King Bali performed a yagna under the guidance of Guru Shukracharya, through which he obtained a divine chariot, an inexhaustible quiver, and celestial armor. Empowered by these divine gifts, he invaded Swarg Lok. The frightened devtas fled, and Bali became the conqueror of the three worlds (Earth, Heaven, and Hell)
Aditi, the mother of the devtas, was deeply troubled by the loss of her sons’ positions. She approached her husband, Kashyap Rishi, and prayed, “Please show me a way by which our sons may regain their former positions and prestige.”
Kashyap Rishi explained that taking refuge in Bhagwan is the remedy for all suffering. Following his guidance, Aditi observed the twelve-day Payovrata. Pleased with her devotion, Bhagwan granted her the boon that He Himself would manifest as her son.
On Bhadarva Sud 12, Bhagwan Vishnu manifested as Vaman Bhagwan to Kashyap Rishi and Aditi. After His yagnopavit sanskar, Upendra Vaman took His father’s permission and proceeded to the banks of the Narmada River, where King Bali was performing a yagna.
The radiant young brahmachari was warmly welcomed by everyone present. King Bali respectfully invited Him to ask for whatever He desired. Vaman Bhagwan requested only three paces of land.
Upon hearing this seemingly simple request, Shukracharya immediately became suspicious. He recognized that the young brahmachari was none other than Bhagwan Vishnu and attempted to prevent Bali from granting the request.
Bali, however, refused to withdraw his promise. Angered by his decision, Shukracharya cursed him to lose his royal prosperity. Undeterred by the curse, Bali made the formal sankalp to offer Vaman Bhagwan three paces of land.
At that moment, Bhagwan transformed from His small Vaman form into a magnificent virat form. With His first step, He encompassed the worlds above, and with His second, He covered the worlds below. Bhagwan then asked Bali, “Where should I place My third step?”
With complete humility and surrender, Bali bowed his head before Bhagwan, offering himself for the third step.
Pleased by Bali’s spirit of surrender, Bhagwan blessed him and became his gatekeeper. Even today, Bhagwan is said to stand guard at the door of King Bali.