"Vaamana in the form of a young student went to the yaaga that was being
performed by Mahaabali and whereto all were welcome, to ask for and receive anything they
wanted. When Vaamana presented himself as a suitor, Mahaabali's guru, Sukra-the preceptor
of all the Asuras-knew who he really was and warned Mahaabali against promising to grant
the young Brahmana his request-that indeed he was the Lord Hari in disguise, come to undo
him.
"Mahaabali did not pay heed to this.
It was his wont neverto turn down a request. Besides, he was at heart a devotee of the
Lord, and felt that he would indeed be blessed if the Lord should deign to accept a gift
from him. With a smile, Mahaabali bade him ask for what he pleased without hesitation.
'All have is at your disposal, money, jewels, the wide earth and all it inherits.' |
