Vamana Avatara (वामनावतारः)

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Once in a battle between the celestials and the demons, the celestials were defeated by the demon Bali Raja, the son of Virochana and grandson of Prahlada. As they were driven away from Svarga, devas sought refuge in Hari. At that very moment, Hari was being praised by Sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi, the mother of the devas. Therefore, Hari became their son Vamana who was dwarf. He then went to the Yajna being performed by Bali and recited the Vedas at his royal gate. Having heard the Vedic chanting, Raja Bali, in spite of being forbidden by Shukracharya (the preceptor of demons), said to Vamana, “Whatever you desire, I shall give you”. And Vamana asked for ‘three feet of space’. Once dana (दानम्) was agreed upon and water was poured on the hands of Vamana signifying the grant of his request, Vamana grew huge and measured the Earth, Netherworld and Svarga with his three strides. He then sent Raja Bali to Sutala and gave the worlds to Indra.

This story is taken from the Agni Purana (Chapter 4).

The story of Vamana Avatara also occurs in Kanva Shatapatha Brahmana (Vol.2), Haviryajnanakanda, Chapter 2, Brahmana 3 (Pg.no.48)

The story of Vamana Avatara further occurs in Matsya Purana, Chapters 244-246.

The story of Vamana Avatara also occurs in Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 8, Chapter 15-23

Reference to Vamana Avatara occurs in the Mahabharata, Matsya Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana (Reva Khanda), Garuda Purana, Kurma Purana, Ramayana, Agni Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Kalika Purana.

The fifth avatara in the ten main avataras of Mahāviṣṇu.

Family: The names, Aśanā and koṭarā also are used in the Purāṇas for vindhyāvalī the wife of mahābali. (Puranic Encyclopedia) Son of Aditi and कश्यप: wife was कीर्ती and son बृहत्श्लोक: (Purana Index)

Birth: Born on the Vijaya द्वादशि of भाद्रपद (bright) fortnight under the star श्रवण at the अभिजित् hour. After manifesting his true form to ब्रह्मा and Aditi, he changed it to a ब्राह्मण Brahmaca1rin. At his initiation ceremony all the gods were present and gave him presents; Template:F2: भा. VIII. १३. 6; X. 3. ४२; VI. १८. 8-9; VIII. १८. 5-१७.Template:/F (Purana Index)

Two stories about the Vamana avatara occur in the Purāṇas. In one story Mahāviṣṇu takes the avatara of vāmana to thrust mahābali, an asura, down to the netherworld while in the other story the place of mahābali is given to another asura called dhundhu.

The story of Mahabali: The devas such as indra and the others were born to prajāpati kaśyapa by his wife aditi and the asuras (demons) such as mahābali and others, by his wife diti. The Daityas began to harm and harass the devas to a great extent. Once aditi, the mother of the devas, complained to kaśyapa about this. He advised her to take the fast called ‘Payovrata’ fixing the image of Mahāviṣṇu in her heart and that he will take birth through her as vāmana and destroy mahābali. According to the advice of her husband, aditi began to take Payovrata, at the end of which Mahāviṣṇu appeared before her and asked her what her wish was. She told viṣṇu, of her grievances and viṣṇu consoled her and said “You have invoked me by your prayer and fast for the safety of your sons. So I will enter your womb through the penance of kaśyapa and take birth as your son and rescue your sons.”

Mahāviṣṇu disappeared. aditi worshipped her husband with devotion. By contemplation kaśyapa knew everything. He infused the energy he had acquired by penance into aditi, who gave birth to a son. The birth took place on the twelfth day of the month of Bhādrapada, in the bright lunar fortnight at the auspicious moment called Abhijit, in the star of śrāvaṇa. The infant had four hands. While kaśyapa and aditi were looking on, the infant changed its form and became a dwarfish Brahmin boy. The devas brought presents to the child. The Sun taught him the spell called Sāvitrīmantra. bṛhaspati gave the Brahmastring. kaśyapa gave the string worn round the waist. The earth gave the hide of a black antelope. soma the vanaspati gave a rod; aditi gave cloth, the sky an umbrella, the seven hermits gave kuśa-grass, brahmā gave a waterpot, sarasvatī gave a rosary and kubera gave a pot.

At that time, the powerful mahābali had brought the three worlds of heaven, earth and pātāla (the netherworld) under his control. That raja performed a ashvamedha yajna with the help of a bhārgava Brahmana. Hearing about it vāmana started for the place of yajna. mahābali was performing the yajna at a place called Bhṛgukacchaka on the North bank of river narmadā. The priests who were performing the rites and ceremonies of the sacrifice saw vāmana coming slowly to the sacrificial hall. They wondered whether it was the Sun, sanatkumāra or agni (Fire) coming to see the sacrifice. While they were standing thus, vāmana with his umbrella, rod and water pot filled with water entered the yajna shala. mahābali welcomed vāmana and asked him the purpose of his visit. vāmana said “Oh raja! Your words are sweet. Noble Asura! give me three feet of ground which I measure with my feet. That is all what I want.”

mahābali agreed. The teacher-priest śukra felt some doubts regarding the identity of vāmana. So he secretly told mahābali that the boy vāmana was none other than Mahāviṣṇu and as such, he should not give any promise. But mahābali had already given the promise. He refused to go back upon his words. The priest śukra got angry at this and cursed mahābali thus. “You boast that you are wise and learned. But you are disobedient, slow-witted and unwise. So all your prosperities will be destroyed.”

Though he was cursed, he did not deviate from the path of truth. He gave the promised ground to vāmana by pouring water with the water brought in golden pot by his queen vindhyāvalī. She came out for the purpose wearing golden ornaments. mahābali himself washed the feet of vāmana, who instantly began to grow and became large beyond imagination. Everybody on the spot was amazed at the unimaginable bigness of vāmana. On that huge figure, mahābali saw the priest, the performers of yajna, the yajna shala, the universe, the elements, the qualities the senses, the mind, the individual spirits, and at the feet of the figure the world rasātala. He saw the earth on its feet, mountains below the knees, birds on its knees, the maruts on its thighs, evening on its clothes, and so on. vāmana had trodden on the whole of the earth, which was completely under the control of mahābali, with one foot, filled the whole of the sky with his large body and the four points were filled with his hands. The second step was put on maharloka, janaloka and tapoloka (three worlds). No spot was left in the universe for a third step.

vāmana said:--“You have given me three feet of ground. I have measured two feet of ground. Show me the place to measure the third step. I have measured the earth with one step and the heaven with the second step. You have seen it. If you cannot keep your promise you had better go down to pātāla.” bali requested him to place the third step on his head. vāmana placed his foot on the head of mahābali and thrust him down to pātāla.

vāmana brought indra to the spot and anointed him as the ruler of heaven, in the presence of all the deities and hermits. indra sent vāmana with the Lokapālas (indra, agni, yama and varuṇa) in a divine Vimāna to the world of viṣṇu. (bhāgavata skandha 8).

The story of Dhundhu: dhundhu, an asura boy, was born to kaśyapa by his wife danu. That asura did penance and pleased brahmā. He made a request that he should not be killed by indra and the other deities or anybody else. brahmā, who was pleased at his penance, gave him the boon he asked. The boy dhundhu, at the beginning of the fourth kaliyuga, during the period of hiraṇyakaśipu, went to heaven and defeating indra and the other devas, established his rule there as indra. The mighty hiraṇyakaśipu was travelling on the mountain mandara as an official under dhundhu.

The defeated and grief-stricken devas went to the world of brahmā and lived there. dhundhu, who knew this, wanted to drive them out of that place also. He requested śukra, the priest and teacher of asuras, to tell him the means of doing it.

śukra said. “Devendra was enabled to enter the presence of brahmā, because he had performed one hundred ashvamedha yajnas. “Hearing this, dhundhu, with the permission of the teacher śukra, began to perform yajna in the holy place called Prācīna tīrtha.

Hearing that dhundhu had begun the ashvamedha yajna, indra and the devas trembled with fear and, leaving the world of brahmā, went to the world of viṣṇu and prayed for protection. Bhagavān came to know of everything and consoled them and sent them back. After this Mahāviṣṇu took the form of a vāmana and jumped into the Devikājala and lay afloat like a piece of dry wood. dhundhu and the hermits saw by chance, vāmana sinking and coming up in the water. They took the vāmana-Brahmana out of water and asked him how he had fallen in water. vāmana replied with shiver:--“In the family of varuṇa there was a Brahmana named prabhāsa, who was a scholar. I am Gatibhāsa, the younger of his two sons. After the death of father, I requested my brother to divide the property of our father. My brother quoted several rules and said that I was not entitled to get any portion of my father's wealth. I spoke against him and getting angry he caught me by my hair and threw me into the river. It is a year since I, being not able to swim, began to sink and come up in this river. Thus you have seen me here.”

The Bhārgavas who were present there, requested dhundhu thus. “Oh! raja of the asuras! Be pleased to give this boy a well-furnished house, servant-maids and plenty of wealth.” Hearing this dhundhu said to vāmana. “I will provide you with wealth, servantmaids, house, gold, cows, land, clothes etc.”

vāmana humbly said to dhundhu “Oh Lord! I do not want any wealth. It is my desire for wealth that has brought me to this plight. I request you to give me only three feet of ground.”

As soon as the asura-raja complied with his request, vāmana began to grow like the moon. He assumed the shape of trivikrama to measure each of the three worlds with a foot. In two steps he measured all the worlds. vāmana whose body was bigger than mahāmeru became angry when he did not see place to measure the third step, and fell on dhundhu. By this heavy fall there appeared a great cavity thirty thousand yojanas deep. Bhagavān viṣṇu took the asura dhundhu and threw him into that deep pit with a mighty force, and by a shower of dust he filled the cavity.

indra with the devas occupied the world of devas. Leaving the asura raja in the sea of dust, Bhagavān jumped into the river kālindī and disappeared. (padma purāṇa, Chapter 78).

The Story

It is said that reading "Vamana Avatar" will bring rain.

Translation of the elucidation of Sri. Mukkur Narasimhacharior in his book "Kurai ondrum illai" about Vamana Avatar.

It all starts with first "Manvantharam". This particular word defines a particular portion of time "Kala" which is unique as another vedic term "Swayambhu Manu".

In this Swayambhu Manu, Brahma sent a couple by the names of "Bruchni" and “Suthapas". They were ordered to create the world. But, the couple, instead of creating the world, decided to go on Tapas for ten thousand years. Lord Narayana appeared before them on his Garuda, and asked "Oh! Children. I am pleased. Whatever boon you want shall be yours". The couple demanded that Lord Narayana be born to them as their child"

Much later, the couple were born as Aditi and Kashyapa Prajapathi.

It was around this time, the Emperor Bali was holding absolute sway over the world and the Devas.

The Devas waited patiently hoping that Bali's arrogance and torture will fade away. But it was not to be. Finding no other alternative, the Devas killed him. But they did not realise that he was protected by Sukrar. The Rajaguru of Bali is the famous Sukrachariar and the only one who is well versed in all arts including "Mrutha Sanjivini" mantra.

He invoked the mantra and gave life to Emperor Bali. He was angered by the act of Devatas and conducted a big "Yagam". As an ultimate benefit of the Yagam, he procured an invincible chariot and several armaments for assault and defence from the altar of fire for Bali

Bali, now renewed with life, vigour and "astras" fought valiantly and drove the Devas away and captured Indra's abode. Devas hid themselves from the wrath of Bali and prayed for deliverance from Bali.

Aditi was despondent. She asked the Devaguru, "Oh! Rshi Bruhaspati. I am extremely sad to see the plight of Devas, my children. What could possibly be the solution to their plight.

Bruhaspati replied "Dear Aditi. I do not foresee any solution immediately. But, remember Bali is blessed with the support of Sukrachariar, the Brahmana. You have to observe patience, till he commits an error in disrespecting his Guru".

Aditi approached her husband to find help for her children. But Kashyapa Prajapathi only said,

"Let us pray to Bhagavan Narayanan. Chanting his name will deliver us from evil"

Hearing this Aditi prepares herself to perform a penance, a vratam called Piovratam. The observance of this penance (vratam) began on the second day and ended on eleventh day. She offered Ksheerannam (rice cooked in milk) for Lord Narayana each day of her penance (vratam).

Her effort was equivalent to a big Homam. Finally, her effort bore fruit. On the auspicious conjunction of star Shravanam and the day of dvadashi, Lord Narayana was born to her. His was named as "Bruchni Garbha".

There is a saying in sastras that 'teach Gayatri before the child learns other attractions of life'. So, when Bhagwan reached the age of five, Prajapathi started preparations for Upanayanam.

Upanayanam means another "eye" which enables one to see "Parabrahmam". It also means guiding or paving the way for one to go near his Acharyan and Devi Gayathri.

Thus five year old child is ready and waiting to be initiated.

Lord Kubera hurries and gives the child a vessel (bhiksha patra) for him to seek alms.

Sage Bruhaspati gives the child the "Yagnyopaveetham", the sacred thread.

Brahma gives him the Kamandal

Lord Surya chants the Gayathri mantra in his ears.

All the Devas descended to Prajapathi's Ashram and blessed.

The child takes the first step out and realises that Lakshmi, His consort is residing in his chest. He wonders "I am going to Bali's sacrificial fire to rid him of his power and wealth. And, here she is looking. Her look is enough to multiply his wealth and power"

So, he unfolds his upper cloth and hides her presence in his chest and approaches Bali in his Yagashala.

A small kid. A brahmana. All because, the Devas entreated him to help control Bali. He takes one step inside and the earth caves in.

Bali does not realise how blessed he is. He is enthralled by the sight of this small Brahmana. The Brahmana's halo mesmerises him.

He asks "Oh Brahmana. Who are you? You emanate a divine glow.

Brahmana replies " I am rare/unique. You will not understand. Have you seen me before? Will you ever see me again? Do you know what I will the next minute? I cannot describe my next status. That is why I am rare/unique. Apoorva.

Bali does not understand the import of the statement. He says "Is that so? Where do you live? Which is your native place? Where do you reside?

Brahmana replies "This whole place is mine.

Bali's arrogance increases. He asks " Who is your father?"

Brahmana smiles. Whom can he show as his father? So he says, "I am an orphan"

Bali is infatuated. And blind too to see the reality. He feels that he has seen the right Brahmana to his offerings. He becomes magnanimous and says "Oh! Brahmana. Ask whatever you want"

Brahmana says, "Oh! King. Give me three steps of earth".

The Lord who gives, is now asking.

Bali asks, " Do you not want more?

Brahmana says, "No. I am happy with my demand"

Bali says, "Your demand is insignificant. It is almost demeaning to me"

Sukrachariar interferes. Oh! King. You do not realise with whom you are talking. He is the Almighty. He is a "mayan". He is Lord Narayana.

Bali ignores his Guru's warning and says with immense arrogance and pride, "How lucky am I, that Lord Almighty comes to receive from me".

Sukrachariar gets angry. He says,"Inspite of my warning, you ignore my command. I hereby ordain that you lose everything".

All that Bali has gained was through the powers of Sukrachariar. Unless he commands, none can take away anything from Bali. Now, the Brahmana is happy. But Sukrachariar's attachment with Bali runs deep.

So when Bali's wife Vinthyavali was about to offer the water to the Brahmana, Sukrachariar turned himself into a small frog and blocked the passage of the water.

The Brahmana who was wearing a pavithram, a form of grass which Brahmanas wear during auspicious ceremonies, dug the grass into the blocked passage and the frog had to give way.

The water flowed and so did the raised foot of the Brahmin. It reached Brahmalog were Brahma washed the feet and worshipped it. The heavenly waters fell on earth.

Bali gave away everything and bowed devoid of his arrogance. The son of Prahlada is Virochana. Virochanan's son is Bali. Lord Narayanan did not kill him but banished him to the underworld.

Vamana Avathar shows the power and magnanimity of Vedas. It expounds the grandeur of Gayatri.