[4] Vamana, the dwarf avatar of Vishnu, requests the asura king Mahabali for three steps of land.

Mahabali acceded to the request and as was the practice, took up the kamandalu to pour water to symbolically signify the donation to Vamana.

[8] In classical Vedic astrology or Jyotisha, Shukra is considered to be among the Navagrahas (Nine planets) that influence the pattern of life on earth.

According to classical astrological texts, a powerfully placed Shukra, aspected by benefic planets such as Jupiter, and in favourable signs and houses in the birth chart, ensures material well-being.

The classical shastras ordain that the best method to attain the blessings of Shukra is to respect the women in one’s life.

Shukravara is found in most Indian languages, and Shukra Graha is driven by the planet Venus in Hindu astrology.

Deifying planetary bodies and their astrological significance occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas.