In this detailed article, we shall see the story of Vāmana and Mahābali as presented in the Bhagavata Purana and Vamana Purana, offering a more detailed and immersive retelling of the narrative.
The tale of Vāmana and Mahābali is one of the most iconic episodes in Indian mythology, encapsulating themes of devotion, dharma (righteousness), and the mysterious workings of divine will. This story, found in both the Bhagavata Purana (Skanda 8) and the Vāmana Purana, narrates the rise and fall of the asura king Bali, whose greatness attracted the attention of the gods and led to an extraordinary encounter with Lord Vishnu in his Vāmana (dwarf) avatara.
The Genealogy of Mahābali
To understand Mahābali's significance, it is essential to trace his lineage, which is deeply rooted in the clan of the Daityas (demons or asuras). The Daityas were born from Diti, one of the wives of the great sage Kaśyapa Prajāpati, son of Marīci and grandson of Brahmā. Diti’s children were powerful beings, known for their valor and might. Among these Daityas, several are notorious in Hindu mythology, including Hiraṇyākṣa, Hiraṇyakaśipu, Śūrapadmā, Siṃhavaktra, Tārakāsura, and Gomukha. Two of their sisters, Siṃhikā and Ajamukhī, were equally infamous.
The lineage continues through Hiraṇyakaśipu, the infamous tyrant who met his end at the hands of Narasimha, an earlier incarnation of Vishnu. Hiraṇyakaśipu had four sons: Prahlāda, Saṃhrāda, Hrāda, and Anuhrāda. Among these, Prahlāda became widely celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, even in the face of his father’s cruelty.
Virocana, the son of Prahlāda, inherited his father’s wisdom but was less well-known for his exploits. Virocana’s son, however, was none other than the mighty Mahābali, also known simply as Bali. Mahābali was destined to surpass all his forefathers in power, fame, and greatness. His son, Bāṇa, gave rise to the formidable race of asuras known as the Nivātakavacas, a group of 400 million warriors who lived in the netherworlds.
The Churning of the Ocean and Bali’s Role
Bali’s early prominence is closely tied to the legendary churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthana, a cosmic event undertaken by the devas (gods) and asuras to recover lost treasures, including the nectar of immortality, Amṛta. Mahābali once stole the wealth of Indra, the king of the devas, and as he was carrying it home, it fell into the ocean. This wealth was lost until Mahāviṣṇu ordered the devas to churn the ocean and retrieve it.
However, the churning of the ocean was a task that could not be accomplished without the help of the asuras, and Mahābali was key to their success. Though the devas’ pretext was to recover the lost wealth, their real aim was to obtain the celestial nectar, Amṛta, which could make them immortal. The asuras, with their knowledge of Mṛtasañjīvanī (a life-restoring remedy), had an advantage over the devas in battle, as they could revive their dead. The devas, lacking this ability, sought the nectar of immortality to level the playing field.
With Mahābali’s cooperation, the devas and asuras used Mount Mandara as a churning rod and the serpent Vāsuki as a rope. They churned the ocean, and many treasures emerged, including the nectar of immortality, which sparked a fierce battle between the devas and asuras.
Mahābali’s Ascendancy and His War with Indra
Though the devas initially retrieved the nectar, the ensuing war between the two sides led to Mahābali’s temporary defeat. However, his teacher and mentor, Śukrācārya, the great sage of the asuras, revived Mahābali using sacred herbs and anointed him as Indra, the king of heaven, a title traditionally reserved for the leader of the devas.
Once revived, Bali performed the powerful Viśvajit yāga (conqueror of the world), which greatly pleased Yajñadeva (the god of sacrifice). In recognition of his sacrifice, Yajñadeva gifted Mahābali a divine chariot, a golden bow, quivers that never emptied, and a formidable suit of armor. Bali’s grandfather Prahlāda also presented him with a garland that would never fade, while Śukrācārya gifted him a divine conch. Even Brahmā acknowledged Bali’s greatness, bestowing upon him a garland.
Armed with these divine gifts, Mahābali waged a monumental war against the devas. With Śukrācārya’s guidance, he succeeded in defeating Indra and took control of the three worlds—heaven, earth, and the netherworlds.
Mahābali’s Rule and the Curse of Prahlāda
As king of heaven, Mahābali ruled righteously, with guidance from his grandfather, Prahlāda, who emphasized the importance of dharma (righteous conduct). Prahlāda advised Bali to rule with virtue, noting that "only virtue will always win." Under Bali’s reign, the three worlds flourished, and everyone—save for the devas and Brāhmaṇas—was happy. However, the devas, deprived of their rightful privileges, sought Lord Vishnu’s help.
Vishnu, recognizing Mahābali’s devotion but also aware of the devas' plight, promised them that he would restore their position in heaven. Meanwhile, Mahābali began to notice signs of decline in his empire. His people and kingdom were slowly weakening. Concerned, he approached his grandfather, Prahlāda, who revealed that Vishnu was preparing to incarnate as Vāmana, a dwarf Brahmin, to end Mahābali’s rule. Despite this warning, Mahābali, confident in his asuras’ strength, dismissed the threat. In his arrogance, he spoke ill of Vishnu, prompting Prahlāda to curse him, predicting the downfall of his kingdom.
Vāmana’s Incarnation
As foretold, Aditi, the mother of the devas, approached her husband, Kaśyapa Prajāpati, with sorrow over her sons’ fate. Following her husband's advice, Aditi performed the Payovrata, a twelve-day fast to invoke Lord Vishnu’s blessings. At the end of her penance, Vishnu appeared before Aditi and granted her wish: he would incarnate as her son to restore the devas’ lost kingdom.
Soon, Aditi became pregnant, and on the twelfth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhādrapada, during the auspicious Abhijit moment under the star Śrāvaṇa, Vāmana was born. The infant had four arms, but as Aditi and Kaśyapa watched in wonder, he transformed into a dwarf Brahmin boy, ready to fulfill his divine mission.
Aditi and Kaśyapa watched in awe as their divine child began to change his appearance. The infant, who initially appeared in his supreme form with four arms, soon transformed into the figure of a dwarfish Brahmin boy, the form he would later be known for as Vāmana.
The Divine Gifts and Blessings
The devas, hearing of the birth of Vāmana, gathered to offer their blessings and gifts to the child. Each of the gods presented Vāmana with sacred items that symbolized their respect and devotion.
The Sun god taught Vāmana the Sāvitrīmantra, a powerful Vedic incantation.
Bṛhaspati, the divine priest, gifted him the sacred Brahmastring (yajñopavīta).
Kaśyapa, his father, tied the sacred thread worn around the waist.
The earth provided him with the hide of a black antelope as a seat.
Soma, the god of plants and vegetation, offered him a rod.
Aditi, his mother, gave him a cloth to cover his privities.
The sky, vast and protective, offered an umbrella.
The seven sages, or Saptarishis, presented Vāmana with Kuśa-grass, an essential item for Vedic rituals.
Brahmā, the creator, provided him with a water pot (kamaṇḍalu).
Sarasvatī, the goddess of knowledge, gifted a rosary.
Kubera, the god of wealth, presented a pot filled with riches.
Mahābali's Rule and the Sacrifice
While these divine events were unfolding, Mahābali, the powerful asura king, had gained control over the three worlds — the heavens, the earth, and the netherworld (Pātāla). Under his reign, the asuras flourished, and he became known for his strength, valor, and generosity. In a bid to further solidify his power, Mahābali decided to perform a grand horse-sacrifice (aśvamedha yajña) on the northern banks of the river Narmadā at a place called Bhṛgukacchaka.
This sacrifice, conducted under the supervision of a Bhārgava Brahmin, aimed to enhance Mahābali’s influence across the three worlds. As news of this yajña spread, it reached the ears of Vāmana, who decided that the time had come to fulfill the promise he had made to Aditi.
Vāmana's Approach to the Sacrifice
Vāmana, with his umbrella, rod, and water pot, set out for the sacrificial site. As he approached, the priests conducting the rites noticed his arrival and were struck by his radiant appearance. Some wondered if he was the Sun god himself, while others speculated that he might be Sanatkumāra or Agni in disguise. Nonetheless, Vāmana, with his calm and humble demeanor, slowly made his way into the sacrificial hall.
Mahābali, ever the gracious host, welcomed the Brahmin boy with great respect and inquired about the purpose of his visit. Vāmana, in his simple yet profound manner, responded, "O King, your words are sweet and kind. Noble asura, all I seek is three feet of ground, measured by my own feet."
Mahābali's Dilemma and Śukra’s Warning
Mahābali, known for his generosity, readily agreed to Vāmana’s humble request. However, his teacher-priest Śukra, who had a deep knowledge of the divine, sensed something unusual about the boy. Suspecting that Vāmana was none other than Mahāviṣṇu in disguise, Śukra privately warned Mahābali against fulfilling the promise.
But Mahābali, bound by his word and the code of honor, refused to go back on his promise. Despite Śukra’s warnings and even a curse from the priest, Mahābali remained steadfast. He instructed his queen, Vindhyāvalī, to bring a golden pot filled with water, and together, they poured the water, symbolizing the grant of the land Vāmana had asked for.
Vāmana’s Transformation and Mahābali’s Downfall
As soon as the water was poured, Vāmana’s form began to expand, growing beyond imagination. Vāmana's transformation was astonishing. His small, humble form as a dwarfish Brahmin boy began to swell, growing into an enormous, cosmic figure that defied all comprehension. His body expanded until it seemed to encompass the entirety of creation. As Mahābali and those assembled at the yajña watched in awe, they saw the entire universe reflected in Vāmana’s colossal form.
The Cosmic Form of Vāmana
In this magnificent, transcendent form, Vāmana revealed the interconnectedness of all existence. Mahābali beheld the grand spectacle, seeing the various elements and beings of the universe manifesting across Vāmana's gigantic body:
The earth itself was at his feet.
Majestic mountains lay beneath his knees, while birds perched upon them.
The Maruts, the storm gods, rested on his thighs.
The evening was draped across his clothing.
The Prajāpatis, the progenitors of all beings, were located at his privities.
The powerful and noble asuras, Mahābali’s kin, sat upon his loins.
The sky stretched across his navel, while the oceans rested upon his vast stomach.
The principle of Dharma (righteousness) resided in his heart.
Righteousness and truth glistened upon his breasts.
Mahālakṣmī, the goddess of fortune and prosperity, stood at his chest, holding a lotus.
From his neck flowed the celestial sounds of Sāman, along with all other voices of the cosmos.
The devas, led by Indra, were on his mighty arms.
The cardinal directions and the space between them rested in his ears.
The ether expanded from his head, while the clouds swirled in his hair.
His breath was the movement of life itself, with the sun blazing forth from his eyes.
Fire emanated from his face, and the sacred Vedas flowed from his words.
Varuṇa, the god of water, rested upon his tongue.
The cycle of day and night was seen in his blinking eyes, with anger flashing across his forehead.
The force of desire resided in his touch, while water shimmered in his radiant aura.
Sacrifice, the very act of yajña that Mahābali was performing, lay in his footsteps.
Death lingered in the shadows of his form, and illusion danced in his laughter.
Medicines, the herbs and plants of healing, flourished in his hair.
Rivers coursed through his veins, and stones glimmered upon his nails.
Brahmā, the creator, sat within his intelligence, while the hermits and devas were sustained by his life-breath.
This cosmic form, filled with the vastness of creation, left Mahābali and all those present in a state of awe and reverence. Every aspect of the universe, from the highest heavens to the deepest realms, was encompassed within Vāmana’s divine body.
Vāmana’s First and Second Steps
With his first step, Vāmana easily covered the entire earth, which had been under Mahābali’s control. In an instant, the lands, oceans, and all that existed within the earthly realm were measured and claimed by the mighty foot of the divine incarnation.
With his second step, Vāmana reached beyond the earth, extending his foot into the higher realms of the universe. His foot traversed the vast expanses of the sky and measured Maharloka, Janaloka, and Tapoloka — three of the highest realms of existence. These planes, filled with sages and celestial beings, were encompassed by the growing form of Vāmana.
Now, only one step remained, as Mahābali had promised Vāmana three feet of land. However, there was no space left in the universe for Vāmana to place his third step. The earth and the heavens had already been covered by his two strides.
Mahābali’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Vāmana, having measured the earth with his first step and the heavens with his second, turned to Mahābali and addressed him: "You have promised me three feet of ground. I have measured two with my feet. Now, show me where I should place my third step. If you cannot fulfill your promise, it would be better for you to go down to Pātāla (the netherworld)."
Mahābali, true to his nature as a just and noble king, stood before the towering Vāmana, resolute in his commitment to keep his word. Although he had been cursed by his teacher Śukra and had seen his entire empire claimed by Vāmana, Mahābali remained unshaken in his dedication to truth. Bowing humbly before the cosmic form of the Lord, Mahābali said, "O Lord, place your third step on my head. I offer it willingly as the final piece of ground for your step."
This act of supreme humility and sacrifice cemented Mahābali's legacy as a ruler who, despite his asura lineage, embodied dharma and truthfulness. In offering his own head to fulfill his promise, Mahābali demonstrated the highest virtues of surrender and selflessness.
Vāmana’s Blessing and Mahābali’s Reign in Pātāla
Vāmana, now revealed in his true identity as Mahāviṣṇu, placed his foot gently upon Mahābali’s head. With this act, he pushed Mahābali down to Pātāla, the netherworld, completing the third step as promised.
Bali humbly accepts his fall from power as a blessing, drawing parallels to his revered grandfather Prahlāda, who, despite facing extreme hardship and persecution from his father Hiraṇyakaśipu, remained devoted to Lord Viṣṇu. Bali expresses gratitude for being in the presence of the Lord and realizing the transitory nature of wealth and life.
As Prahlāda arrives and offers obeisance to Vāmana, he reinforces Bali’s view, noting that losing wealth is a form of divine grace. Even learned and self-controlled individuals are susceptible to the delusions caused by wealth, but Lord Nārāyaṇa, by taking away these material attachments, grants liberation from worldly bonds.
Lord Viṣṇu praises Bali for his unwavering truthfulness and dedication to dharma, despite losing his wealth, kingdom, and facing various humiliations. The Lord promises that Bali will eventually attain the position of Indra during the Sāvarṇi Manvantara, a future epoch. Until then, Bali is granted rulership over the realm of Sutala, a paradise free from suffering, constructed by Viśvakarman. Lord Viṣṇu assures Bali that he, along with his family and followers, will be protected and reside peacefully in Sutala, with even the gods unable to challenge his authority.
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