PLATE THREE

When Lord Vamana appeared before Bali Maharaja and begged for
three steps of land, the King agreed. Then, greatly disturbed, Bali’s
spiritual master, Sukracarya, said: “O King Bali, this brahmacari in the
form of a dwarf is directly the imperishable Supreme Personality of God-
head, Visnu. Accepting Kagyapa Muni as His father and Aditi as His
mother, He has now appeared to help the demigods and vanquish the
demons. You have promised to give Him three steps of land in charity,
but when you give it, He will occupy the three worlds. You are a rascal!
You do not know what a great mistake you have made.” King Bali
replied, “O great sage, great saintly persons like you, being completely
aware of the Vedic principles, worship Lord Visnu in all circumstances.
Therefore, whether that same Lord Visnu has come here to give me all
benedictions or to punish me as an enemy, I must carry out His order and
give Him the requested tract of land without hesitation.” Enraged,
Sukracarya said, “Although you have no knowledge, you have become a
so-called learned person, and therefore you dare be so impudent as to
disobey my order. Because you have disobeyed me, I curse you to lose all
your opulence very soon.” (pp. 79-111)
