Vamana Being Received by King Bali

Vamana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu, came to earth to prevent the greedy sovereign, King Bali, from taking over the heavens. The present example depicts the moment at which he presents himself to the king, who in the midst of his ambitious preparations. Following the rituals, the king distributes alms, at which point he granted Vamana any wish he desired. Vamana asked for all the land he could cover with three steps and the king agreed. Immediately Vishnu changed into a giant and covered the earth and sky with two steps and then asked Bali where he should place his last step. Knowing he had been bested, Bali offered his head to Vishnu, who immediately sent the king to the netherworld.