Vishnu and Mahabali
The festival of Onam, celebrated as a 10-day carnival in Kerala, is based on a fascinating story that blurs boundaries between human and divine. It is a fascinating story we have all heard at some point or another, at a grandmother’s knee, perhaps. On the occasion of Onam, it bears retelling.
Though it has a couple of versions, the most popular one goes like this. King Mahabali ruled over a prosperous kingdom that stretched across what’s today’s state of Kerala. He was loved by his people for his just and fair rule. His lands and his wealth grew with each passing year, until he was next to none on earth. Having conquered the earth, his ambition extended towards the heavens. As often happens in Greek myths too, when human beings become all too powerful, they become eyesores for the gods. Mahabali, too, earned their jealousy.
If we were to set aside this aspect for a moment and consider a spiritual perspective, Mahabali could be seen as representing a seeker whose overweening ambition, fed by his bloated ego, led to his downfall. His ego had to be subdued, for which the gods petitioned Vishnu. As he often does in several puranas and epics, Vishnu thought up a crafty plan to bring Mahabali down, literally.
Vishnu assumed a form that came to be included in his 10 avatars, that of a dwarf, Vamana. He appeared before Mahabali at a yajna, and sought alms. The large-hearted king agreed and asked Vamana what would please him. The dwarf asked if he could have as much land as he could measure in three steps.
At this point Mahabali’s guru, Shukracharya, warned him that this might not be an ordinary dwarf. But the mighty king ignored his advice, and agreed to give the dwarf what he wanted. In the blink of an eye, the dwarf had grown into a giant. With his first step, he measured the entire earth, with his second the heavens. Foot raised, he asked Mahabali, “Where should I place my third step?”
Astounded, and aware that his nemesis stood before him, Mahabali knelt on the ground and offered his own head to the Lord. Vishnu placed his foot on his head, pushing him into the underworld, a symbol possibly of the crushing of his ego. However, the people of Mahabali’s kingdom were distraught and requested they not be separated from their king. Mahabali promised to return once every year, and this is
the day that is celebrated as Onam.
The festivities that celebrate Mahabali’s return include boat races, Kalaripayattu displays, floor and home decorations, floral arrangements and, of course, “delectable delicacies”. It is the people’s way of thanking the king who once looked after them, shared their joys and sorrows, and was kind and just, his ego notwithstanding.
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