Vamana's boon to Mahabali

Today Keralites celebrate Avittom, the day Mahabali readies to head back to the nether world, after visiting his vast kingdom for a day, which is celebrated as Onam. The culmination of 10 days of Onam festival is a reminder to all that God takes care of His devotees.

This is exemplified through Vishnu’s twin avatars of Vamana and Thirukikrama, in the presence of Mahabali and how He granted the latter his boon for eternity.

A devotee of Vishnu, Mahabali was a powerful ruler, who was also famed for his charity. Mahabali’s guru was Sukrachariar, the lord of the asuras and the leader responsible for taking away the wealth of the devas through a yagam, and distributing it among the asuras. An angry Indra, leader of the devas, sought Vishnu’s help in getting back the lost wealth, especially from Mahabali, who had emerged as the most powerful and richest among kings. Mahabli’s father was Kasthyaba, who had married Dithi and Athithi. The children of the former belonged to the asura clan while those of the latter were devas.

When Indra sought Vishnu’s help in the reclamation of wealth, the Lord said, “You seek alms from Mahabali dressed as a brahmachari, he will give you whatever you seek.” However, Indra felt slighted and asked Vishnu, “How can you ask me to seek alms like a poor Brahmin? I am the leader of the devas, and this is beneath my dignity.” Vishnu then decided to go instead. He is said to have appeared as Vamana at Siddashram in the Vindhyas, under Sravana star.

Mahabali was conducting a maha yagam and was giving away alms, while Sukrachariar watched over his favourite student. That is when Vamana made a quiet entry, with the plan of seeking alms. Suckrachariar saw through the guise of Vishnu and warned Mahabali against entertaining Him. However, Mahabali replied that if Vishnu Himself had come in person, he had no greater glory than serving Him. Angered by this, Sukrachariar said, “You will lose all your wealth.” One is reminded of the proverb, “Even if God grants you a boon, it is not enough if your guru does not sanction it.”

Mahabali meanwhile welcomed Vamana and asked how he could serve him. Vamana replied, “One should seek only what is in keeping with one’s stature; all I want is three feet of land to rest my feet.” Mahabali offered his kingdoms, but found that it all amounted to only two feet.

Vamana had taken the form of Thiruvikrama and His first and second steps encompassed Mahabali’s kingdom.

There was no land left to place the third step. Mahabali immediately bowed his head and said, “Put your third foot on my head.” Thiruvikrama placed His foot there and sent him to the nether world.

However, Vamana also granted Mahabali the boon of visiting his lands once a year and watch his beloved subjects, a boon until eternity.

“On My thiruvonam star day, in the month of Avani, you will come down to earth and be received by everyone with much love and fanfare.

Your people will celebrate the event as Onam wherever they are,” said Vishnu, blessing him. A temple for Vamana came up in Thirukatkarai near Cochin and it continues to be the epicentre of Onam festivities.