In the Tretá Yuga, on the twelfth day of the light half of the month of Bhádrapada (H. Bhádoṇ, Aug.-Sept.) in the city of Sonbhadrá on the banks of the Narbadá, this new manifestation was born of Aditi in the house of Kaśyapa, the son of Maríchi,* the son of the legendary Brahmá. This incarnation continued a thousand years. Bali of the Daitya race underwent an austere penance to obtain the sovereignty of the three worlds. The Bountiful Giver of all desires revealed himself and granted his wish and Bali thus obtained a mighty dominion. Having subdued the throned princes of the gods, he left them in possession of their prin­cipalities. He performed many sacrifices, but neglected to present to the deities their customary offerings. The latter, through the intercession of Brahmá, implored Vishṇu to dethrone him who comforted them by revealing the issue of events. In the same year this moon-orb dis­played its radiance, and when the child grew in wisdom, in conformity with rule and custom he was placed under the tuition of the sage Bharadwája. With his preceptor he attended the sacrifice which the king had inaugurated at Kurukshetra, and after the royal custom, Bali asked him what boon he desired. He replied, “I ask of thee as much ground as I can cover with three steps.” The king in amazement rejoined, “Is so slight a gift craved of a monarch so illustrious and powerful?” When at last, after some debate he consented, the first step was so great that it covered the earth and the lower regions. The second measured the extent of the celestial world. The Rájá delivered himself up in bonds in com­mutation of the third step. On account of the natural goodness of the Rájá's disposition, after depriving him of his universal sovereignty, he conceded to him the rule of the nether world.*