three paces of land.
Viridhyavali, the virtuous consort of Bali, at this time placed a golden
pitcher rilled with water before her husband. He washed the feet
of Vamana with that water, and sprinkled it over his head. Then
Vamana wonderfully grew in size. The whole Universe became
visible in him. He seized the whole of Bhur Loka with one pace the
whole of Bhuvar Laka with his body, and the directions in space with his
hands, so that even the whole of Svar Loka became insufficient for
the second pace. But nothing remained for the third pace. For the
second pace of Vamana passed through Mahar Loka, Jana Loka,
Tapas Loka ajid reached even Satya Loka.
The Asuras exclaimed: "By what an unjust device has our king
been deprived of all! It is no sin to fight with this disgrace of a
Brahmana, this deceitful Vishnu." So they engaged in fight wuh the
followers of Vishnu, but were defeated by them.
Bali told his followers there was no use fighting, for Kala was
against them. The same Bhagavan who had favored them was now in
opposition.
Garuda, knowing the intention of Vishnu, tied Bali with the
noose of Varuna.
Vamana then addressing Bali said: "Where is your promised
ground for my third pace? You have told a lie. You do not carry
out your promise to a Brahmana. For this you will have to go to
Naraka."
Bali said: "Do not think I told an untruth or that I mean to
deceive thee. Here is my head for the third pace. I am not so
much afraid of the Naraka thou art speaking of, nor of this noose,
nor of any troubles I may undergo, nor of any punishment thou may-
est inflict on me as I am afraid of doing anything for which good
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