This story, based on [Bh.P. 8.15.1-8.23.30], traces the lineage of Prahalada, his descendants, and their deep connection to Lord Vishnu. Following the events of Hiranyakashipu’s downfall and the rise of Prahalada as a righteous king, we see the continuation of devotion to Vishnu in Prahalada’s grandson, Bali, whose life became the focal point of one of Vishnu’s most celebrated avatars—the Vamana avatar. This story, much like many others in Hindu mythology, weaves together elements of devotion, cosmic order, and the battle between the Devas and Asuras.
The Rise of Bali: From Devotee to Emperor
Prahalada ruled justly for a long time. He had a son named Virochana, who married a woman named Devamba, and they had a son, Bali. From a very young age, Bali showed signs of greatness, much like his grandfather. Bali became a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, following in the footsteps of Prahalada. Upon reaching maturity, he was named the crown prince, the successor to his grandfather. Bali married Vindyavalli, the daughter of a sage, and began his path as a ruler with the wisdom of both the Asuras and the guidance of divine devotion.
Bali was well-versed in the history of the Asuras and had spent considerable time contemplating why, despite their superior physical strength, they were consistently defeated by the Devas. He realized that the Devas had the support of greater Yogic power, mainly due to the devotion of the sages and the continuous assistance of Vishnu. Bali, determined to reverse the fortunes of his clan, performed severe Tapas (penance) directed toward Lord Brahma. When Brahma appeared, Bali obtained a boon that made the Asuras stronger than the Devas.
| Entity | Role/Action | Connection to Mythology |
|---|---|---|
| Bali | Crowned emperor after performing Tapas | Received boons from Brahma to strengthen the Asuras, akin to Hiranyakashipu’s boons that made him powerful |
| Brahma | Granted boons to Bali | Similar to granting boons to Hiranyakashipu and other Asuras, leading to imbalance in cosmic power |
Conquest of the Three Worlds
Armed with these newfound powers, Bali returned to his kingdom. By this time, Prahalada had decided to retire to the forest, embracing Vanaprastha (the third phase of life, focused on spiritual retreat). With his grandfather’s blessings, Bali was crowned King of the Asuras and quickly set about expanding his realm. He began by conquering the neighboring kingdoms and soon brought the entire earth under his rule. Acting on the advice of his guru, Shukra, Bali performed the Vishwajit Yagna (World Conqueror Sacrifice), which solidified his status as the ruler of the world. The only realm left unconquered was Swargaloka (heaven), where the Devas resided.
Meanwhile, the Devas were not idle. They witnessed the growing power of the Asuras and understood the danger posed by Bali’s strength. Seeking to weaken his empire, they sent famine and pestilence to his kingdom. Bali consulted his astrologers, who unanimously agreed that this was the work of the Devas, and this was all the provocation Bali needed. With a massive army, Bali invaded Amravati, the capital of Swargaloka.
| Battle Entities | Role/Action | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Indra | Leader of the Devas, mounted on Iyravata | Represents the constant battle between Indra and the Asuras over cosmic power |
| Bali | Leader of the Asuras, armed with Brahma’s boons | Victorious over the Devas, becoming the ruler of both heaven and earth |
The battle between Bali and the Devas was fierce, with Indra, along with Vayu, Varuna, Kubera, and Agni, leading the Deva forces. However, Bali, strengthened by the boon of Brahma, triumphed, and the Devas were forced to flee, leaving Swargaloka in the hands of the Asuras.
The Vamana Avatar and the Balance of Power
With Bali now ruling both heaven and earth, he vowed to rule righteously and never to turn away anyone who approached him for charity. Despite being an Asura, Bali’s rule was just and beneficial to all. However, the Devas, now in hiding, beseeched Vishnu to intervene and restore balance to the universe. Lord Vishnu assured them that their rightful place in Swargaloka would soon be restored and that Bali’s fame would be preserved in the process.
Meanwhile, Aditi, the mother of the Devas and wife of Kashyapa, was troubled by the defeat of her sons. She turned to her husband for help. Kashyapa, aware that only Vishnu could help, instructed Aditi in the Payo Vratha, a ritual designed to invoke Vishnu’s aid. Aditi diligently performed the fast, subsisting only on milk for twelve days, and Vishnu, pleased with her devotion, appeared before her. He assured her that he would be born as her son and would deliver her sons from the tyranny of the Asuras.
The Birth of Vamana
True to his word, Vishnu was born as a dwarf, Vamana, to Aditi and Kashyapa in the month of Shravana. Despite his short stature, Vamana radiated divine light, and the sages, Devas, and even the elements themselves recognized his divine nature.
| Event | Significance | Related Entities |
|---|---|---|
| Payo Vratha | Ritual performed by Aditi to invoke Vishnu’s help | Mirrors other rituals where Devas turn to Vishnu for salvation (e.g., Samudra Manthan) |
| Vamana’s birth | Vishnu’s incarnation as a dwarf to restore cosmic balance | Kashyapa and Aditi are parents of many Devas, reflecting divine cycles |
Sage Kashyapa, along with the Saptarishis, performed all the necessary Vedic rituals for the young Vamana, who was soon initiated into the Gayatri Mantra. As he grew, Vamana took on the guise of a simple Brahmachari (celibate student), preparing for his destined encounter with Bali.
The Three Steps of Vamana
Meanwhile, Bali was preparing to perform a hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas (horse sacrifices), which would solidify his supremacy over the three worlds. His guru, Shukra, sensing trouble, warned Bali to refuse any request made by Vishnu. However, Bali, confident in his righteousness, declared that he would never turn away anyone, not even Vishnu himself.
At the culmination of the Yagna, Vamana approached Bali’s sacrificial hall. The Asura king was impressed by the radiant young boy and offered him any boon he desired. Vamana humbly requested three paces of land. Though Bali offered him more, Vamana insisted on his modest request. At this moment, Shukra, recognizing Vishnu’s trickery, attempted to block the sacrificial jug, but Vamana thwarted him, blinding Shukra in one eye with a blade of darba grass.
As soon as Bali made the gift, Vamana began to grow, assuming his Vishwaroopa (cosmic form). With his first step, he covered the earth, and with his second step, he covered the heavens. Turning to Bali, Vamana asked, “Where shall I place my third step?” Bali, recognizing the divinity of Vishnu, prostrated himself and offered his head. Vamana, pleased with Bali’s devotion and truthfulness, placed his foot on Bali’s head, pushing him to the netherworld.
| Step | Covered | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| First step | Earth | Represents Vishnu’s dominance over the physical world |
| Second step | Heavens | Reflects Vishnu’s control over the spiritual realms |
| Third step | Bali’s head | Demonstrates Bali’s surrender and ultimate devotion to Vishnu |
Bali’s Rule and Legacy
Though Bali was sent to the netherworld, Vishnu blessed him for his unwavering devotion. He granted Bali the lordship over the netherworld, promising that he would one day return as a ruler of the world in the next cosmic cycle. Bali’s act of charity became legendary, and his sacrifice is celebrated annually during Diwali, particularly in the state of Kerala, where the festival marks Bali’s return to visit his people.
| Event | Significance | Connection to Other Festivals |
|---|---|---|
| Bali’s sacrifice | Commemorated as part of Diwali celebrations | Diwali also celebrates the return of Rama to Ayodhya and Krishna’s victory over Narakasura |
Conclusion
The story of Bali and Vamana showcases a recurring theme in Hindu mythology—how Vishnu, in his various avatars, restores cosmic balance while also honoring devotion, even when it comes from an Asura. Bali’s legacy as a righteous king, his devotion to truth, and his ultimate surrender to Vishnu stand as testament to the complex interplay of dharma (righteousness), karma (action), and bhakti (devotion) in Hindu thought. This story, like many others, emphasizes that even the most powerful can achieve greatness not through conquest but through humility and devotion to the divine.