Vamana - The 5th Incarnation (Final Part)

HERMITAGE OF ADITI AND KASHYAPA

Dispossessed of his heavenly kingdom, Indra came to the hermitage of Aditi Devi situated at the bottom of the Meru Mountain. Aditi was the mother of Indra. Aditi took pity on her children. Kashyapa, the father of the Devas, was also moved by their condition. All of them together came to Brahma. Brahma said, “Devas, worship Vishnu. Let Kashyapa and Aditi also worship Vishnu and please Vishnu by their tapas and pray to Vishnu that he is born as their son. Only Vishnu can vanquish Bali and bless you.”

Kashyapa and Aditi went to perform tapas to please Vishnu. Aditi’s tapas were extraordinary. Lord Narayana appeared before her and said, “Mother of the Devas, I shall grant your request. Ask what you want.” Aditi said, “O Lord of Gods, there is nothing that you do not know. The Danavas have occupied the kingdom of my son Indra with the help of Bali. They have taken away all the powers from my children. You gave my son Indra his position as the Lord of the Devas. I grieve that my children have lost their kingdom and power. But I grieve more because the Danavas have transgressed your law and have been behaving with pride and insolence. It pains me to see that you too are doing nothing to set matters right. You should be born as my son and defeat Bali. Go to the assistance of the defeated Devas and help restore the heavenly kingdom to the Devas.”

Vishnu said, “What you ask is right and proper. But Bali is righteous and truthful. We fought against his wicked predecessors in war and used force to defeat them. It is not possible to do so with Bali. Therefore we have to use some indirect method. I shall take my birth as Vamana and your son.” This comforted Aditi. The Devas were satisfied now and bided time engaged in tapas.

Years had rolled after Bali started performing the ‘Ashwamedha’ horse sacrifices. Ninety-nine sacrifices had been successfully completed one after another. They were preparing for the hundredth sacrifice, which they had planned on a grand scale. On completion of this sacrifice Bali would earn the merit to be permanently installed as Indra. The Danavas who were righteous in the beginning had become vain and insolent. They threatened people who were still worshipping Devas, saying, “Our king Bali is now Indra. We Danavas are the rulers and lords over the three worlds. None need worship Devas now.”

There were unexpected calamities on the earth now. There were earthquakes at some places. At some other places rivers overflowed and swept away villages. At yet other places fires broke out and caused great damage. Unable to understand why such things took place, Bali came to Prahlada and asked, “What is the cause for these eruptions and calamities? Are they caused by the magical powers of the Devas ?”.

Prahlada who was a devotee of Vishnu was capable of seeing into the past and future with his divine wisdom. He entered into a deep trance and understood the cause of it all. He said, “Vishnu has taken birth in the world in order to defeat and humble the insolent Danavas who are drunk with power. These calamities betoken greater calamities awaiting the Danavas.” Hearing these words, Bali became angry. With blood-shot eyes he turned to Prahlada and said, “Are we to be afraid of the Devas? Each warrior among us is capable of carrying the whole earth on his shoulders. When that is our strength, what can one Vishnu do to us?”.

Prahlada also became angry and chastised Bali thus, “You fool, you are too bold to speak ill of Sri Hari, the eternal lawgiver and protector. You have spoken thus knowing well that I am a devotee of Sri Hari. Very soon you will lose your kingdom and will be banished from earth.”

King Bali realized his error. in fact Bali was not an enemy of Sri Hari. He had lost control over his tongue on account of his pride of valor. Regretting his conduct, he became humble. Tears of sorrow appeared in his eyes and he was unable to speak. He fell at the feet of Prahlada and begging forgiveness he said, “Be kind and merciful. You have rightly cursed me for my insolent words. I do not feel sorry if I lose my kingdom. I may get it back some how. But where can I get a guru like you? I am more in sorrow because my speech has hurt your feelings.”

Prahlada was moved to pity. He lifted his grandson and said, “Child, I spoke in anger and cursed you. Who can avoid Fate? Do not regret. Place full faith in Sri Hari and complete the Ashwamedha sacrifice. Let your fame be eternal.”

ASHWAMEDA YAGA - THE SACRIFICE HALL

In Bali’s extensive hall of sacrifice, there were the recitation of Vedas, and the auspicious sounds of music of the instruments. Shukracharya was officiating as the head-priest at the hundredth horse sacrifice. The saints, Gandharvas and the subjects from the three worlds had come in large numbers to witness the sacrifice. At one place there were heaps of pearls and precious stones from which gifts were given. At another place cows and jewelry were distributed as gifts.
Adorned with clothes made of goldthread, Bali sat with his wife Vindhyavali before the holy fire and performed the rituals. Shukracharya approached Bali and whispered, “O Bali, It is time now to complete the sacrifice. You have to be very careful now. Who can guess the deceitful ways of the Devas? They may send Vishnu to this hall of sacrifice.” Bali said, “O preceptor, is that so? Then advise me how I should conduct myself if Vishnu himself comes here.” Shukracharya said, “Listen, this is my advice, O Bali. If Vishnu comes and asks for any gift, deny it cleverly. Plead your inability to give anything to the Almighty and All-powerful and send him away.”
Bali was not pleased with this advice and did not heed him since he had vowed to give charity.

Even as they were talking thus, the hall of sacrifice filled with murmurs of ‘Make way, make way.’ Every one moved aside and made way for the new guest. Bali and his queen stood up eagerly and looked towards the entrance gate.

AN ASCETIC ARRIVING A THE RITUAL PLACE

A little ascetic of about eight years was making his way towards them. His face was shining with a smile. He held an umbrella over his head. A plait of hair was hanging at the back of his head. He wore the sacred thread on his bare body the lower part of which was covered with cloth made of fiber. His hands held the staff of an ascetic and a water jug. There was deerskin under his armpit. He wore the mark of sandal wood paste on his forehead. It looked as though he had combined all branches of knowledge in his young body. He was taking his steps towards Bali.

The young ascetic addressed Bali and said, “O King Bali, let auspicious things happen to you.” Bali, his queen Vindhyavali, their son Bana and the rest were struck with wonder and went on admiring his stature for a time. The young ascetic continued speaking and said, “King of the Daityas, this is a splendid sacrifice. I can judge what a righteous man you are from the flames rising to the skies from the place of sacrifice; from the kind of eatables served to people at this festivity; from the gifts of pearls and precious stones given in charity; from lakhs and lakhs of admiring subjects who have gathered here out of love and from the chanting of the Vedas. You must give me a gift suitable to this superb sacrifice.”

Bali felt elated and proud. He turned to his queen and said,”Vindhyavali, how pleasant and meaningful are the words of this little ascetic ! We are indeed fortunate to set our eyes on this jewel of learning. Bring holy water in a golden jug. Let us wash his feet and earn merit.” Vindhyavali brought a jug full of water. Bali and his queen washed the feet of the young ascetic, offered flowers and sandalwood paste and worshipped him. Then Bali made him sit on a precious seat and spoke to him, “Great man, though you are young and short, your learning has made you shine above all others. Who are you? Your handsome body is a feast to the eyes. Your words are sweet like honey. What can I do for you? What can I give you? Ask whatever you desire or everything that I have. I shall give anything that you ask.”

VAMANA ASKING FOR THREE PACES OF LAND

The young ascetic said “O king of Danavas I came here to ask you for a gift only because I know you will give all I ask, as you are the lord of the three worlds. I am the son of Kashyapa and my name is Vamanamurthy. I am a bachelor and so I do not need either kingdom or wealth. I have been just initiated into the knowledge of Brahman and started wearing the sacred thread. I am yet to give my gurudakshina to my preceptor.” Vamana continued, “My preceptor Bharadwaja needs a few paces of land to perform the religious rites of ‘Agnihotra’. Therefore I ask you to give me only three paces of land to be measured by my feet. That will satisfy me.”Bali burst with laughter on hearing Vamana’s request. He said, “One who asks me for anything should not feel the need to ask for gifts from any one else later. Even if you ask for one of the kingdoms under my authority, I shall grant it. I feel ashamed to give you this little bit of land. What do you gain from this? At least ask for more land.”

Vamanamurthy said, “O king, my work will be fulfilled with the grant of my request. Therefore make me the gift of the three paces of land that I ask.” Bali replied, ‘Well, let me fulfil your desire. Wait till I bring the golden jug containing water from the hermitage” and went inside the hermitage. At once Shukracharya followed Bali into the hermitage and said, ‘What is this foolishness, O king? Without consulting any one you have promised to give charity to the young ascetic. Do you know who this boy really is ? He is the friend of the Devas. It is Vishnu in the form of Vamana who has come here as your enemy !”

Bali said calmly, “Is that so, gurudeva? Has Narayana, to please whom saints and wise men perform austerities for years, come on his own, to ask for charity from me? Has he become Vamana only to take gift from me? I am indeed fortunate that Narayana has come to my place to take a gift from me. This could only be due to the merit earned by me in my previous life.”
But Shukracharya said, “King Bali, you feel proud only because of your ignorance. At least now, be wise and take my advice. It is not a sin to go back on one’s word in self-defense. So do not give what he asks. If you do not take my advice, it will bring about the ruin of yourself and the Danavas. As soon as he takes the gift from you, Sri Hari will undo you just as he undid Hiranyakashipu.”

Bali replied, “Gurudeva, charity given regardless of the hardships is the best. If Sri Hari asks, I am prepared to give even my head. Can there be greater glory for me than giving when Sri Hari’s hand is spread out to receive the gift? Please do not stop me from giving.” Having spoken thus, Bali walked straight to Vamana with the golden jug full of water. He addressed Vamanamurthy and said, “Devadeva, I am ready to give; extend your hand and receive it.” Vamana stretched his hands under the hand of Bali. Bali placed his hand with tulasi leaves upon Vamana’s hands, while Vindhyavali poured water from the golden jug as the priest’s chanted verses symbolic of the act of giving.





At once the heavenly drums began to sound from all directions of the earth. Heavens rained petals of flowers on Bali and Vamana. Vamanamurthy was not short now. He grew from height to height. People wondered at the sudden growth. Vamana smilingly measured from his first foot all the empire of Bali on earth and the under-world. He then measured Bali’s empire in Heaven with his second step and asked Bali where he should take his third measure.


Danavas who witnessed this could not be silent spectators. They had aspired to occupy the other worlds and rule them under the over lordship of Bali. They became mad with anger. With uplifted weapons they came to attack Vamana. There were frightening sounds everywhere. Bali who stood with folded hands stopped them and said, “Danavas, get back, Vamana is Vishnu, Lord of the World. You defeated Devas once with His blessing. He is now with Devas. Therefore it is natural that they should win against you.” Hearing these words, Danavas stepped back.


BANASURA PLEADING FOR HIS FATHER

Banasura became unhappy seeing his father’s condition. He addressed Vamanamurthy and said, “Lord of the World, my father gave you what you asked in charity. He has not offended you in any way. You asked for three paces of land in the guise of a short ascetic. Is it fair for you to measure the land with your extra-ordinary feet now? My father has given away the whole of his empire to you. What is left with him now to give you further? You who should have been impartial, have taken sides with the Devas and have done injustice to us.” Vamana replied, “Banasura, it is I who received the gift and I have measured the land only with my feet and not with any one else’s. Hear my argument against your charge of my partiality to Devas. I gave Shaker, the husband of Shachidevi, the status and power of Indra and arranged for proper functioning of the system of worlds. Bali had to be punished for removing Indra from his position before the expiry of his tenure.”

Then Vamana turned to Bali and said, “O King Bali, this is only a test of your vow to give charity. You did not hesitate to give what I asked even in the middle of your difficulties. You never regretted your charity even though I claimed all your empire. You never felt unhappy when you were bound to your vow. You did not feel sorry even though your kith and kin deserted you. Though Shukracharya cursed you, you did not give up your truthfulness. Who has your patience? You have earned a higher place than the Devas by your fame. Be immortal. Now ask me for any boon that you want.”

VAMANA PLACING THE FINAL STEP ON THE HEAD OF BALI

Bali said, “O Lord of the World, I am not pained at being defeated by you. The pride of insolence is bad. You have taught Danavas swollen with insolence a good lesson. I can tolerate all this but not the disgrace of having to eat my words as one, who could not fulfill his vow to give charity. Please place your third step on my head and be pleased to accept it in fulfillment of my promised gift.” Vamana agreed to Bali’s request. Having received Sri Hari’s foot on his head, Bali was discharged of his debt. People who witnessed this shouted, “King of devotees, soldier of charity, emperor Bali, honored the world.” Tears of joy flowed down their eyes.
Vamana gave the three worlds he had received as gift to Indra. The Devas praised Vamana in their happiness and Bali for his charity. Vamana addressed Bali in the presence of all and said, “Danavendra, I give you the Kingdom of Sutala in the underworld. I shall give you one more boon. I shall protect your fort as Janardana and keep watch over your fort and defeat your enemies. You may ask one more boon.” Bali said, “O Lord, as the protector of my fort you have given me the privilege of seeing you every day. For such a privilege even Rudra, Brahma and Lakshmi are not entitled. What else is there for me to ask? But since you want me to ask for a boon, I do so. Though I go to Sutala in the underworld, I cannot forget the subjects of my erstwhile kingdom on earth. Therefore let me be blessed to see the happiness of my subjects at least once a year.” Vamana granted his request and said, “The auspicious day on which you gave me charity will be celebrated as a festival on earth every year in future. On that day the whole earth will be the kingdom of Bali. People will worship you during day and light lamps at night as a symbol of their ideals and joy.”

Having spoken thus, Vamana departed with Brahma. Pious Bali went to Sutala along with Prahalad and other kith and kin. He constructed a beautiful temple there for Janardana. Sri Hari took his stand as Janardana, as the guardian and protector of Bali’s fort and palace.
The pious king Bali pleased the Lord of the World by his act of charity and became endeared to the world by that act and his kingdom on earth became a land of plenty on account of his charity. God was pleased by his act and became the guardian and protector of Bali’s palace.

The day on which Bali gave charity to Vamanamurthy fell on the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, the month during which the Festival of Lights is celebrated. The next day after the Festival of Lights, celebrated on the New Moon day in the month of Ashwayuja is called Balipadyami’. Hindus celebrate the day as a sacred festival. It is believed that gifts given on that day are dear to Bali and God. Men and women smear their bodies with oil and bathe, and wear new clothes on that day. In the central hall of every home, they draw beautiful figures with powder of rice in different colors and worship Bali and his wife Vindhyavali. They build seven forts out of clay or cow dung and worship king Bali. At night the thresholds of every home and temple are lighted with lamps in rows. Bali’s kingdom is remembered and people shout with joy, “Let the ideal kingdom of Bali dawn at the earliest on earth.”

My own birthstar in the Hindu calender is Kartika. When I am asked to present myself in a temple, I tell them my name, my star and gothra (I have not been able to translate the last word well).