Shrimad Bhagwat Puran – Chapter 4: Vaman Avatar: The Test of King Bali

Vamana Avatar: The Test of King Bali

After the end of Hiranyakashipu, peace prevailed among gods and humans. The subjects breathed a sigh of relief as the fierce form of Lord Narasimha subsided. However, another powerful king was about to rise in the lineage of demons, King Bali, who was to become famous in all three worlds for his generosity and integrity.

King Bali's Sacrifice Ritual

King Bali was the grandson of Prahlad, and he possessed the virtues of devotion of his grandfather. He organized the demons and, by the strength of his power, even took control of heaven. Indra and other gods, expelled from heaven, went to Lord Vishnu for refuge. King Bali organized a grand Ashwamedha Yajna on the banks of the Narmada River. Prosperity was all around, donations were being given to Brahmins, and the subjects were living a life of happiness and peace. Ghee and other fragrant items were being offered into the sacrificial fire, making the atmosphere divine. Bali's fame was spreading across all three worlds, and the gods were distressed by their powerlessness.

Sitting in the sacrifice, King Bali said to his guru Shukracharya, "Gurudev, my only goal is that the subjects remain happy and righteousness is established. I will not send away any beggar empty-handed. This is my vow." Shukracharya said, "King, your resolve is commendable, but be careful. The gods are masters of deception."

Vishnu's Arrival in the Form of Vamana

Hearing the prayers of the gods, Lord Vishnu was born from the womb of Aditi in the form of Vamana. He was a radiant child, adorned with the sacred thread. He arrived at Bali's sacrifice site, where King Bali was distributing alms to the Brahmins. Seeing Vamana, Bali was extremely pleased and offered him a respectful seat. Vamana said to Bali, "King, I am a Brahmin boy and I need some land for my livelihood. I only need three steps of land as a donation."

King Bali laughed and said, "O Brahmin boy, you are so small, what will you do with three steps of land? Ask for whatever you wish." Then Vamana said, "King, I only need three steps of land. One should not covet more." At the same time, Shukracharya warned King Bali, "King, beware! This is Vishnu himself in the form of Vamana. Do not give him anything."

Donation of Three Steps of Land and Bali's Descent to the Underworld

Bali ignored Shukracharya's words. He said to Vamana, "O Brahmin boy, I promise to donate three steps of land to you." Vamana enlarged his form. In one step, he measured the entire Earth, and in the second step, heaven. Now there was no place left to place the third step. Bali humbly said, "Lord, I have nothing left now. Please place your third step on my head." Lord Vishnu was pleased with Bali's integrity and generosity. He made Bali the king of the underworld and granted him a boon that he would always be honored by the gods. Bali bowed to Vishnu with devotion and went to the underworld. Thus, the gods regained heaven.

By making Bali the king of the underworld, Lord Vishnu proved that devotion and integrity are important in any situation. Whether a king or a pauper, one who is devoted to God surely reaps the rewards. By His grace, Bali received honor instead of humiliation, even though he went to the underworld.