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), Havirjnanakanda, Brahmana 3 (Chapter 2, Pg.no.48)

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.