avatar of Lord
Vishnu stomps on Bali's head, and sends him to
Patala Mahabali is described in early Hindu texts as a benevolent and generous king. He ruled without discrimination, and his people were honest, healthy, and happy under his rule. Mahabali also temporarily possessed the
amrita (nectar of eternal life) obtained by the
asuras. The amrita allowed his subjects to bring him back to life after his death in one of the wars between
suras (devas) and
asuras. Mahabali granted him this gift, despite warnings from
Shukra, who had realised Vamana's true identity. Vamana then metamorphosed into Vishnu's colossal trivikrama form, the first foot encompassing all of
heaven in one step and the earth with the second foot. When rhetorically asked where he might take his promised third step, Mahabali accepted his fate and offered his own head. Some Hindu texts state that Mahabali was banished to
patala (netherworld), some state he was dragged there by
Garuda, in others he entered
heaven with the touch of Vishnu, while another version states he became
Chiranjivi (immortal). Others even have Bali admitted into
Vaikuntha, which was an even higher place than the realm of the devas. In other versions of the story, when Vamana asks where to place his next step, Mahabali offers his own head to him because he realizes that he is an
avatar of god Vishnu. Vishnu then sends the king to
sutala, but seeing Mahabali's gesture, he is pleased and wants Mahabali to ask for a boon. Mahabali wishes for Vishnu to stay with him in his palace in
sutala loka and give him the privilege of serving him. However, when
Goddess Lakshmi finds out, she does not approve. She goes to
sutala loka, makes Mahabali her brother, and requests him to let her husband come back to her in Vaikuntha. In response to this situation, Vishnu decides that he will visit Mahabali's palace every year and rest/sleep there for four months. To ensure that the world continues to function while he is resting in
Sutala loka, Lord Vishnu gave his responsibility of running the world to
Shiva. Those four months, during which Vishnu rests and Shiva runs the world, are known as
Chaturmas. In this way, Mahabali played an important part in the start of Chaturmas. According to one story
[Which story?Sources?], Vishnu granted Bali a boon whereby he could return to his homeland once every year. The harvest festivals of
Balipratipada and
Onam are celebrated to mark his yearly homecoming. Literature and inscriptions in Hindu temples suggest that these festivals, featuring colourful decorations, lighted lamps, gift giving, feasts and community events, have been popular in India for more than a millennium. Bali is also featured in the
Ramayana where
Ravana tries to free him from Patala, but is unable to. ==Jainism==