Shukracharya was the son of Sage Bhrigu and he was also the guru and priest of the Demons or Asuras. Shukracharya was blind in one eye. He had lost his one eye to Vamana the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There is an interesting story which explains how Shukra Acharya lost his one eye in the Puranas. When Lord Vishnu appeared as Lord Vamana in the yajna or the sacrifice ground of King Bali, Shukracharya sensed an impending danger. Shukracharya warned King Bali that this dwarf was no ordinary human being but it was Sri Hari Vishnu in disguise. But King Bali was pleased to make any offering that the little Vamana asked. He said to King Bali that what more can I achieve when God Sri Hari Vishnu is standing before me and asking for Dhana (gift). King Bali readily agreed to give the three steps of land that was asked by Vamana. Now it was the duty of the head priest (Shukracharya) to read the mantras and pour water from the vessel to ratify the dhana.