PLATE FIVE
After the associates of Lord Vāmanadeva had defeated all the demons and driven them into the lower regions of the universe, Garuḍa arrested Bali Mahārāja with the snake-ropes of Varuṇa and brought him before the Lord. "O King of the demons," said Vāmana, "you have promised to give Me three steps of land, but I have occupied the entire universe with two steps. Now think about where I should put My third." Bali Mahārāja replied, "O best Personality of Godhead, if You think that my promise has become false, I shall certainly rectify matters to make it truthful. Please, therefore, place Your third lotus footstep on my head." Just then Prahlāda Mahārāja, the grandfather of Bali, appeared in the assembly, like the moon rising in the nighttime. His dark body resembled black ointment for the eyes. His tall, elegant figure was dressed in yellow garments, he had long arms, and his beautiful eyes were like the petals of a lotus. He was very dear and pleasing to everyone. Being bound by the snake-ropes of Varuṇa, Bali Mahārāja could not offer befitting respect to Prahlāda Mahārāja. Rather, he simply offered respectful obeisances with his head, his eyes being inundated with tears and his face lowered in shame. ( pp. 147-170 )