Shukra


The religious instructor (guru) of the sort of demons known as asuras in Hindu mythology.

Shukra is a well-known character who first appears in the Vamana avatar's story.

The Asura king Bali is making a significant sacrifice in this story.

Vishnu, in the appearance of a dwarf (vamana), approaches Bali and requests three paces of ground on which to construct a sacrifice altar.

Shukra senses a ruse and cautions Bali not to fall for it, but Bali disregards Shukra's warning.

The dwarf gets enormously gigantic as soon as Bali gives the gift.

Vishnu measures the cosmos with his first two steps then drives Bali into the underworld, where he is permitted to rule as king, with his third stride.