Vaman Jayanti

Lord Vishnu, the creator of the universe, has taken many incarnations for the welfare of the earth and the gods. This incarnation of Lord Vishnu is in the form of Vamana incarnation which Lord Vishnu took to break the pride of the demons and to give the gods their kingdom and share.

"The sustainer of creation, Lord Vishnu, has taken numerous avatars for the well-being of the Earth and the divine beings. This avatar of Lord Vishnu is known as the Vamana avatar, which he assumed to humble the arrogance of the demons and to secure the kingdom and fortune for the deities.

Every year, on the twelfth day of the bright fortnight of the Bhadrapada month, Vamana Jayanti is celebrated. On this day, Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar to protect the deities. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Vamana Jayanti. Devotees offer worship to Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar on this day. Worshipping Vamana avatar helps alleviate all troubles. Just as Lord Indra regained his lost glory through the grace of Lord Vishnu, similarly, those who worship Lord Vamana on this day can regain their lost wealth and prosperity."

Let's find out why Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar.

According to the Vamana Purana, in ancient times, there was a powerful demon king named Hiranyakashipu. His son Prahlada was a very virtuous and powerful demon. Prahlada had a son named Viracana, and from Viracana came Bali. When Hiranyakashipu was defeated and killed, Bali took over and began ruling over all three realms, including the world of the gods.

The three realms, along with their wealth and prosperity, came under the dominion of the demons. When the king of the gods, Indra, saw that all three worlds were under Bali's control, he went to his mother, Aditi, and told her about the situation. Indra and the assembly of deities expressed their concerns about the demon king Bali's growing power.

In response to this, Aditi, the mother of the gods, advised Indra and the other deities to seek the help of Lord Vishnu. She explained that only Lord Vishnu, with his immense power, could defeat Bali in battle. No one else had the ability to vanquish him. Aditi, Kashyapa, Indra, and all the deities then approached Lord Brahma to seek his guidance.

Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana to restore the balance and protect the three realms from the rule of Bali and the demons. Vamana, in his dwarf Brahmin form, approached Bali and asked for a gift of land, which ultimately led to the famous story of Vamana pushing Bali back to the netherworld with his three steps. This avatar symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of righteousness in the universe.

Then, Lord Brahma said, "All of you should go to the northern shore of the Milk Ocean, which is called the place where learned people pronounce 'Amrita' (the nectar of immortality). There, after undergoing severe austerities, at the end of the hot season, Lord Vasudeva (Lord Vishnu) will hear your prayers and manifest to grant you a boon."

Following Brahma's instructions, Aditi went to the shore of the Milk Ocean and engaged in rigorous penance. Pleased with her severe Tapasya (penance), Lord Vishnu appeared before her and said, "I am pleased with your intense penance. Make a wish in your heart, and I shall grant it."

Aditi said, "Devotee-loving Lord! Deity! If you are pleased, then let my son, Indra, become the ruler of all three worlds. The demons have taken away his kingdom and the share of the offerings meant for the yajnas (sacrifices). The loss of his rightful share in the yajnas is causing me immense grief."

Lord Vishnu replied, "Goddess, your desire has found favor with me. Due to your devotion, I shall incarnate in your womb through Kashyapa, and then I will take birth from your womb to eliminate all your enemies, and all shall be well."

With the Lord's blessing, Aditi's grief disappeared. She carried the divine child in her womb, and the news of the impending birth of Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana created ripples across the Earth. Massive earthquakes and disturbances shook the world as the demons grew anxious about the impending events.

When the demons were rapidly losing their power, King Bali noticed that all the demons had lost their radiance and appeared weak, as if they were afflicted by a great calamity. Concerned, he asked his grandfather Prahlada, "O respected grandfather, at this time, the demons seem to have lost their strength and vitality, as if they have been afflicted by a great catastrophe. Is there some inauspicious event looming over the demons that has caused them to weaken?"

Prahlada replied, "O King, it is not an inauspicious event but the appearance of Lord Hari in His Vamana form that has taken away the strength of the demons. It is Lord Hari who has subdued your power. He has come in the form of Vamana to humble the demons and restore the balance in the universe."

King Bali was curious and asked, "Who is this Hari that we should fear? We have many powerful demons here, much more powerful than Lord Vishnu. They are mighty and formidable. Vishnu is not even equal to half of our strength."

Hearing these words from King Bali, Prahlada became angry and responded, "Bali, you are devoid of wisdom and judgment. All these demons, devoid of discernment like you, will be defeated. Despite Lord Vishnu being dearer to us than our own lives, you criticize Him without considering my respect and devotion for Him. This is why you and all these demons will meet your downfall. Because of your disrespectful words against my guru and father, Prahlada, who is devoted to Lord Vishnu, you will be banished from your prosperity. Therefore, I curse you to be deprived of your wealth and power."

This marked the turning point in the story of Vamana, as the curse of Prahlada paved the way for the events to unfold and the appearance of Lord Vishnu in His Vamana avatar.

Upon hearing the harsh and unpleasant words of Prahlada, the demon king Bali, while repeatedly bowing his head at Prahlada's feet, began to seek forgiveness. Bali said, "Lord, you are pleased with me, and I was blinded by arrogance. I have made those statements due to my ignorance and delusion. Your words have indeed been beneficial, and I am grateful. I am ready to follow the path of devotion to Lord Hari, for it is He who will be our ultimate savior."

Aditi then obtained the blessings of Lord Vishnu through her penance. Finally, in the tenth month, Lord Govinda, in the form of Vamana, appeared within her womb.

King Bali, who was planning to perform a yajna, consulted his guru, Shukracharya, regarding the purpose of the yajna. Shukracharya contemplated the matter and said that this yajna would be the best opportunity for Bali, as Lord Narayana Himself would be present at the yajna. He advised Bali not to promise anything to anyone when Lord Vamana asks for a gift.

Shukracharya explained that Lord Vishnu is the creator and destroyer of all things. He can bestow immense wealth and prosperity, but he can also bring about the downfall of the mighty. He cautioned Bali to be careful when dealing with Lord Vamana.

Bali was conflicted and said to Shukracharya, "How can I deny a request from Lord Vishnu Himself? No supplicant goes empty-handed from my door, and if the Lord Himself seeks something, how can I refuse? I may lose everything I have, but I cannot refuse the Lord's request."

At that very moment, in the guise of a young Brahmin with a kamandalu (water pot), an umbrella, and an aura of charm, Lord Vamana entered the arena of the Ashvamedha Yajna. His small form was exceedingly enchanting and captivating to all those present. His presence eclipsed all the Ritvik’s (priests), yojanas (the performers of the yajna), and the demons.

Upon seeing this divine personality, King Bali's heart swelled with happiness. Bali offered his respects to Lord Vamana and provided Him with a grand seat. He welcomed Him with the utmost hospitality and said, "O Brahmana, your arrival at my house has delighted my forefathers and purified my lineage."

King Bali, with a joyful demeanor, told Lord Vamana that it appeared as though He had some requests. He offered to provide Him with cows, gold, a well-decorated house, pure food, utensils, clothing, a Brahmin maiden for marriage, villages full of wealth, horses, chariots, and everything else. Bali said that the Lord should ask for anything He desired. Bali showed extreme humility and willingness to fulfill all of Vamana's desires.

In response, Lord Vamana smiled and praised Bali for his generosity and readiness to offer whatever was asked. Lord Vamana said, "O King of the Daityas, you are indeed the most benevolent giver among all those who have given. Therefore, I request just a small piece of land, enough to place My three steps."

King Bali, who took immense pride in his charitable nature, couldn't believe the simplicity of Vamana's request. He was willing to give away entire kingdoms, and here was the Lord asking for a mere three steps of land. Bali said to Lord Vamana, "Your words reflect the wisdom of a child. You are asking for something of little value. Even though you claim to be the lord of the three worlds and have an expansive vision, you ask for a small piece of land. It seems you haven't understood the true value of what you are asking."

Bali continued to praise his own greatness as the ruler of the three worlds and asked if a wise person would make such a request. He found it difficult to fathom why Vamana would seek something so insignificant.

Lord Vamana's request was, however, a divine play to fulfill His mission. He chose the humble path to bestow His blessings on Bali and, through this act, to teach everyone the value of true devotion and humility.

Lord Vamana's divine plan unfolded dramatically as King Bali, in his commitment to his word, offered to place the Lord's third step on his own head.

Upon hearing Bali's readiness to fulfill his promise, Lord Vamana assumed a gigantic form. He expanded to such an extent that with His two steps, He measured all the three worlds – the Earth, the celestial realms, and even the space beyond.

King Bali watched in awe as Lord Vamana covered the entire universe with His first two steps. When there was nothing left to measure, the Lord reminded Bali that he still needed to fulfill his commitment and place the third step.

With great humility and devotion, King Bali requested the Lord to place His third step on his head. Bali's selfless devotion and sacrifice had touched the heart of Lord Vamana.

As King Bali lowered his head and offered his head as the platform for the Lord's third step, Lord Vamana gently placed His divine foot on Bali's head.

This act of devotion and surrender by King Bali demonstrated the essence of true bhakti (devotion) and humility. Lord Vamana, in His benevolence, not only returned the kingdom but also blessed King Bali with spiritual wisdom and eternal bliss.

The story of Lord Vamana and King Bali is a significant episode in Hindu mythology, highlighting the importance of humility, devotion, and selflessness in one's spiritual journey.

The story of King Bali's devotion to Lord Vamana and his ultimate surrender is a profound tale of humility, sacrifice, and the importance of keeping one's word. Despite being a demon king, Bali displayed unwavering devotion to the divine, which moved Lord Vamana's heart.

Bali's story serves as an example of how selfless devotion and adherence to dharma can lead to spiritual growth and blessings from the divine. His unwavering commitment to his word, even in the face of challenging circumstances, earned him the Lord's grace and a place of honor in the Sutala Loka.

This tale is a significant episode in Hindu mythology, emphasizing the ideals of righteousness, devotion, and humility, which are essential aspects of the spiritual journey. It also showcases the compassion and generosity of Lord Vamana, who honored Bali's sincerity and rewarded him with spiritual wisdom and eternal bliss.

Vamana Jayanti Puja Procedure:

First, the devotee should wake up in the morning and purify themselves through daily rituals and activities. Then, they can take a bath in a holy river or as per their convenience at home. After that, clean the home temple thoroughly where the worship and installation of the idol of Lord Vishnu's Vamana Avatar are to be performed. Sprinkle Ganga water on the designated spot in the home temple and lay a yellow cloth over it. Then, install the idol of Lord Vishnu's Vamana Avatar. If you cannot find the specific idol of Lord Vamana's Avatar, you can use an idol of Lord Vishnu himself.

Once the idol is installed, offer incense, lamps, and other customary rituals. Decorate the idol with yellow-colored fruits, flowers, sweets, and clothes. Following that, narrate the story of Lord Vamana's Avatar and recite Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu). Based on your capacity, take a vow (vrat) and recite Lord Vishnu's one thousand names with devotion.

In the evening, perform the aarti (ritual of worship with lamps) for Lord Vamana and then distribute prasad (blessed food) to everyone. If possible, arrange a meal for those in need and distribute clothing as well.

The Significance of Vamana Jayanti:

According to the scriptures, the Vamana Avatar is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This was the first incarnation in which Lord Vishnu took a human form. The previous four incarnations were either in animal forms or in a combined form of half-human and half-animal. In this Avatar, Lord Vishnu defeated the extreme arrogance of a powerful demon king, Bali, and saved the Earth and the deities from the wrath of the demons.

Therefore, those who worship Lord Vishnu's Vamana Avatar find relief from their troubles and receive prosperity and blessings. Individuals who worship Lord Vamana with selflessness and devotion experience an end to their difficulties and receive success and glory through the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Just as Lord Vamana defeated the demon king Bali and restored the kingdom to the deities, individuals who worship Lord Vishnu's Vamana Avatar on this day are also liberated from their adversaries. Their devotion to Lord Vishnu ensures that they are victorious over their foes, and they receive constant blessings from Lord Vishnu.

In conclusion, Vamana Jayanti is a day to honor the divine qualities of Lord Vishnu, especially in His Vamana Avatar, and seek His blessings for the removal of obstacles, prosperity, and ultimate liberation (moksha).

Writer: - Kuldeep Singh