U Lakshman Rao
Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is a brilliant expression of divine intellect woven into the rich tapestry of mythology. Unlike the grand and powerful avatars before him, Vamana marks a shift from the colossal to the minuscule — from mighty weapons to a simple staff and water pot, from swift celestial vehicles to barefoot walking, from grand ornaments to a simple waist cloth, palm-leaf umbrella, and wooden sandals.
Despite this simplicity, the achievement of this avatar surpasses all expectations. There is no war, no violence, no soldiers, no chariots, no horses, or elephants. A humble dwarf boy, radiating piety, restores cosmic balance through sheer virtue and wisdom. This avatar reflects not just mythological brilliance, but the cultural ethics and intellectual depth of our heritage.
The Rise of Bali
After the great war between the Devas (gods) and Daityas (demons) during the churning of the ocean of milk, the Daityas began to regain strength under the powerful leadership of King Bali. The Daitya gurus, the Bhargavas, performed a grand “Vijay Yagna” for him. As a result, Bali was blessed with extraordinary gifts — an undefeatable golden chariot, divine horses comparable to Uchhaishravas, a mighty flag with a lion emblem, an invincible bow, a quiver with endless arrows, a garland blessed by Prahlada, and a conch gifted by Shukracharya whose sound struck fear in enemies’ hearts.
With this divine might, Bali conquered the realms of the gods. He invaded Amaravati, seized their throne, and forced the gods into hiding. Proclaimed as the ruler of the three worlds, Bali continued performing one hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas under the guidance of the Bhargavas, further strengthening the Daityas’ position.
Aditi’s Prayer
Seeing the suffering of the gods, Aditi, their mother, approached her husband, Kashyapa. She pleaded, “You are Prajapati. All beings are your children, yet you remain passive while my sons suffer. They have lost their homes and wealth, and now wander in fear. Please help them and bring me peace of mind.”
Kashyapa, meditating on the divine will, replied, “This is the plan of Lord Hari. Pray to Him and wait patiently. He has a greater solution in mind.”
Aditi then performed a sacred ritual known as Payovrata, and sincerely prayed to Lord Vishnu. He responded, “I will not destroy the demons. Instead, I will restore balance in a way that causes no pain to your husband’s lineage. Wait a while.”
In time, Lord Vishnu was born as her son, the dwarf Brahmin Vamana. All the sages performed the sacred rituals of initiation (Vatuvya). Aditi and Kashyapa blessed the boy, who soon set out on his mission.
The Humble Request
At that time, King Bali was conducting another Ashwamedha Yagna. Accompanied by sages and scholars, Vamana arrived at the ceremony. His brilliance caught everyone’s attention. Though in a dwarf’s form, his wisdom and radiance were unmistakable.
Vamana walked among the sages, chanting hymns, speaking on spiritual matters, and evoking admiration from all. Even Bali was drawn to him. Bhargavas, too, welcomed him with reverence. Bali’s wife, Vindhyavali, brought a sacred urn, washed the boy’s feet, and sprinkled the water over her husband’s head.
Vamana then spoke, “O generous King, I seek only three feet of land — enough for a humble Brahmin. I do not desire gold, horses, or land. These are not for someone like me. As a Brahmachari, I can ask only for a staff, a water pot, or a sacred thread. Anything beyond that would be greed.”
He continued, “Desire has no end. Even those who own all the world’s remain unsatisfied, while wise men are content with little. Contentment leads to peace and liberation. A person free from desire is respected in all three worlds. That is why I ask for just three feet of land — nothing more, nothing less.”
Bali was deeply moved and agreed joyfully. But Shukracharya grew suspicious. Sensing divine presence, he warned Bali, “This boy is not ordinary. He may be Vishnu himself. Be cautious. This promise could bring consequences.”
However, Bali stood firm. “Even if he is Vishnu, I will not break my word. I am prepared for the outcome.” Shukracharya, seeing Bali’s resolve, remained silent, though he admired his king’s integrity.
The Cosmic Transformation
As the ritual proceeded, the universe stood still. Suddenly, Vamana began to grow. He expanded into a colossal form — Trivikrama. With one step, he covered the heavens. With the second, he measured the earth. Then he asked Bali, “Where shall I place my third step?”
In awe, Bali bowed and said, “Place it on my head.”
At that moment, Prahlada, Bali’s grandfather, arrived and offered prayers to Vishnu. “You have removed pride and ego from my grandson. I am grateful,” he said. Vindhyavali, Bali’s wife, also prayed for his life to be spared.
Lord Brahma came and said, “O Lord, Bali has surrendered everything. Bless him.”
Vamana replied, “This king is true to his word. His noble conduct has drawn me near. I grant him the rare honor of Vishnupada — the divine feet of Vishnu. In the future Savarni Manvantara, he will be born as Indra. Until then, he shall reside with Prahlada in the beautiful realm of Sutala, crafted by Vishwakarma.”
With the mission fulfilled, Lord Vishnu returned to Vaikuntha. He instructed Shukracharya to complete the Yagna and bring peace. Thus, the Vamana Avatar concluded — not in war, but in wisdom, honor, and divine harmony.
