Stories From The Bhagavatham - Vamana Avatar Part 1

 


Bali the king of the Asuras had lost his powers after the fight with the Devas. He approached his Guru Sukracharya and asked him for guidance and assistance. The Guru assured him that he would do everything in his power for Bali to get his power back.

The Guru and his disciples, collectively called as Bhargavas, performed the Visvajit Yajna with Bali. The ritual went on for a long time. Through this Yajna, Bali received a golden chariot with powerful horses, a bow, a quiver that would always be full of arrows and a divine armour. Bali received these gifts with great humility.

His power was slowly returning and day by day, Bali became more of his old self. He collected an immense army, feeling utterly confident. With this army, he approached Amravathi, the abode of the denizens of heaven. Amrathi was indeed heaven on earth, famed for its beauty, for its timeless and ageless citizens and harmonious living.

Bali arrived at the gates of Amravathi and blew his conch, heralding his arrival. Indra saw Bali in the golden chariot, equipped with the divine armour and glowing with power. He also saw his immense army which struck him with dread. Indra rushed to his Guru Brihaspathi.

“Our enemy is back again, this time much more powerful. What gives him this purpose? Why does he look so invincible?” Indra enquired.

“His Guru Sukracharya is the person behind his power.” Brihaspathi replied calmly. “This time no one will be able to stand against Bali except for Lord Narayana. Time is not in your favor. I would advise you to leave the city and seek shelter elsewhere. Soon, Bali’s good time will end and his own Guru will lead to his downfall. Wait patiently.”

Initially Indra wasn’t convinced but Brihaspathi advised him strongly and finally Indra agreed. The Devas left Amravathi and went into hiding.

Bali realized that he had won the kingdom without fighting and rejoiced at the cowardice of the Devas. He established himself at Amravathi and declared himself as the king of the heavens in Indra’s absence. At the suggestion of his Guru, he performed a hundred Ashwamedha Yajnas. His fame and generosity spread all over the world and for a while, it seemed that the Devas would recede from the earth forever.

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