Stories From The Bhagawatham - Vamana Avatar Part 2


 

Aditi, the mother of the Devas was extremely unhappy seeing the pitiable condition of her sons. She confided about her worry for her sons to her husband Rishi Kashyapa Prajapathi. He advised Aditi to perform a vrat named Payovrat for Lord Narayana and seek His blessings.

For twelve days, Aditi observed the holy fast and her mind attained peace and calm. At the end of her vrat, Lord Narayana appeared before her. Feeling overwhelmed with devotion and grief for her sons, Aditi could not contain herself before the Lord and started weeping.

“I know what pains you, Mother.” Lord Narayana said. “Your sons will rise again in power but it will take time. For now, Bali’s fortune is very good because he has Shukra as his Guru. Nothing can defeat or harm Bali now. But very soon I will be back on the earth as your son and will help to defeat Bali.” Saying this, the lord departed.

In time, Aditi gave birth to a son. The new born baby had the form of Lord Narayana, assuring Aditi that it was indeed He who had come to her and kept His promise. The very earth rejoiced with the birth of this holy child. The rivers brimmed with water, flowers and fruits appeared on trees and the seasons came together to rejoice.

In the month of Bhadrapada, with Shuklapaksha (the dark half of the year), on the auspicious day of Dwadashi when the star Abhijit was on rise, Lord Narayana appeared on the earth as Vamana.

Like his name, Vamana was indeed small in stature. He was also called Upendra. His upanayanam (thread ceremony) was conducted on a grand scale with the Devas themselves gracing the occasion. Surya taught Vamana the gayatri mantra. Brihaspathi and Kashyapa Rishi gave him the janeu (holy thread). Lord Brahma gifted Vamana with a kamandalu. Devi Saraswati gave Him Aksharmala and Devi Annapurna Herself gave Him His first Bhiksha.

It was now time for Vamana to bring the downfall of King Bali!

Read The Next Part Here

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