Epic Characters of Puranas - Bali

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Epic Characters of Puranas

Bali, the king of Asuras, was Bhakta Prahlada's grandson and Virochana's son. Devendra took away all his wealth and killed him but Shukracharya brought him back to life with the help of Sanjeevani Vidya. Thus, Bali became Sukracharya's disciple and offered all his wealth to his preceptor. Bali wanted to make heaven a part of his kingdom and hence, performed a yaga and entered Amaravathi, Devendra's capital. All the devas left swargaloka on the advice of Brihaspathi as none could face the valour of Bali. Bali now ruled over his vast kingdom of the three worlds. The devas approached Lord Vishnu, who was born as Vamana, and asked him to bring round Bali and return to them all that they had lost. Vamana came to Bali as a young brahmin and impressed the king with his knowledge so much that Bali offered him all that he had. Vamana, who had gone there with a purpose, declined the offer saying that he was interested in establishing a yagashala in memory of his preceptor for which he needed land measuring just three footsteps. Sukracharya warned the king not to give the young Brahmin anything as he was none other than Lord Vishnu in disguise. Instead of taking his preceptor's advice, Bali spoke at length about how he had taken yagnadeeksha which meant that he couldn't refuse anything to someone who had asked for something. Thus Vamana took his famous three steps and in an instant, deprived Bali of all that he had. Bali's followers were so enraged that they waged a bloody battle in which thousands were killed. Bali, on the other hand, advised them to stop fighting and become good. Only then could they hope to get back all that they had lost. The Lord was impressed and made Bali the king of the nether world. Bali thus stood tall by not buckling down to any pressure, be it giving up truth, listening to others' advice or even to his preceptor's curse or advice.