Bali Maharaj Temple is situated near Panchavati near Nashik in Maharashtra and is arguably the only shrine dedicated to Bali in Maharashtra. Today is Bali Pratipada, a day to honor King Bali.
Bali Puja, also known as Bali Pratipada, is performed on the first day of Kartik Pratipada. Because of the boon conferred by the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, Demon King Bali is worshipped in India during Diwali.
King Bali was a generous and ambitious ruler. People loved him for bringing them prosperity, well-being, and happiness. He was known for never discriminating on the basis of religion, caste, or gender. Bali was deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu. However, some considered him arrogant and wicked in nature, as not everyone accepted him. Due to his popularity, many gods felt weakened and even jealous. Eventually, they approached Lord Vishnu to help curb King Bali’s growing influence. Finally, Lord Vishnu descended to Earth in the form of the dwarf Vamana, his fifth avatar.
Lord Vishnu reached King Bali’s kingdom, and, as always, Bali welcomed him and invited him to ask for anything he desired. Lord Vishnu replied, saying, “You are the ruler of three main worlds, including Earth. Will you give me just as much space as I can cover in three strides?” King Bali agreed to this humble request. Lord Vishnu then placed his first step, covering the entire universe. With his second step, he quickly occupied the Earth, leaving no space but the spot where King Bali stood. Since there was no place left for Lord Vishnu to step, King Bali generously offered his own head for the third step. Bali, wise and perceptive, recognized that Vamana was indeed Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, without delay, placed his foot on Bali’s head, banishing him to Patalaloka (the netherworld).
Lord Vishnu was so pleased with Bali’s generosity that he made him the emperor of Patalaloka. He also granted him a boon, allowing him to rule the entire universe for one day each year, celebrated as Bali Padyami day which is today.
Due to the widening of the Mumbai-Agra highway, the old Bali Temple had ended up in the middle of the road. This led to a demand for relocating the temple to the side of the road. Consequently, a new temple was constructed, and the consecration ceremony was conducted with all rituals and rites.
On Padwa day (part of the Diwali festival), thousands of devotees visit for his darshan.
Through the generosity of many, the temple was rebuilt, and for 41 years, an unbroken Harinaam (chanting) week has been held here, organized by progressive farmers
