Stories From The Bhagawatham - Vamana Avatar Part 3
On the northern banks of the river Narmada, Bali was performing
the Ashwamedha yajna under the supervision of his Guru Shukra and other
Acharyas. As the yajna was progressing, everyone saw a glow emanating from
somewhere. They looked around and saw the glow coming towards them. They saw a
little Brahmin child walking towards them with the Kamandulu on one hand and an
umbrella on the other. Such was the Tejas of the child that everyone assembled
there stared at the child in wonder, thinking whether it was Surya himself who
had come there, or Agni, the god of fire, or perhaps, Sanatkumara, the son of
Brahma himself.
Vamana walked into the yajnashala, cutting a radiant figure with
his tiny chest showing the sacred thread that glowed like a streak of lightning,
a charming jata on his head and the kamandalu and umbrella on his hands. Such
was the glory and radiance of this child that everyone stood up in the
yajnashala.
King Bali rushed to the child, prostrated at his feet and
received him with great honour. He washed the little feet of the child and said
to him, “I welcome you to my yajna. I do not know who you are, but by your
presence, I feel blessed. I feel that my forefathers have received your good
grace. By washing your blessed feet, I feel like all my sins have been washed
away, and that my yajna is already successful. Great souls like you give an
opportunity to us by asking for favors. A Brahmin blesses by asking and a
Kshatriya is blessed by the ability to give. Please ask something of me. Please
honor me by accepting a gift from me.”
Vamana smiled sweetly at Bali. “Your words show your humility
and righteousness. It is not surprising that you should behave such nobly.
After all you come from a line of great ancestors like Prahlad, your
grandfather. The world knows his righteous nature. And then your father
Virochana is famed for giving. None among your family has ever refused a gift
or favor. Once the Devas disguised as Brahmins and came to your father. Even
though he knew that those were the Devas, your father gave his very life to
them. It is but natural that you also are as righteous and noble as your
ancestors. I will certainly ask a favor of you. I need three paces of land,
measured by my feet.”
Bali stood speechless for a moment and then smiled. He said,
“You speak the words of wisdom and look like a child. But it seems you are a
child, seeking very little when I can grant you much, much more. Look at me,
the sole ruler of the earth. I can grant you anything you desire. But
childishly, you ask for three paces of land, measured by your tiny feet! Ask
for something else.”
Vamana replied, “I appreciate your kind and generous gesture.
But if a person has not conquered his desire, nothing will be able to satisfy
him. If I cannot be satisfied with three paces of land, all the wealth in the
world will not bring me satisfaction. A person who is satisfied with what he
gets is always happy. But a person who keeps hankering for more will never find
satisfaction. You are the greatest of givers. I again humbly ask you for three
paces of land measured by my feet.”
Bali laughed and looking at the tiny feet of Vamana, he agreed
to give the land.
Sukra, the Guru of the Asuras, intervened and advised Bali. “You
do not know what you are doing. This little boy whom you think is a child is
none other than Narayana. To help the Devas, He took birth as Vamana, the son
of Aditi and Kashyapa Rishi. You have been rash in promising to give the land.
This will bring only destruction and downfall to the Asura clan.” He advised Bali
in great details about the perils of giving this ‘gift’ to the Brahmin child
who was Narayana Himself.
Bali listened to his Guru and said, “I agree with whatever you
said. But I am Bali, the son of Virochana and the grandson of Prahlada. They
all have been givers. Coming from this noble race, it will be shameful on my
part if I took back my words and refused a Brahmin his gift. If this is Lord
Narayana Himself who has come to take a boon, it is my great fortune, for it
will be His hand on my head!”
Sukhra felt insulted that Bali had not heeded his advice. In
anger, he cursed Bali. “You seem to think that you are wiser than me. You
choose to disobey your very Guru. I curse you. You will soon lose your kingdom
and fall from grace and your glory will be gone!”
These words, while paining Bali, did not deter him from his
decision to give the gift. He summoned his wife Vindhyavati. They sat together
at Vamana’s feet, washed them and sprinkled the holy water on themselves.
The heavens rained flowers on Bali and his wife. Heavenly
instruments sprang out divine music in the sky. The gandharvas danced, and the
kinnaras sang. Flowers were showered upon Bali.
The gift was extended from him, and was received by Vamana.
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