ABSTRACT
Virocana, who ruled the whole world and had Venus as his vazir. On having heard from his mother that the time of his father had been much better than his time, since it was nearer the lcritayuga, when people enjoyed more profound bliss and did not know any fatigue, he became ambitious and desirous of vying with his father. Therefore he commenced doing works of piety, giving presents, distributing money, and performing sacrifices, which earn the rule of paradise and earth for him who finishes a hundred of them. When he was near this term, or had nearly finished the ninetyninth sacrifice, the angels began to feel uneasy and to fear for their dignity, knowing that the tribute which men bring them would cease if they stood no longer in need of them. Now they united and went to Narayal).a,asking him to help them. He granted their wish, and descended to the earth in the shape of Vamana, i.e. a man whose hands and feet are too short in COIUparison with his body, and in consequence his figure is thought to be hideous.
