Vishwamitra told them the story of Mahabali, an asura king. Mahabali became the lord of earth and heaven. Then he decided to perform a great yajna to celebrate his victory. He invited the devas, sages and the princes. He announced that he would give gifts to everyone. The devas, who had lost to him, sought the help of Lord Vishnu, as he meditated on this mountain. Vishnu came to the ceremony as Vamana, a small brahmana. Mahabali welcomed him and asked the dwarf what he could offer him as a gift. Vamana asked for a piece of land that he could cover with three strides. Mahabali laughed. Three strides of the dwarf! As soon as he promised, Vamana grew enormously. The first stride covered the earth, the second covered the heavens and he asked where he should place the third. Mahabali, his pride humbled, offered his head for the Lord to place his foot!
Vishwamitra tells Mahabali’s Story
