GODS and GODDESSES
Dasavataram
Vamanavataram - Maha Vishnu in the form of a dwarf
Bali,
the powerful asura king who was the great grandson of Hiranyakasibu had
conquered the three worlds, but in spite of being an asura, he ruled his
land and people with justice.
Even though Bali was just, Indralogam
had to be returned to the Devas, who felt humiliated at the loss of their
kingdom. Lord Vishnu could not fight so virtuous a king, and therefore
he took the guise of a Brahmin boy.
Bali was performing a yagna and for
the success of the yagna he had to provide anything that a brahmin seeks.
Lord Vishnu in his Vamanavataram begged for just three feet of land. This
request was considered funny, for three steps of Vamana's feet would measure
upto a very small piece of land only. Bali humbly requested him to ask
for something better which he would grant. But Vamana insisted on his three
feet of land.
To the astonishment of all present,
Lord Vishnu as Vamana began to grow to a great height and with one step
he covered the whole earth, with his second step he covered the entire
sky and region above. With the entire universe covered, Bali had no more
land to offer. He bowed down in front of the Lord & offered his head
for the third step. Lord Vishnu had thus regained the power from the asura
king. Being extremely pleased with the virtuosity of an asura king, he
placed his foot on his head and sent him to rule over the lower regions.
Vishnu is worshipped as Trivikramar
or Ulagalanda Perumal. There are shrines to this avataram of Vishnu at
Tirukkoyilur in South Arcot district (Trivikramar) and at Kanchi (Ulagalanda
Perumal).
Ashtalakshmi temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai
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