Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.1591

c4.1591

7) Bali and Rāvaṇa. Once Rāvaṇa visited Bali who was under custody in Pātāla, and said to him, "I have come to save you from here. So get yourself free from the custody of Mahāviṣṇu, with my help." Hearing this, Bali asked Rāvaṇa to fetch the two earrings of Hiraṇyakaśipu, which were shining like blazing fire a little away from them. Rāvaṇa moved forward to take them. But he fell unconscious. Bali caused him to recover and said: "These earrings were worn by my great grandfather Hiraṇyakaśipu. How could you, who are not even capable of taking his earrings, save me from his slayer, Viṣṇu? Viṣṇu is Almighty and All-powerful and Supreme Lord of everything." Hearing this, Rāvaṇa was filled with shame and he returned. (Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Uttara Kāṇḍa, Prakṣipta Sarga).