Stories From The Bhagawatham - Vamana Avatar Final Part

 


When the Asuras found their king at the mercy of Vamana, having lost all his possessions on earth, they rushed towards the child with upraised weapons. However, Bali stopped them. “This is not our time to fight. Do not fight, it is futile.”

Garuda, the vaahan of Narayana tied up Bali. There was a major uproar from everyone assembled there. However, Bali smiled serenely. He knew why this had happened. Narayana must have laughed when Bali had declared himself to be the monarch of the earth, and told Him to ask for anything. Through this defeat, Narayana had relieved Bali of his illusions of ‘I’ and ‘mine’. Perhaps Lord Narayana would punish him further to humble him.

When Bali looked at Vamana, he found only compassion and love in His gaze, and he realized that he had been wrong. Vamana would not punish him, but had blessed him by getting rid of his ego. The lord wanted to show the world that the quickest way to dissolve one’s ego is by surrendering to the Divine.

Bali’s eyes filled up with tears and he bowed his head in humility.

Vamana said, “You promised me three paces of ground. I have claimed two paces, and one more pace is required. Tell me where do I place my foot the third time?”

Bali humbly said, “Please place your foot on my head, and let that be your third claim. I am the most fortunate among men, for by getting rid of all my wealth, You have made it easier for me to reach You. The world may view this as a punishment for me, but I consider this a big blessing, for You have granted me wisdom.”

Prahlada, the grandfather of Bali, arrived there, and worshipped Vamana with tears in his eyes. Lord Brahma approached Vamana and told him, “Kindly release Bali. He has given everything to You and has surrendered to You.”

Vamana said, “Bali never swerved from the path of truth. Even though his Guru cursed him, he performed his Dharma and fulfilled his promise. Bali has attained that state which even the Devas envy. I declare him to be Indra in another yuga. Bali, you will be the king of Sutala (the netherworld). I will be there to protect you. I will always be there with you.”

Overcome with emotions, Bali, after being released, prostrated and worshipped the Lord. Then he entered sutala loka. It is said that Lord Narayana guards the portals of his home there with a mace in his hand.

Thus, the world saw not only an amazing avatar of Lord Narayana as Vamana, but also learnt about the generosity and steadfastness of the Asura named Bali who attained an exalted state by the grace of Lord Narayana.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaaya!

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