Story of Onam- King Mahabali
The famous festival of Kerala -Onam, it’s even special to me as I was born on the Thiruonam day. I was always fascinated by the story of Mahabali. Learned about him during my childhood days. Hence here’s his story in my words.
Mahabali Chakravarthi — the people’s king. King Mahabali loved his country and gracefully ruled his kingdom. But as he was a demon by birth he tormented the Devas. They surrendered to Lord Vishnu for defense. Meanwhile, Mahabali wanted to secure Indra’s locus of power for himself. He started performing a Yagna, at the end of which he had to offer the demands upon which he would acquire Indra’s position. In order to save Devas, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vaamana — a short & stout boy. Vaamana had a charming naïve appearance and magnificent wisdom.
Sukrachariar was one of the gurus in Mahabali’s royal court. He instantly recognized Lord Vishnu when Vaamana appeared in the court and warned Mahabali not to commit any demands to the small boy. But Mahabali said “Guruji! I’ve pledged in the holy pyre to offer whatever they asked for. How could I say no?”
Sukrachariar alerted him “ He is not a human. He is Lord Vishnu. Beware ..I warn you” Mahabali wasn’t convinced. Before he could think little Vaamana came near Mahabali. Mahabali bowed to Vamana and asked, “What do you want ?”.
Vaamana humbly asked “King! What would I want from you? After all, I need your land measured by my 3 of my foot steps”. “Given!!! Right now” said King Mahabali and started pouring water out of his holy Kamadalam by tilting it to perform the dhaanam. Sukrachariar transformed into a black bee and blocked the spout to stop the water from the Kamandalam and save Mahabali from committing the mistake.
But Mahabali thought something was blocking the spout and poked the spout with grass which hit Sukrachariar's eyes and he had to move. When the water spilled on Vaamana’s hands…Lord Vishnu grew into the size of cosmic proportions. He measured the earth with his one step, the sky by the second step. And now he looked at King Mahabali and asked “where will I keep my third step?”
Mahabali was shocked and surrendered to the Lord. He bowed and showed his head to Lord Vishnu and told him that he has no other place to offer other than his head.
Lord Vishnu pressed his foot on Mahabali’s head and sent him to Bathaal, the nether world. He asked Mahabali to continue his penance there and in the next yuga, he would achieve Indra’s locus of power. But for Mahabali’s love for his country and people, He was allowed to visit them on Onam day every year.
The people of Kerala celebrate the arrival of King Mahabali by making a grand feast “Onam Sadya” and offering Atthapoo kolams.
They believe fasting through the day and consuming only fruits & salt-free food, later in the evening they look at the moon and offer prayers to Vaamana that would bring life change over.
Jalamathye Varaaham cha parvathe Raghunandhanam!
kamane Vaamana saiva sarva kalaekshu Madhavam!!
Meaning: Lord Vishnu! you are Varahamurthy in the water, Rama in the mountains, Vamana in every step, and ever-loving Madhava be our savior.
