The story of Vamana reveals how
Vishnu came down to earth in the
form of a dwarf.
There was a conceited King named
Bali that had built a huge empire.
He was the grandson of Pharlad
and was a famous demon. Many
feared that Bali would take over
the world and therefore prayed to
Vishnu for help.
Vishnu took the form of a dwarf,
named Vamana, and came to the
King asking for a gift. While Bali
was egotistical he was generous
and agreed to give Vamana whatever he asked for.
Vamana told Bali 'I want as much land as I can cover in three strides' according to Johnsen (2009, 184). It has been said that Bali thought to himself that the Dwarf was dumb because he would of given him several miles of land. Bali agreed to his request.
Vamana grew in size and took one
step and covered the entire earth.
He then took another step and
covered all of heaven. Vamana
looked down on the king and
asked him where he should
step next.
Bali understood that he was in the
presence of the Preserver of the
Universe and offered his own head
to Vamana. Vamana then placed
his foot and gave the king
immortality for his humility.
Vamana - The Dwarf
Johnsen (2009, 184) reveals that
the Rig Veda, the oldest
book of the four Vedas, states:
'Vinshu stode across the universe.
Three steps He took, and all the
worlds were just the dust raised
by His feet. In deepest meditation
the great souls look up to that lofty
place where Vishnu regins like an
eyes in heaven.'
Johnsen (2009, 185) further
argues that the moral of the story
is simple, Bali is the human ego
who must surrender to Vishnu, the Supreme Being. As he admits defeat, Vishnu rewards him.
The Onam festival is a celebration of welcoming King Mahabali home to his lost kingdom, as many Hindus believe that Vamana gave permission for King Mahabali to visit his people once a year. Throughout the celebrations, beautiful floral decorations are made in every house and boat races are held throughout Kerala. A twenty-one-course feast is the most important aspect of the Onam festival.
The youtube clip below, titled 'Dashavtar Illustrated Story - Vamana Avatar...The Dwarf Incarnation', is a great portayal of the story.
