Vamana - The 5th Incarnation (Part 1)

The writing for this incarnation turned to be the hardest. Not just due to lack of time but the variations from what I learnt from my childhood and remember from what the books state. In the end, I used the law of averages. The winner was the depiction of this story that had some common denominators.

This incarnation is unique because it is represented by a dwarf. The incarnations of Vishnu has always been unique taking forms which do not conform to usual perceptions. Even the most perfect incarnation has its inherent flaws (as you would see in subsequent incarnations). The first four incarnations were all of animal forms. From this point onwards, all incarnations are human forms. The incarnation as a dwarf signifies one thing. It symbolizes the underdeveloped stage of mankind.

The fifth incarnation of Vishnu as a dwarf (Vamana) holding a water-pot in one hand and an umbrella in the other. He wears a ring of grass on his third finger and occasionally carries a book. He has long hair. He wears ear ornaments and covers his body with a deerskin or loincloth.

The Beginnings

After the death of Hiranyakashipu, the king of Danavas (Asuras), Prahalad became the king over the earthly kingdom. He had a son, Virochana. Devamba was the wife of Virochana. Bali was the son of Virochana and Devamba. Since Bali grew up as a child often playing on the lap of Prahalad, he was very loving and respectable towards his grandfather. Prahalad taught him all the virtues and made him an adept in the Vedas and the art of warfare. He became the foremost among the Danava warriors; and appropriate to the name ‘Bali’, he was the strongest among them. Bali married Vindhyavali, the daughter of a saint. Prahalad made him the crown Prince (‘Yuvaraja’). After he became the yuvaraja, Bali thought, “Devas have caused fright among the Danavas by constantly hating them and fighting them. I must earn merit and proficiency in all respects, equal to that of Devas. Then we can get rid of fear. To attain this I shall perform tapas (austerities) and win the blessings of Brahma.” He resolved to put his idea into action and went to forest to perform austerity.

Bali settled for his tapas at a suitable place in the forest where none lived. Till Brahma appeared before him, Bali gave up food and drink; neither did wind nor rain scare him. Pleased by Bali’s rigorous tapas, Brahma appeared before him. Bali pleaded thus: “O Lord, I do not ask anything for my personal benefit. But the Danavas have been rendered weak because of their fear of Devas. Grant me the boon of immortality and the strength of Indra.” Brahma granted his prayer. Armed with the gifts he got from Brahma, Bali returned to the capital.

BALI - THE ASURA KING

Soon after Bali returned from the forest after his tapas, which had given him great power, Prahalad wanted to install him as king. But Bali wanted his grandfather to rule over the world for some more time. But after a few years Prahalad convinced Bali to accept the responsibility of kingship. Bali however, agreed to this only on condition that his grandfather should stay in the capital. On the day of Bali’s coronation, many kings came to the capital with previous gifts. It was celebrated with grandeur and joy. The Gandharva, Yaksha, Siddha and Daitya kings gave Bali gifts and expressed their desire to have him as their friend.

Prahalad, Shukracharya (guru of the Asuras), Shambara and other elderly wise men helped Bali to improve the state of affairs in his empire by making necessary laws for the administration of the empire. Bali implemented the laws framed by his advisers to provide enough food and shelter and to give necessary facilities to ensure happiness of his subjects. The ascetics (rishis) who had gone to forests and mountains to practice austerities returned to their way of life and to perform sacrifices in hermitages without the fear of Danavas. Every one was able to devote him to the performance of religious rites without fear. Peace and plenty prevailed everywhere.


Bali traveled to the nooks and corners of his empire and saw for himself the happiness of his subjects. He was delighted to see green crops everywhere. Every one was heard saying, “Bali is righteous, truth loving, charitable. He is born on earth to make it a heaven.” There was no one who prayed to Devas (gods) for the grant of wealth and happiness. Happiness and peace were firmly established on the earth now. Having got rid of poverty, the subjects enjoyed life with happiness.

Meanwhile there was discussion in the court of Bali on earth. His ministers and generals as well as Danavas urged, “O king, all the earthly kingdoms are now ours. Indra cannot hope to match your valor and strength. We must defeat the Devas and annex their kingdom of heaven to our empire. Brahma has granted you immortality and lordship. This is the time to get the full benefit of the boons you have secured from Brahma.”At an auspicious moment decided by Shukracharya, the Danava army got ready to invade heaven. The war trumpets and drums frightened Amaravati, Capital of Heaven.
Indra met his foes boldly riding his white elephant Airavat, marching at the head of the united Devas army. Aditya, Varuna, Kubera, Yama and other Devas fought for many days against Bali and his army. But they began to flee from the battlefield one by one unable to face Bali. Having been wounded by Bali’s arms, Indra ran for his life and sought the advice of Brihaspati, his preceptor.

Brihaspati told Indra, “Devendra, it is futile to fight Bali. You cannot defeat him. Justice righteousness and truthfulness have made him resplendent and invincible. Therefore it is better that you go underground for some time.” Accordingly Indra and the other Devas left Heaven. After establishing victory over Heaven, the Danavas installed Bali on the heavenly throne as Daityendra and celebrated the occasion as a coronation. Bali appointed his own men in place of the guardian angels of the eight directions, the Sun, the Moon and other positions to represent him in heaven, and returned to his capital on the earth.

The next day Shukracharya said to Bali, “O king of the Danavas, the Heaven also is yours now because of your twin virtues of charity and valor. Since the Under-world is also under your sway, the three worlds, the Earth, the Under-world and the Heaven are yours. But you have appointed Danavas in place of Devas. You have taken away their powers who enjoyed the power to rule over all these worlds which the Creator Brahma and Vishnu the Protector had given them. They may not take it lying low. They are sure to take revenge. If you desire to retain this over-lordship of the three worlds permanently you should perform one hundred ‘Ashwamedhas’ (horse sacrifices). Get ready to perform them from today.”

Bhrugukachha situated to the north of Narmada was selected as the site for the performance of the sacrifices. A large open area in the grounds of the hermitage was chosen as the place to keep the sacred fire burning. Bali took the vow of sacrifice along with his queen Vindhyavali.