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.
