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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 2: Chapter 7: Verses 18-25
The stories of the Lord's sportful descents
Dear Narada, to acquire sovereignty over the gods (the position of Indra)--this was not the object sought for by Bali, who placed on the crown of his head (as a token of reverence) the water in which the foot of the Lord (who had taken strides to measure the three worlds) had been washed, nay, who was not the least inclined to do anything other than that which he had solemnly undertaken (even though warned and cursed by his own preceptor, Sukracarya) but offered to Sri Hari his own body (to be measured as the third step) by placing his head at the Lord's feet. Immensely pleased with your highly developed devotion, O Narada, the Lord (appearing as the divine Hamsa) taught you the Yoga of Devotion as well as the divine wisdom, which is like a lamp to reveal the truth of the Spirit and which only men who have taken refuge in Lord Vasudeva can easily grasp. In the various Manvantaras the Lord (appearing as the Manu) preserves the race of the Manus and wields His authority over all the ten directions-an authority which is unobstructed like the discus of Lord Visnu (Sudarsana)-spreading by His exploits His charming glory up to the highest heaven, Satyaloka, which lies even beyond Maharloka, Janaloka and Tapoloka, and inflicting punishment (in the capacity of Manu) on the wicked kings (from time to time). And, descending into this worlds as Dhanvantari (a king of Kasi), who is glory itself, the Lord, on the very utterance of His name, immediately cures the diseases of men who suffer from numerous ailments. Nay, He won the rank of immortals and got a share in the sacrificial offerings.
[1] Again, it was He who taught (to the world) Ayurveda (the science of healthy and long life). When the Ksatriya race turns out to be the enemy (rather than the protector) of the Brahmanas and abandons the path of virtue, as if courting the tortures of hell, nay, when it becomes a veritable thorn in the side of the world and is exalted by Providence only for its destruction, the Supreme Spirit appears as Parasurama of tremendous prowess and exterminates it thrice seven times with His sharp-edged axe. Ever disposed to shower His grace on us (Brahma and the other gods), will the Lord of Maya take His descent in the line of lkswaku (as Sri Rama) along with His part manifestations (Bharata, Laksmana and Satrughna) and in obedience to the command of His father (king Dasaratha) go in exile to the forest, accompanied by His Spouse (Sita) and younger brother (Laksmana). There the ten-headed monster (Ravana) will make Him his enemy and come to grief. When Sri Rama (reaches the seashore), intent like Hara[2] (Lord Siva) upon burning His enemy's city, the whole host of alligators, serpents and crocodiles in the ocean will feel terribly oppressed by the very look of the Lord, whose eyes will turn crimson with wrath stirred by separation from His beloved Consort (Sita); and Ocean with his limbs all trembling due to fear will immediately allow Him a passage. (During Ravana's encounter with Indra in the course of his conquest of the four quarters) the tusks of the elephant (Airavata) bearing Indra on its back were smashed as they struck against Ravana's breast, painting the quarters white with (the clouds of) their dust. This made Ravana, the conqueror of all the quarters, laugh (in exultation). When, however, he carries off the Lord's Spouse (Sita) and stalks (with pride) between the two contending armies (on the battle-field of Lanka), the Lord will immediately put an end to his laughter (pride) as well as his life with the mere twang of His bow.
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