Editing Vamana (section)

==== Second account ====
{{blockquote|After standing firmly on the back of the [[Kurma|tortoise]] he [Vamana] placed a step in the sacrificial hall of [[Mahabali|Bali]]. He, the eternal lord, placed the second step over the whole world. Then he said to Bali: "O lord of [[Asura]]s, there is no place for the third step. Where shall I place the third step? Give me the ground." Laughingly Bali said with palms joined in reverence. He was accompanied by his wife. ["]The entire universe has been created by you, O lord of [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]]. I am not a creator. Due to your fault it has become too small, O lord of cosmic identity. Still I have never uttered a lie, nor will I ever utter a lie proving me to be a man of truthful statement. Step on my back["].|source=Brahma Purana (unknown translator, 1955), Gautami-Mahatmya, Chapter 4, Verses 48-52}}

[[File:Brahma on hamsa.jpg|left|thumb|[[Brahma]] on Hamsa.]]
The second account of the legend of Vamana consists of an entire chapter (Gautami-Mahatmya: 4; 68 verses). Narrated by [[Brahma]] to [[Narada]], it differs from the usual accounts insofar as the devas led by [[Indra]] are 'defeated' not in a literal battle, but rather by the good and noble qualities of the invincible [[Mahabali|Bali]], under whose rule 'there were no enemies, no ailments, no anxieties in any way.. While Bali was ruling over the kingdom, none of these was seen even in dream, viz. [[famine]], evil, [[Atheism|denial of God]], [or] wickedness'. Jealous and miserable, the devas seek refuge in [[Vishnu]], who states Bali is a [[Vaishnavism|devotee]], 'cannot be conquered by [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] or [[Asura]]s', but can be bound 'by means of words with miraculous power' to return the kingdom to them.
Vishnu enters the womb of [[Aditi]] and is born as the dwarf, Vamana. Assuming the form of a [[Brahmin]], Vamana then attends the sacrifice of Bali 'singing [[Samaveda|Saman]] verses'. The [[preceptor]] of the demons, [[Shukra|Sukra]] - a descendant of [[Bhrgu]] - warns Bali and his wife about Vamana, and Bali responds 'Blessed I am because the lord of [[Yajna|sacrifices]] is coming to my house so unexpectedly'.

Vamana requests three steps of land, this is granted by Bali, and Vamana grows in size, covering all of existence in two steps, as quoted above. Pleased with Bali, Vamana offers a boon but Bali does not wish for anything. The three worlds are returned to Indra, and Bali and his family are sent to the [[Sutala|netherworld]].