Vamana (Vāmana, lit. dwarf), is the fifth avatar of Hindu god Vishnu. He incarnates in a time of crisis and to restore cosmic balance by creatively defeating the asura king Bali with disproportionate powers over the universe. According to Hindu mythology, the noble demon king after his exploits and conquest of the universe sponsors a sacrifice and gift giving ceremony to consolidate his power. Vishnu appears at this ceremony as a dwarf mendicant Brahmin called Vamana. When his turn to receive a gift comes, Bali offers whatever riches and material wealth Vamana would like. Vamana refuses everything and states he would just like three steps worth of land. Bali finds the dwarf's request amusingly small and irrevocably grants it. Vamana then grows into a giant the size of cosmos. In the first step, he covers the earth. In second, he takes the heavens. For the third, Bali offers his head on which Vamana steps sending the demon king to the Patala (netherworld).
The Vamana avatar has roots in Vedic texts of Hinduism. The hymns of the Rigveda describes Vishnu as that benevolent god who in three steps defined all there is in the universe. The giant form of Vamana is also known as Trivikrama (literally, "three steps"). The Vamana legend has been a popular one, inspiring icons found in Hindu temples and sections in Hindu texts such as the Puranas and the epics. About thirty different versions of his mythology are found in these texts.
Origin
The Bhagavata Purana describes that Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by a benevolent Asura King Mahabali (or simply called Bali). Bali was the great grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grand son of Prahlada and son of Virochana. Vamana, as a dwarf Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the king to request three paces of land. Mahabali consented, against the warning of his guru, Sukracharya. Vamana then enlarged to gigantic proportions to stride over the three worlds. He stepped from heaven to earth with the first step, from earth to the netherworld with the second. King Mahabali, unable to fulfill his promise, offered his head for the third. Vamana then placed his foot and gave the king immortality for his humility. He was also allowed to return every year to see the citizens of his country. The festival of Onam for some and first day of Diwali for some is related to this return of Mahabali to a visit to earth once every year in August-September. Some texts state that Vamana gave the lordship of the netherworld to Bali. In giant form, Vamana is known as Trivikrama.
According to another but similar version, Prahlada's grandson Mahabali came to power by defeating the gods (Devas), and taking over the three worlds. According to Vaishnavism mythology, the defeated Devas approached Vishnu for help in their battle with Mahabali. Vishnu refused to join the gods in violence against Mahabali, because Mahabali was a good ruler and his own devotee. He, instead, decided to test Mahabali's devotion at an opportune moment. Mahabali, after his victory over the gods, declared that he will perform Yajna (homa sacrifices) and grant anyone any request during the Yajna. Vishnu took the avatar of a dwarf boy called Vamana and approached Mahabali. The king offered anything to the boy – gold, cows, elephants, villages, food, whatever he wished. The boy said that one must not seek more than one needs, and all he needs is the property right over a piece of land that measures "three paces". Mahabali agreed. The Vamana grew and covered everything Mahabali ruled over in just two paces. For the third pace, Mahabali offered himself to the Vamana.
Symbolism
Mahabali symbolizes Samridhi (prosperity), the three feet symbolizes the three states of existence (Jagrat (awake), Swapna (dream sleep) and Sushupti (deep sleep) and final step is on his head which elevates from these three states, unto moksha (spiritual liberation, release from rebirths).
In one version of the Vamana legend, when Mahabali offered himself for Vishnu's third step, it was an act of Mahabali's devotion. Vishnu granted him a boon. Mahabali chose to revisit earth, once every year, the lands and people he previously ruled. This revisit marks the festival of Onam, as reminder of the virtuous rule and his humility in keeping his promise before Vishnu.
According to Nanditha Krishna, a simpler form of this legend, one without Mahabali, is found in the Rigveda and the Vedic text Shatapatha Brahmana where a solar deity is described with powers of Vishnu. This story likely grew over time, and is in part allegorical, where Bali is a metaphor for thanksgiving offering after a bounty of rice harvest during monsoon, and Vishnu is the metaphor of the Kerala sun and summer that precedes the Onam. According to Roshen Dalal, the story of Mahabali is important to Onam in Kerala, but similar Mahabali legends are significant in the region of Balia in Uttar Pradesh, Bawan also in the same state, Bharuch in Gujarat, and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. The story is significant not because Mahabali's rule ended, but it emphasizes the Hindu belief in cyclical nature of events, that no individual, no ruler and nothing lasts forever, except the virtues and self understanding that overcomes all sorrow.
Vamana Jayanthi is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Maha Vishnu’s fifth avatar, Vamana. This auspicious occasion is celebrated on Bhadrapada Sukla Dwadashi or the 12th day of the waxing phase of moon int he month of Bhadrapada. Lord Vamana appeared as the son of Aditi and the sage Kashyapa muni. He was known as the younger brother of the king of heavens, Lord Indra.
Rituals
On the day of Vamana Jayanthi, the ideal way for you to start the rituals is by donating food, rice and curd. This is considered to be an auspicious act on this particular day. During the evening, engross yourself to the Vamana Katha along with family members and following this distribute prasadam to everyone. In order to showcase your great devotion to Maha Vishnu, observing fast along with performing pujas is the spiritual way to abide by. The act of observing fast is said to immensely please Vamana who as a result showers you with blessings to get all your wishes fulfilled.
In addition to the above practices, some of the rituals a devotee must do are..
1. Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, Narayana Mantra and other mantras 108 times.
2. Starting the puja by chanting the Beej mantra while offering the seat (asana) to the Murthi.
3. Offering flowers, lamps and incense while reciting Maha Vishnu’s name 108 times.
4. During the days of Poornima, worshiping the God is considered to be very auspicious
5. Donating food to Brahmins is also considered auspicious.
Temples
Vamana iconography varies by region. Three icons are common, one shows his left foot raised above his knee, the second shows his foot above his navel, and the third shows it raised above the forehead. These icons respectively symbolize the three worlds – netherworld, earth and heaven – Vamana covered as Trivikrama.
Some of the famous Vamana temples include:
Vamana temple at Marhia, Jabalpur (dated to 5th-century, Gupta Empire era)
Vamana temple in Nagpur complex of Ramagiri temples, Maharashtra (5th-century CE)
Vamana along with other avatars of Vishnu, at the Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh, dated 500-500 CE)
Thrikkakara Temple, Thrikkakkara, Cochin, Kerala
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram in Kanchipuram
Vamana Temple, Eastern Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukoyilur in Tirukoilur, Viluppuram district, Tamil Nadu
The Vamana avatar has roots in Vedic texts of Hinduism. The hymns of the Rigveda describes Vishnu as that benevolent god who in three steps defined all there is in the universe. The giant form of Vamana is also known as Trivikrama (literally, "three steps"). The Vamana legend has been a popular one, inspiring icons found in Hindu temples and sections in Hindu texts such as the Puranas and the epics. About thirty different versions of his mythology are found in these texts.
Origin
The Bhagavata Purana describes that Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by a benevolent Asura King Mahabali (or simply called Bali). Bali was the great grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grand son of Prahlada and son of Virochana. Vamana, as a dwarf Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the king to request three paces of land. Mahabali consented, against the warning of his guru, Sukracharya. Vamana then enlarged to gigantic proportions to stride over the three worlds. He stepped from heaven to earth with the first step, from earth to the netherworld with the second. King Mahabali, unable to fulfill his promise, offered his head for the third. Vamana then placed his foot and gave the king immortality for his humility. He was also allowed to return every year to see the citizens of his country. The festival of Onam for some and first day of Diwali for some is related to this return of Mahabali to a visit to earth once every year in August-September. Some texts state that Vamana gave the lordship of the netherworld to Bali. In giant form, Vamana is known as Trivikrama.
According to another but similar version, Prahlada's grandson Mahabali came to power by defeating the gods (Devas), and taking over the three worlds. According to Vaishnavism mythology, the defeated Devas approached Vishnu for help in their battle with Mahabali. Vishnu refused to join the gods in violence against Mahabali, because Mahabali was a good ruler and his own devotee. He, instead, decided to test Mahabali's devotion at an opportune moment. Mahabali, after his victory over the gods, declared that he will perform Yajna (homa sacrifices) and grant anyone any request during the Yajna. Vishnu took the avatar of a dwarf boy called Vamana and approached Mahabali. The king offered anything to the boy – gold, cows, elephants, villages, food, whatever he wished. The boy said that one must not seek more than one needs, and all he needs is the property right over a piece of land that measures "three paces". Mahabali agreed. The Vamana grew and covered everything Mahabali ruled over in just two paces. For the third pace, Mahabali offered himself to the Vamana.
Symbolism
Mahabali symbolizes Samridhi (prosperity), the three feet symbolizes the three states of existence (Jagrat (awake), Swapna (dream sleep) and Sushupti (deep sleep) and final step is on his head which elevates from these three states, unto moksha (spiritual liberation, release from rebirths).
In one version of the Vamana legend, when Mahabali offered himself for Vishnu's third step, it was an act of Mahabali's devotion. Vishnu granted him a boon. Mahabali chose to revisit earth, once every year, the lands and people he previously ruled. This revisit marks the festival of Onam, as reminder of the virtuous rule and his humility in keeping his promise before Vishnu.
According to Nanditha Krishna, a simpler form of this legend, one without Mahabali, is found in the Rigveda and the Vedic text Shatapatha Brahmana where a solar deity is described with powers of Vishnu. This story likely grew over time, and is in part allegorical, where Bali is a metaphor for thanksgiving offering after a bounty of rice harvest during monsoon, and Vishnu is the metaphor of the Kerala sun and summer that precedes the Onam. According to Roshen Dalal, the story of Mahabali is important to Onam in Kerala, but similar Mahabali legends are significant in the region of Balia in Uttar Pradesh, Bawan also in the same state, Bharuch in Gujarat, and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. The story is significant not because Mahabali's rule ended, but it emphasizes the Hindu belief in cyclical nature of events, that no individual, no ruler and nothing lasts forever, except the virtues and self understanding that overcomes all sorrow.
Vamana Jayanthi is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Maha Vishnu’s fifth avatar, Vamana. This auspicious occasion is celebrated on Bhadrapada Sukla Dwadashi or the 12th day of the waxing phase of moon int he month of Bhadrapada. Lord Vamana appeared as the son of Aditi and the sage Kashyapa muni. He was known as the younger brother of the king of heavens, Lord Indra.
Rituals
On the day of Vamana Jayanthi, the ideal way for you to start the rituals is by donating food, rice and curd. This is considered to be an auspicious act on this particular day. During the evening, engross yourself to the Vamana Katha along with family members and following this distribute prasadam to everyone. In order to showcase your great devotion to Maha Vishnu, observing fast along with performing pujas is the spiritual way to abide by. The act of observing fast is said to immensely please Vamana who as a result showers you with blessings to get all your wishes fulfilled.
In addition to the above practices, some of the rituals a devotee must do are..
1. Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, Narayana Mantra and other mantras 108 times.
2. Starting the puja by chanting the Beej mantra while offering the seat (asana) to the Murthi.
3. Offering flowers, lamps and incense while reciting Maha Vishnu’s name 108 times.
4. During the days of Poornima, worshiping the God is considered to be very auspicious
5. Donating food to Brahmins is also considered auspicious.
Temples
Vamana iconography varies by region. Three icons are common, one shows his left foot raised above his knee, the second shows his foot above his navel, and the third shows it raised above the forehead. These icons respectively symbolize the three worlds – netherworld, earth and heaven – Vamana covered as Trivikrama.
Some of the famous Vamana temples include:
Vamana temple at Marhia, Jabalpur (dated to 5th-century, Gupta Empire era)
Vamana temple in Nagpur complex of Ramagiri temples, Maharashtra (5th-century CE)
Vamana along with other avatars of Vishnu, at the Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh, dated 500-500 CE)
Thrikkakara Temple, Thrikkakkara, Cochin, Kerala
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram in Kanchipuram
Vamana Temple, Eastern Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukoyilur in Tirukoilur, Viluppuram district, Tamil Nadu
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