Sign in or 
- EasyEdit
- Edit tags
-
(what's this?What are these tools?
People just like you can add or edit the content on this site. If you want to try editing, but aren't ready to add to this site, try our demo area.
Read more about editing pages at Wetpaint Central.
) - Report page
Share this
Vamana Avathar.
Vãmana Avatãr
The dwarf and the 5th incarnation of Vishnu - Vishnu's feat of traversing the Universe with his 3 steps is explicitly alluded to Rig Vedã.
Legend
Bali, the great-grandson of Hiranyakashipu , was a virtuous and a just monarch. His rule was so successful that his reputation began to overshadow that of Indra who was obliged to seek Vishnu's help to regain his supremacy. Also an asura could not be allowed to rule the Devaloka. So not wishing to use harsh measures against such an exemplary ruler, Vishnu resorted to a strategem. He disguised himself as a dwarf and asked Bali to give him piece of land 3 paces wide on which he could sit and meditate. Pleased to be able to encourage piety, Bali granted the request. Vishnu then used his supernatural powers to take possession of heaven and earth in 2 steps, thus depriving Bali of his kingdom. Stunned, Bali offered his own head for the 3rd step to be completed. In recognition of Bali's generosity and benevolent rule, Vishnu refrained from taking his 3rd step and gaining the underworld as well but installed Bali as its monarch.
The three steps are regarded as holding up elements of the Universe ; all creatures dwell within them and their extent symbolizes Vishnu's power to cover the universe.
2.
Story of Vaman the Dwarf Vikas Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri
Vishnu as Vamana the Dwarf
Once upon a time, a demon Bali (a.k.a. Mahabali) was about to cause havoc on the earth. Bali was both a greedy conqueror as well as a generous philanthropist. He captured all the beautiful women of the earth for his pleasure and there was panic.Rescuer Lord Vishnu then took the avatar of a dwarf brahmin Vaman (a.k.a.Vamana) and sought from the demon, land enough for his three steps. Bali was a mighty emperor and didn't think much of the young brahmin's request for three steps of land. Granted permission to keep all he could in three steps, Vamana encompassed the earth with one step, the sky with the other, and the underground with the third, thus rescuing the world.To keep his word, Bali had to relinquish all his possessions. Vamana then was banished to the underground world (patala).K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri
Vishnu as Vamana the Dwarf
Sarnath |
Latest page update: made by Sarnath
, Aug 27 2007, 4:21 AM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
update by sarnath
- Sarnath
12 words deleted view changes - complete history) |
|
More Info: links to this page
|
There are no threads for this page.
Be the first to start a new thread.
