# Bāla Kāṇḍa 28 — Story of Siddhāśrama: Vāmana’s three strides *Viśvāmitra recounts Vāmana’s three strides and the restoration of Indra’s realm, then begins his observance with the brothers as guards* Portion: Siddhāśrama · Verses: 20 · Ref format: 1.28. ## Sequence - Viśvāmitra identifies the place as Siddhāśrama, the former hermitage of Vāmana, where perfection was attained (28.1–2) - he recounts how Bali, son of Virocana, conquered the Devas and held their realm → while Bali performed a great sacrifice, the Devas led by Agni asked Viṣṇu to intervene before its completion (28.3–5) - because Bali granted petitioners whatever they requested, they asked Viṣṇu to approach in a dwarf's form (28.6–8) - born to Aditi, Viṣṇu became Vāmana, asked Bali for three paces of land, and received them → he strode across the worlds, subdued Bali, and restored the three worlds to Indra (28.9–11). Viśvāmitra explains that devotion to Vāmana led him to live in this hermitage, where the rākṣasas now obstruct his rites - he tells Rāma to regard it as his own home too (28.12–14) - its resident munis welcome Viśvāmitra and perform the guest rites for both princes (28.15–16) - after resting, the brothers ask him to enter dīkṣā that very day and make Siddhāśrama truly a place of accomplishment → he enters dīkṣā (ritual initiation) → the princes pass the night there and salute him at dawn (28.17–20). ## Verses **1.28.1** atha tasyāprameyasya tad vanaṃ paripṛcchataḥ viśvāmitro mahātejā vyākhyātum upacakrame Then, as that immeasurable one asked about the forest, Viśvāmitra of great splendour began to explain: **1.28.2** eṣa pūrvāśramo rāma vāmanasya mahātmanaḥ siddhāśrama iti khyātaḥ siddho hy atra mahātapāḥ This, Rāma, was once the hermitage of the great-souled Vāmana; it is renowned as Siddhāśrama, for here the great ascetic attained perfection. **1.28.3** etasminn eva kāle tu rājā vairocanir baliḥ nirjitya daivatagaṇān sendrāṃś ca samarudgaṇān kārayām āsa tad rājyaṃ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ At just this time King Bali, son of Virocana, having conquered the hosts of gods together with Indra and the troops of Maruts, held sway over that realm, famed throughout the three worlds. **1.28.4** bales tu yajamānasya devāḥ sāgnipurogamāḥ samāgamya svayaṃ caiva viṣṇum ūcur ihāśrame But while Bali was performing a sacrifice, the gods, with Agni at their head, having assembled, themselves spoke to Viṣṇu here in the hermitage: **1.28.5** balir vairocanir viṣṇo yajate yajñam uttamam asamāpte kratau tasmin svakāryam abhipadyatām “Bali, son of Virocana, O Viṣṇu, is performing a supreme sacrifice; before that rite is completed, let our own cause be attended to. **1.28.6** ye cainam abhivartante yācitāra itas tataḥ yac ca yatra yathāvac ca sarvaṃ tebhyaḥ prayacchati And whatever petitioners approach him from here and there — whatever, wherever, and in whatever due manner — all of it he gives to them. **1.28.7** sa tvaṃ surahitārthāya māyāyogam upāśritaḥ vāmanatvaṃ gato viṣṇo kuru kalyāṇam uttamam Therefore you, for the welfare of the gods, resorting to the exercise of illusion and assuming dwarf-hood, O Viṣṇu — accomplish this supreme benefaction. **1.28.8** ayaṃ siddhāśramo nāma prasādāt te bhaviṣyati siddhe karmaṇi deveśa uttiṣṭha bhagavann itaḥ This will become known as Siddhāśrama by your grace; when the deed is accomplished, O lord of gods, arise from here, O venerable one.” **1.28.9** atha viṣṇur mahātejā adityāṃ samajāyata vāmanaṃ rūpam āsthāya vairocanim upāgamat Then Viṣṇu of great splendour was born of Aditi; and, assuming the form of a dwarf, he approached the son of Virocana. **1.28.10** trīn kramān atha bhikṣitvā pratigṛhya ca mānataḥ ākramya lokāṃl lokātmā sarvabhūtahite rataḥ Then, having begged for three paces and duly received them, the Soul of the worlds, devoted to the good of all beings, strode across the worlds; **1.28.11** mahendrāya punaḥ prādān niyamya balim ojasā trailokyaṃ sa mahātejāś cakre śakravaśaṃ punaḥ having subdued Bali by his might, he gave the worlds back to great Indra; and that one of great splendour made the three worlds subject to Śakra once more. **1.28.12** tenaiṣa pūrvam ākrānta āśramaḥ śramanāśanaḥ mayāpi bhaktyā tasyaiṣa vāmanasyopabhujyate By him, in old times, was this hermitage occupied — the hermitage that dispels weariness; and out of devotion I too now dwell in this hermitage of that Vāmana. **1.28.13** etam āśramam āyānti rākṣasā vighnakāriṇaḥ atra te puruṣavyāghra hantavyā duṣṭacāriṇaḥ To this hermitage come rākṣasas who work obstruction; here, O tiger among men, these evildoers are to be slain by you. **1.28.14** adya gacchāmahe rāma siddhāśramam anuttamam tad āśramapadaṃ tāta tavāpy etad yathā mama Today, Rāma, we shall go to the peerless Siddhāśrama; that hermitage-place, my dear, is yours as much as mine. **1.28.15** taṃ dṛṣṭvā munayaḥ sarve siddhāśramanivāsinaḥ utpatyotpatya sahasā viśvāmitram apūjayan Seeing him, all the sages dwelling in Siddhāśrama, springing up again and again, at once honoured Viśvāmitra. **1.28.16** yathārhaṃ cakrire pūjāṃ viśvāmitrāya dhīmate tathaiva rājaputrābhyām akurvann atithikriyām They rendered fitting honour to the wise Viśvāmitra, and likewise performed the guest-rite for the two princes. **1.28.17** muhūrtam atha viśrāntau rājaputrāv ariṃdamau prāñjalī muniśārdūlam ūcatū raghunandanau Then, having rested a while, the two princes, tamers of foes, delights of the Raghus, with palms joined said to the tiger among sages: **1.28.18** adyaiva dīkṣāṃ praviśa bhadraṃ te munipuṃgava siddhāśramo 'yaṃ siddhaḥ syāt satyam astu vacas tava “This very day enter upon the consecration, blessings on you, O bull among sages; let this Siddhāśrama be truly a place of perfection — let your word come true.” **1.28.19** evam ukto mahātejā viśvāmitro mahāmuniḥ praviveśa tadā dīkṣāṃ niyato niyatendriyaḥ Addressed thus, the great sage Viśvāmitra of great splendour then entered upon the consecration, self-restrained, his senses controlled. **1.28.20** kumārāv api tāṃ rātrim uṣitvā susamāhitau prabhātakāle cotthāya viśvāmitram avandatām The two princes too, having passed that night well composed, rose at daybreak and saluted Viśvāmitra.