THREE GREAT STRIDES
M. G. NARASIMHA MURTHY
The demon king, mighty Bali
Performed a great sacrifice
To enhance his powers
And was generous with gifts
To those present at the sacrifice
Child Vamana joined the priests.
Pleased with his presence,
The king offered the brilliant child
Any gift that might
Fill his heart’s desire.
Neither gold nor silver
Nor all the wealth of the world
Would tempt the charming child,
But all that he wanted
Was a small piece of land
measuring three little steps.
Amused by the child’s request
Bali nodded his assent.
Lo and behold! child Vamana
Grew in size as Bali gazed.
One step covered the earth
And the other filled the skies!
Vamana’s cosmic form
Filled Bali’s heart with awe
No place was left for the third.
Humtled thus, the demon king
Bowed his head
And Vamana placed his foot,
And Bali sank at once
Into Paataala, the nether world.