The following paper shall form part of an on-going series that focuses specifically on the descriptions of the flat-Earth as it arises in the historical accounts (Puranas) of Sri-Krishna's lila-avatars (Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nrsingha, Vamana, etc). The Puranas (Vedic history) clearly describe that all of the Lord's pastimes take place on the great Earth-circle (Bhu-mandala), and not a supposed Earth globe that floats in space. There is, in fact, no mention in any of the Puranas of an 'Earth-globe' floating in space. The Puranas otherwise describe the Earth as a colossal circular disc that is held by Ananta-sesha. In this paper we shall discuss the extraordinary pastime of Sri Krishna's Appearance as Lord Vamana, and how He stepped over the Earth-circle, which is measured at fifty crores of yojanas [4 billion miles].
The Padma Purana narrates the pastime of Vamana requesting King Bali for three steps of land, as follows:
"Sankara said:Then with a delighted mind (Vishnu) spoke to the king. Vamana said: 0 best king, listen. I shall tell you the reason for my arrival. 0 lord of demons, 0 you who remove the pride (of others, or you who respect others), give me (that much piece of) land measured by my three steps, for an enclosed place for keeping the fire-vessel. I do not desire anything else. Of all gifts, the gift of (a piece of) land is the best. That king who gives even that much piece of land measured by his thumb, to a poor brahmana, would be the lord of the world. In this world there is no other gift like that (of a piece) of land. Both of them—he who receives (a piece of) land and he who gives (a piece of) land—are meritorious and, after death go to heaven. Therefore, 0 great king, give me that much piece of land measured by my three steps. 0 king, do not hesitate to give such a small (piece of) land. 0 king, that will indeed be (tantamount to) the gift of the three worlds.
Sankara said: Then the king, with his face delighted, said, "All right." He intended to make him the gift of land in the proper way. Seeing the king of demons, his priest, Usanas, said to him (these) words, "0 king, do not give him the land." Sukra said: 0 king, this is Vishnu, the highest lord, who was requested by the gods. He has come here to take the entire Earth after deceiving you. Therefore, land should not be given to the noble one. 0 king, by my word, give him some other object.
Sri Sankara said:Then having laughed the king firmly said to his preceptor: Bali said: To please Vishnu, I have done all meritorious acts. Today I am fortunate that Vishnu himself has come (to me). Today I shall very happily give (even) my life to him. Therefore, I shall give him even the three worlds.
Sri Sankara said: Speaking like this, the king devoutly washed his feet and first (offering him) water, gave him the land in the proper manner. Taking him round, and having saluted him he gave him wealth as a present. With his heart delighted, he again said to the brahmana: Bali said:0 brahmana, I am fortunate, I am blessed having given you land. 0 best brahmana, take this land as desired by you.
Sri Sankara said: To the king Vishnu said: "Near you, in your presence, I shall get the land measured with my steps." Saying so, the highest Lord abandoned his dwarfish form, and taking up the body of Vishnu, extending up to fifty crores of yojanas [4 biilion miles], He seized the Earth along with the seas and mountains, along with the oceans, islands, gods, demons and human beings. With one step of his body He crossed the entire Earth. Then he said: "0 best among the demon-kings, what do I do now?" It was the very powerful Trivikrama-form of the lord. It was good for the well-being of even the gods and the noble sages. It would not be possible even for Brahma or Siva to see it. 0 auspicious Girija, having occupied the entire Earth, that step became a hundred yojanas long. The ancient one gave the demon-king a divine sight. He showed him His Janardana-form. Seeing that universal form of the God, Bali, the lord of demons, got matchless joy, and was covered with tears of joy. Seeing the God, having saluted him, having praised him with eulogies, he, with his heart delighted, spoke in a faltering voice: Bali said: Seeing you, the highest God, I am fortunate, I am blessed. 0 highest lord , accept these three worlds.
Sri Sankara said: Then Vishnu, Acyuta, the Lord of all, spread up His other immutable foot along with stars and planets, and covering all gods, up to Brahma's world."
(Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda VI, chapter 240, verse 13-48, translated by DR. N.A. Despande)
With one step the Lord crossed the vast Earth-circle. With a second step He crossed the entire universe and pierced a hole in the top of the universe through which the Ganges River entered the material world. With His third step He placed His lotus foot on the head of King Maharaja and accepted the King's surrender. Despite modern-day depictions of Lord Vamana standing on top of an Earth globe, the Lord most assuredly crossed the Earth-circle (Bhu-mandala). In part two of this paper we shall look at some particulars of this history that confirm the Lord crossed the great Earth-circle and not a supposed Earth globe.
