In Hindu mythology, a constant theme is the struggle between the gods, or suras, and the asuras, or demons. The gods were benevolent and the asuras were malevolent – but not always; the demons could also show nobility, as the story of Mahabali shows.

It is said that Mahabali, an asura, was the descendant of a sage, a fair and just king who ruled his people well. He had acquired the asuras’ portion of the Amrita, the elixir of life, and by the means of this potion, if he was killed in battle his people were able to restore him to life. Thus, through many campaigns his kingdom grew and grew until he ruled the whole world, and the gods became concerned. Soon, they thought, there would be no place for them!

Then Vishnu decided he must act, and so he incarnated in his fifth Avatar form, as a Brahmin dwarf named Vanama. While Mahabali was engaged in a religious ceremony to celebrate his latest victory, and generously giving away lavish gifts, Vanama approached him and asked for the gift of ‘three steps’ of land, meaning as much land as could be encompassed by three paces. Seeing the stature of the dwarf Mahabali granted what seemed to be a small request, despite the warning of one counsellor.

Then Vanama grew into Vishnu’s gigantic form, and with his first step stretched across all of heaven, and with the second step, all of the earth. Then he asked Mahabali, “And where shall I place my third step?”

Mahabali, recognising that this must be Vishnu himself before him, and understanding that he was defeated, humbly bowed and offered his head, as a sign that Vishnu should place his foot there. This humility pleased Vishnu, and it is said that at the god’s touch, Mahabali was lifted straight to heaven.