Vishnu, as Vamana measures the three worlds according to the gift obtained from Mahabali, the demon King, the grandson of Prahlada. Here, Brahma, on his mount of swans, washes the feet of Vishnu, which becomes the Ganga. This coincides, with the efforts of Bhagiratha to bring the Ganga to earth, to purify the souls of his ancestors. Siva is called upon to bear the fall of Ganga on the earth. Siva stands on the Himalayas to receive the Ganga.