Vamana’s Three Paces: The Power of Keeping One’s Word

Vamana, dressed as a simple Brahmin, humbly approached King Bali and asked for alms. Bali, eager to give generously, smiled and welcomed the young boy.

“What is it that you desire, young Brahmin? Ask for anything, and I shall grant it,” Bali said.

Vamana, with a gentle smile, made a seemingly modest request: “I ask only for three paces of land, measured by my own steps.”

The courtiers and those present at the yajna chuckled at the dwarf’s humble request. Surely, Bali could give him much more than such a meager portion of land. Even Bali was taken aback by the simplicity of the request.

“Why ask for so little, dear Brahmachari?” Bali asked. “I can give you vast lands, gold, or even kingdoms. Why just three paces of land?”

But Vamana was firm in his request. “O King, I am content with three paces of land, measured by my steps. That is all I desire.”

Bali, always eager to keep his word, agreed without hesitation. Shukracharya, however, sensed the true identity of Vamana and warned Bali not to agree to the request. “This Brahmachari is not an ordinary boy. He is Vishnu in disguise! If you agree to his request, you may lose everything.”

But Bali, confident in his generosity and righteousness, refused to listen. “Even if this is Vishnu, I will keep my word. I cannot go back on my promise,” he declared with conviction.

Bali proceeded with the ritual to grant Vamana his three paces of land. With this promise, the unassuming dwarf transformed before everyone’s eyes into Trivikrama, an enormous cosmic form that spanned the universe.

Moral: True greatness lies in keeping one’s word, even in the face of personal loss.