King Bali was powerful and very generous; he never refused anyone who asked. One day a small boy named Vamana came and asked for just three steps of land, measured by his own little feet.
“Only three steps? Ask for more!” said Bali, smiling. But the boy insisted. As Bali agreed, the little boy suddenly grew vast: with one step he covered the earth, with the second the sky.
“Where shall I place my third step?” he asked. Humble Bali bowed his head and offered it. His honesty in keeping his promise made him beloved forever.