Hindu Festival No 20.

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Dear friends and devotees,

 

Bhakti is eternal.

 

20. Vamana Jayanti

(Bhadrapada sukla dwadasi)

 

This festival celebrates the birth of Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord

Vishnu, on Bhadrapada sudda dwadasi , the day after Parivartini Ekadashi.

 

Origin:

The shastras cite that Prahlada's grandson, King Bali performed a grand

Ashwamedha Yaga at Bhrugukutcha (Bharuch) on the banks of the river Narmada. Of

the 100 yagas to be completed, he was performing the final. And one who

performed 100 yagas became Lord Indra. The threat of being toppled frightened

the reigning Indra, who divulged his predicament to Aditi, his mother. He also

informed her of the three insuperable weapons, already procured by Bali from a

previous yaga: a divine chariot, a wishing plate and an indestructible armour.

With these he could reign terror and attain victory. In turn, Aditi informed her

consort, Kashyapa, of their son's imminent doom.

 

Kashyapa advised her, " Accept the Lord's refuge and offer sincere devotion.

Devotion offered by the meek bear’s fruit more easily than by anybody else. "

 

Aditi therefore performed a twelve-day vrata known as Payovrata. This pleased

the Lord, who granted her a boon to resolve her problem.

 

As a result Lord Vishnu was born to her as Vamana - a dwarf - on Bhadrapada

sukla dwadashi. In the garb of a brahmachari, he approached King Bali at

Bhrugukutcha.

 

The Shatapatha Brahmana cites a slightly different version. When devas battled

with the demons, the latter won. They then began to divide the Earth among

themselves. Lord Vishnu arrived as Vamana and demanded some land for Devas. The

demons agreed to grant only three strides of land. At that instant Vamana turned

into a gigantic form and swiped all the three worlds. However, this version is

not supported by any Purana.

 

The fact of Vamana’s approaching King Balichakravarthi, when the latter was

performing yaga is clearly described, by the great Vyasa maharshi in

Vamanavathara Ghattam of Bhagavatha Purana.

 

King Bali welcomed the brahmachari. He requested him to ask for whatever alms

he wished.

 

Vamana replied, " O King of demons! I only wish for a three strides of land. "

 

Astonished, Bali said, " O Vatuvu, you are just a little boy and do not

understand things. What can you do with three strides of land? At least ask for

enough land to sustain you. "

 

Then Vamana chuckled and said. " O king! He is happy who accepts that which is

granted by the Lord. Such contentment is the root of moksha. Conversely, one who

has not subdued his senses will not be content with even the three worlds. "

 

This pleased Bali, who pledged to grant some land? When Shukracharya, the

guru of the demons heard of his pledge, he arrived hotfoot. He warned the king,

" O Bali! He is none other than Lord Vishnu. He will take everything. " But King

Bali remained undaunted, keeping his word. Shukracharya cursed him. Bali

accepted the curse.

 

At that instant, the little Lord transformed into a colossus. In one stride he

covered the whole of earth. With his second he covered the sky and heavens,

including Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka and Satyaloka! " Where should I now place

the third stride? " he asked Bali. With humility, Bali replied, " O Lord, set your

foot (third stride) on my head. " Vamana then placed his foot on Bali's head and

drove him down into Pathala. Pleased with the demon king's selfless devotion,

the Lord granted him a boon to remain at his doorstep. King Bali's wife,

Vindhyavali, wholeheartedly supported his gift to Vamana.

 

It is reported that Vamana's ashram is situated in a town named Baksaar in the

Shahaabad district of Bihar. On this same site, the rishi Vishwamitra founded

his own ashram. The Vamana Purana cites 131sacred places of Lord Vamana.

 

Ritual:

Devotees observe an orthodox fast for half a day, taking normal food from the

afternoon.

(A collection)

 

With love and regards,

 

Sastry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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