Bamana Avatar

Everyone knows about the killing of Hiranyakashipu. But do you know the true story of Prahlad's grandson, the demon king Mahabali?

Despite being a demon, why?

To this day, millions of people worship King Bali.

Why does King Bali, despite being the son of devotee Prahlad, attack the gods, and how does he conquer all three worlds?

Why did Lord Vishnu, in the form of Vamana, ask for only three steps of land?

Why is King Bali calling the world's greatest donor?

Today, we will learn about this amazing saying of the great king Mahabali and Lord Vishnu's fifth incarnation, Vamana. In the beginning, there was only nothingness, and from that nothingness arose creation. Time, direction, sky, and earth were born. This was the origin of the universe. Every living being was born from the earth's lap, and with this began the era of gods and demons. Rishi Kashyap, Brahma's son, from whose lineage the story of gods and demons began. Rishi Kashyap had two wives: one was Aditi, and the other was Diti.

In Aditi, the gods symbolized religion and light. From Diti were born demons, incarnations of Baal and vengeance. From this one lineage, gods and demons emerged, two opposing currents that shaped the story of the universe. Aditi, the mother of the gods, was born to Indra, Varuna, Agni, and countless other gods who were committed to light, truth, and religion. They held the balance of the universe in their hands, and their resolve was the protection of the world. Diti, the mother of demons, and their children became embodiments of power and strength. Born of Diti, two demon brothers, Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, drowned the earth in the ocean. Lord Vishnu, in the form of Varaha, slew him. The death of his brother filled Hiranyakashipu with vengeance. He declared himself God, but he was born in his own home, the great devotee Prahlad. The supreme worshipper of Vishnu, even amidst every torture and suffering, the words "Narayan Narayan" continued to echo on his sacred lips.

When oppression reached its peak, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha. After the end of Hiranyakashipu, the throne of the demons passed to his son, the great devotee Prahlad. Thus, for the first time, a king from the Asura clan became a symbol of devotion, dharma, and faith in Vishnu. Later, the great devotee Prahlad established peace between the Asuras and the gods. He broke the tradition of war and enmity and made devotion and dharma the foundation. Asuras and gods were no longer enemies but companions of dharma, establishing peace in the universe. Time moved on. Devotee Prahlad had now grown old. His mother's last wish was to see her grandson ascend the throne. Her only wish was that the Asura clan remain steadfast on the path of dharma and devotion. Prahlad resolved to fulfill his mother's wish. Her son, Virochana, was married to Vishalakshi, a noble and radiant girl. This dispute was a significant chapter in the history of the Asura clan. Vedic mantras echoed in the pavilion. The rituals were performed with fire as a witness. Vishalakshi's absence instilled a new aura and dignity in the Asura clan. On this auspicious occasion, Prahlad declared his son the crown prince. After the marriage, Prahlad handed over the reins of the kingdom to Virochana, and he himself embraced renunciation. He renounced his kingship and immersed himself in penance and devotion. A new dawn dawned in the Asura clan. A child was about to be born to Virochana and his wife, Vishalakshi. A child whose arrival brought hope to the entire clan. That divine moment arrived on the auspicious date of Magh Shukla Dwadashi, during the auspicious time, when the stars were at their highest position. Astrologers said this coincidence signaled the birth of a long-lived and radiant emperor. And then, in that sacred moment, a radiant child was born. His face was as bright as the moon. Compassion and courage shone in his eyes, and his entire body radiated a supernatural radiance. A wave of joy swept through the Asura clan. Drums resounded. Vedic mantras began to be chanted. At that sacred moment of the birth celebration, Emperor Virochana respectfully summoned his guru, Shukracharya. He humbly requested, "Gurudev, please bless my son with your blessings." Shukracharya stepped forward and lifted the newborn in his lap. Deeply absorbed in meditation, he gazed deeply and blessed him. "This child will become the pride of the Asura clan. This is no ordinary soul. He will rule over the three worlds." The flow of time was moving forward. Meanwhile, the wise Shukracharya, through his meditation and astrological practice, discerned a virtuous sign. It became clear to him that Virochana's lifeline was thin, and the grave shadow of premature death loomed over him.

A divine crisis is about to befall your life." There is only one way to escape this. You must go to the lap of the Himalayas and perform rigorous penance for 10 years. Only then will it protect you from death. After Shukracharya's warning, Virochana began preparing to depart for the Himalayas. His heart was filled with uncertainty about the future. Emperor Virochana went to the caves of the Himalayas. Amidst bitter cold, fierce winds, and ice cliffs, he performed severe penance for years. For 10 years, he stood motionless, caring neither for hunger nor sleep. Finally, pleased with his penance, the Sun God appeared. His radiance illuminated the entire Himalayas. The Sun God said, "Virochan, your patience... and since then I have been pleased." He bestowed a divine crown made from his radiance and blessed him, "As long as this crown remains on your head, no one will be able to defeat you." On the way, a Brahmin disguised as a sage appeared before Virochana. He humbly offered water. Virochana was a religious man; he drank the water without any doubt. In a moment, his consciousness wavered, and he fell on the ground. As soon as the disguise of the sage was broken, his true form was revealed. He was Indra himself. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he snatched Virochana's divine crown. After some time, Virochana regained consciousness. He saw Indra standing in front of him and said in a calm voice, "Indra?" I have to reach the gathering of my son Bali. Indra laughed and said while arguing. Virochana, if you have the strength, then fight. Virochana accepted the challenge to protect Dharma and truth. But without the crown, his strength had weakened. Indra attacked with both deceit and force, and Virochana fell on the ground. But Indra's cruelty did not end here. He immediately burnt Virochana's body. So that Shukracharya does not bring him back to life with his Sanjeevani Vidya. The girl's heart burned on hearing the news of her father's death. He said in a thunderous voice, "Indra, you killed my father by deceit. Now I will punish you too. No power in this universe will be able to save you." Hearing his vow, the assembly of demons trembled. He set out alone toward the battlefield, and his steps shook the earth. Indra was waiting at the gates of heaven. He said with a smile, "Son of Virochana, even your father could not stand against me. On what strength are you standing?" Bhali replied, "His death has not given me strength. Today, you too will meet your end." The battle began. Thunder rumbled in the sky, and the earth trembled with the blow of Bali's mace. Indra hurled a thunderbolt, and Bali answered with a fire arrow. When the thunderbolt and fire arrow collided, it was as if the sun and lightning had met. The battle was so fierce that both the gods and the demons were astonished. But experience and deceit? Gradually, the wounds on Bali's body deepened. Finally, Indra struck him with his thunderbolt, throwing him to the ground. His body was near death. Indra roared, "This will be your end. Like your father. I will burn you to ashes in fire." He was about to destroy Bali's body when the sound of a conch shell echoed from the sky. A divine aura spread, and Lord Vishnu himself appeared. His voice echoed like thunder in all directions. Indra?

My dear devotee, Kanvad?

You have done this by deceit. Is this your strength? Attacking the innocent?

You think that greatness is achieved through enjoyment and sacrifice. But know this: greatness is achieved only through righteousness and truth. From today, I sever all ties with you and the gods. For if even the gods begin to engage in deceit and injustice, then what difference will remain between demons and gods?

The Asura capital was plunged into mourning. The lifeless body of the young prince lay in the palace courtyard. Mothers wept. The warriors stood silently, the queen's lamentation piercing the atmosphere. Then came the wise Shukracharya. He said in a thunderous voice, "No. This child will not accept the bond of death." Vedic mantras resonated. The fire was lit, and its power touched Bali. In a moment, his breath returned. His eyes shone with brilliance and he stood up. The entire assembly resounded with cheers. This was not just a gift of life; it was the rebirth of a good man. His personality grew more radiant with the years. Emperor Mahabali proved to be unparalleled in the art of war. Mace, bow, sword, and scriptures were all at his disposal. But his greatest hallmark was not valor, but devotion and charity. Wherever Emperor Mahabali sat, an aura of righteousness and justice permeated his door. No beggar returned empty-handed. His generosity was so extraordinary that Goddess Lakshmi herself was pleased with him. When the wise Guru Shukracharya saw that Emperor Mahabali's brilliance and power were increasing day by day, he performed a divine yajna. From the echo of Vedic mantras and the fire, an invincible chariot appeared, adorned with gold and gems, now adorned with royal armor, the roar of its wheels shaking the heavens. "Sitting on this chariot, no enemy will be able to defeat you." When Emperor Mahabali mounted that divine chariot, it was as if all three worlds bowed to his resolve. He ascended to heaven with his united army. Battle broke out, the assembly of gods trembled, and Indra resisted with his thunderbolt. Indra was defeated, and the throne of heaven now rested at the feet of the demon emperor. Mahabali achieved an unbeatable victory. He now became the emperor of the three worlds. His greatest strength was his generosity and love for justice. His empire became a symbol of righteousness, devotion, and dedication. It is said that Emperor Mahabali was known as the King of Farmers. Under his rule, no one went hungry, no one was a victim of injustice. This compassion and generosity of Mahabali made him greater than even the gods. Devdas was wandering aimlessly. He could find no shelter. There was no one left to listen to his prayers. Seeing this humiliation and helplessness, the heart of the Mother Goddess, Aditi, was filled with anguish. She engaged in meditation and meditated on Lord Vishnu. With tears in her eyes and compassion in her voice, she prayed, "Lord, you once promised me that when the time comes, you will incarnate as my son. That time has now come. Sanctify my lap and, incarnate as my son, save the gods." At Aditya's request, Lord Vishnu himself appeared from the Vaikuntha text and said, "Goddess, your meditation has been successful." Now I will be born from your womb and, incarnated as Vamana, will protect dharma and balance. And in the ashram of Rashi Kashyap, Lord Vishnu was born from Aditi's womb. The child was extremely radiant, his eyes shone with divinity, and his face shone with innocence. The entire atmosphere resounded with auspicious omens. The gods, delighted, hailed him. "Vaman, the incarnation of Vishnu," Obama named him. The child, dwarfish but endowed with brilliance and power, was ignited. His birth ignited a flame of hope in the hearts of the gods. The time had come to test Mahabali's generosity, and the Vamana incarnation would restore balance to the universe. The passage of time continued. The plight of the gods had become even more pitiable. The splendor of heaven was under the control of demons, and the gods were wandering in all directions. Their anxiety grew daily. Meanwhile, the empire of Mahabali, the king of opportunities, grew even more powerful. His fame was not limited to the earth alone but resonated throughout the three worlds. The stories of his generosity, devotion, and piety spread far and wide. The emperor resolved to perform 100 Ashwamedha sacrifices. These sacrifices would make his kingdom firm and stable, and prove that true empires flourish only through charity and righteousness. Time passed, and one by one, 99 sacrifices were completed. Now the day of the final sacrifice arrived. A huge fire pit was lit in the center of the sacrificial hall. Flames of offerings rose from it, as if the god of fire himself had come to accept the sacrifice. Vedic mantras echoed all around, sanctifying the entire sky with their sounds. At that very moment, a divine Brahmin boy arrived at the sacrificial hall's entrance. Short in stature, but with a striking radiance on his face, divinity in his eyes, and sweetness in his voice. His radiance sanctified the entire atmosphere. Emperor Mahabali respectfully said, "Akshay Kumar, I will give you whatever you desire. Gold, silver, gems, elephants, horses, cities, and villages." Even my kingdom is yours, Rajan, I don't want any of these. Silence fell over the assembly. Mahabali looked at them with surprise and said in a serious tone. Krishi Kumar, this is the rule of my yagya. I never sent any beggar back empty-handed. If you don't ask for anything, it will be an insult to my yagya. Please tell me. What do you want?

Then Vamana looked up. The secret of the universe shone in his eyes. He said, "King?

Whatever I am about to ask, first promise that you will grant it." Mahabali replied with folded hands, "Rishikumar?

This is my vow. Whatever you ask, I will certainly grant it. This is Lord Vishnu himself, standing before you on behalf of the gods. If you surrender, everything will be taken away from him." The assembly was stunned. But the emperor's face remained calm and serious. He looked respectfully at his guru and said, "Thursday?

If this is Vishnu himself, then this is even more fortunate for me. The same God for whom people perform severe penance, perform yagnas and rituals, has come to my yagna today as a beggar. Can there be any greater honor for me than this?" "I will never break my weight," Shukracharya was enraged. But the emperor's unwavering devotion and generosity remained unshaken. Mahabali proudly declared, "Akshay Kumar! I will give you whatever you ask for. This is my firm resolve." Then Vamana said sweetly, "Your Majesty, I only want enough land to cover my three steps." Mahabali laughed. "Oh Brahmin, you could have asked for something greater? Gold, silver, a chariot, but you are asking for only three steps of land. I promise I will offer you three steps of land." He offered water with his lotus hands and fulfilled his pledge. As soon as the pledge was fulfilled, the sacrificial hall suddenly trembled. The sound of Vedic mantras grew louder. The flames of the fire pit began to touch the sky; it was the gigantic form of Vishnu himself, whose rise illuminated the universe. The gods were stunned, the demons trembled in awe. The sages and saints bowed at his feet with every word. At that moment, the entire universe seemed to call out in one voice. This is the protector of dharma, the ruler of the universe. In one step, he measured the entire earth. In his second step, the entire sky was covered with his footprints. Now, there was no space left for the third step. In a thunderous voice, the Lord said, "King?

Now tell me, where should I place my third step?"

A deep silence fell over the sacrificial altar. The gods' gaze was stunned, trembling with fear. But Emperor Mahabali's face remained calm. He stepped forward, bowed humbly, and said, "Lord, you have encompassed the earth and sky in your two steps?

Now, there is only one place for the third step. My head. Fulfill my promise. I surrender my life, my ego, everything at your feet." Every soul present witnessed that an Asura emperor had sacrificed his life to protect his promise and donation before the Lord himself. This wasn't just a donation. It was the pinnacle of devotion and dedication. Lord Vamana graciously accepted his surrender. He made Mahabali the ruler of the underworld. But this wasn't defeat, but a moment of eternal glory. "May you be remembered for ages, and I myself will be the gatekeeper at your door." But Mahabali's memory lives on. It is said that when Lord Vamana appointed him the ruler of the underworld, Mahabali prayed, "Lord, please grant me the opportunity to meet your people." Lord Vishnu promised, "You will have the right to meet your people every year." And that day is celebrated today as the Onam festival. This festival is celebrated in Kerala and across India in Mahabali's memory. It is believed that Mahabali comes to earth to meet his people on that day. People believe that Emperor Mahabali himself comes to see that his people are happy and prosperous. This was the divine story of Emperor Mahabali and Lord Vamana.