Lord Vishnu is the Preserver Archetype in Hinduism. His task is to preserve Creation by ensuring that Dharma (righteousness) prevails in all the 3 worlds. Hence, whenever chaos and anarchy threaten to get the upper hand, he incarnates in some form or the other to set things right and reset the moral order. His incarnations are collectively called Dasavatharam.
Vamana is the 5th avatar of Vishnu. The day of his appearance on earth is Vamana Jayanti.
Vamana was also the first human form of Vishnu, coming after his fish, tortoise, boar, and half man-half lion avatars. According to Hindu mythology, he was born to Sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi, who were also the parents of Lord Indra, the king of heaven. Vamana appeared during the Treta Yuga, one of the four epochs in Hinduism.
Vamana Jayanti falls on Dwadashi Tithi' or the 12th day of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada month (Aug-Sept). So, it is also called 'Vamana Dwadashi.' In 2024, Vamana Jayanti is on 15th September.
According to one belief, Vamana was born during 'Abhijit Muhurat' when Shravana Nakshatra was in the sky. Hence, observing Vamana Jayanti during this muhurat is very auspicious.
The Scriptures claim that those who worship Vamana will gain freedom from all kinds of sins and suffering and achieve Moksha or salvation.
Vamana Jayanti Vrat
Devotees observe a vrat or fast on Vamana Jayanti in some parts of India. Devotees who observe this fast are blessed by Vishnu and get forgiveness for their past sins.
Legend Behind Vamana Jayanti
Mahabali was an Asura king who ruled the region that is now called Kerala. Despite being an Asura, he was very noble and benevolent. He was the grandson of Prahlad, to save whom Vishnu had taken his Narasimha avatar. Like Prahlad, Mahabali was also a Vishnu devotee. Mahabali ruled his kingdom wisely and justly. There was no poverty or crime during his rule. Peace and plenty prevailed, and his subjects were very happy. It was truly a golden age.
Mahabali’s power and prestige were increasing day by day. His penance and austerities endeared him even to the gods. However, there was a catch. If Mahabali became too powerful, he would become a threat to the gods. Indra became very agitated at the thought of losing his throne to an Asura. Moreover, the delicate balance between the Devas and Asuras would be upset as well, which could lead to chaos in the Universe.
Hence, Indra and the other gods approached Vishnu and requested him to do something to stop Mahabali in his tracks. Vishnu agreed. He took birth on earth as the son of Kashyapa and Aditi.
Meanwhile, Mahabali was performing 100 Yagnas to gain the power to rule the 3 worlds. If he completed the 100 Yagnas successfully, he would become the ruler of the Universe. Vamana went to the venue where the Yagnas were being performed. On seeing the humble dwarf Brahmin, Mahabali asked him what he wanted as Bhiksha (alms). Vamana replied that he wanted as much land as could be covered in 3 steps. Looking at his tiny feet, Mahabali was bemused. He readily agreed to Vamana’s request.
Immediately, Vamana became gigantic in size, reaching up to the heavens. He covered the earth in one step, and with the next step, he covered heaven. As no more space was left, he could not take his third step. Mahabali then offered his own head so that Vamana could place his foot on it. Vamana pushed Mahabali down into Patal Lok. However, Vishnu was pleased by the king’s generosity, and allowed him to visit his kingdom once every year. The people of Kerala celebrate the Onam festival to welcome their beloved Mahabali during his annual homecoming. Vamana is also called Trivikrama (god of 3 strides) because of the 3 steps he took.
Rituals of Vamana Jayanti
∙ On this day, one can begin the rituals by donating food, curd, and rice to Brahmins, as it is highly auspicious.
∙ Devotees also observe a vrat/fast on this day besides doing Pooja and other rituals.
∙ People recite Vishnu Sahasranama and other Vishnu Mantras.
∙ Lamps, incense sticks, and flowers are offered to the deity while reciting Vishnu’s name 108 times.
∙ In the evening, devotees listen to the story of Vamana and offer prayers and bhog to the deity. They also distribute Prasad.
Significance of Vamana Jayanti
Mahabali was an Asura, but he did not have any demonic qualities. He upheld Dharma and was a good ruler who endeared himself to his subjects. However, he had become a little proud about his name and fame in all the 3 worlds. Vishnu does not like pride in his devotees. Hence, he decided to teach Mahabali a lesson in humility.
Mahabali was warned by his Guru, Shukracharya, not to accede to Vamana’s request. However, Mahabali chose to surrender to divine will. This is called Atma Nivedan Bhakti‘ (devotion as self-surrender). This pleased Vishnu, and he blessed Mahabali, granting him eternal life and protection during the great deluge.
He also received the boon of Indra’s throne in his next birth. Thus, the Vamana avatar of Vishnu has great significance for those who seek god's grace and spiritual nourishment.
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