Vaman's Three Steps: The Humbling of King Mahabali

King Mahabali became the ruler of the Earth and Svarg. To celebrate his victory, he decided to conduct a grand yagya. He invited gods, rishis, and princes and announced that everyone who attended would be given gifts of their choosing. The gods, who had been defeated by him, appealed to Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu came to the ceremony in the form of a young Brahmin Vaman (dwarf). Mahabali welcomed Vaman with great respect and asked him what gift he desired. Vaman requested three paces of land. Mahabali laughed and said, "Only three paces of land?"

Mahabali promised to fulfill Vaman's request. Upon this, Vaman began to grow and soon reached cosmic proportions. With his first step, he covered the entire Earth. His second step covered Svarg. Vaman then asked Mahabali where he should place his foot next for the third step. Mahabali's arrogance crumbled. For Vaman's third step, he offered his own head.