Agni Purana . The first brief account of the legend of Vamana in the Agni Purana, consisting of only 7 verses (or
Slokas), has been quoted above in full. Notably, despite only being two paragraphs in length, it seems to contain all the fundamentals of the legend (i.e. more elaborate accounts consisting of several chapters still follow the same steps or formula): •
Indra and the devas are defeated by
Bali, the demonic king who now rules the three worlds • The devas ultimately seek refuge in
Vishnu, who is born to
Aditi as Vamana the
Brahmin-dwarf, to defeat Bali • Vamana attends a
Sacrifice being performed by the noble Bali, who ignores warnings about Vamana to knowingly grant three steps of land • Vamana repossesses the three worlds in three steps which are given to Indra who rules again, and Bali is sent to the Netherworld. Other details include: •
Siddhasrama is stated to be 'the place where
Vishnu manifested as the Dwarf' (5.9) • Images of Vamana,
Narasimha,
Hayagriva, and
Varaha should be placed in the south-east, south-west, north-west, and north-east, respectively (43.2) • Vamana is stated to bear 'the
Conch,
Disc,
Mace, and
Lotus' (48.4) •
Agni details the means of worshipping Vamana, via observation of the
Sravanadvadasi Vrata in the month of
Bhadrapada (189.3-15) • Of the 12 battles or wars between the
Devas and
Asuras, the first involved
Narasimha, the second Vamana, and the third
Varaha (276.10-11) • Vamana should be worshipped at
Kuruksetra (305.6)
Bhagavata Purana , preceptor of
Bali. The main account of the legend of Vamana in the
Bhagavata Puran is narrated by
Sukadeva Gosvami to King
Pariksit (canto 8, chapters 15–22). Given its similarity to legends provided in the
Harivamsa, as well as the
Matsya,
Vamana, and
Skanda Purunas, it seems this account either shares a common source, or more likely (on the assumption the Bhagavata was written later) was
derived from at least one of these other accounts. Quotes given below in the chapter summaries are taken from the chapter introductions provided by the
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) for conciseness. After the
Churning Of The Ocean Of Milk (see
Kurma),
Bali was defeated and killed by the
Devas led by
Indra, but was brought back by
Sukracarya, who becomes his
preceptor (or
acarya; 11). After performing the Visvajit-
yajna, and rebuilding his strength, Bali travels to the city of Indrapuri with his army for another battle with Indra, while '
Brhaspati advised the demidevas to leave the heavenly planets and keep themselves somewhere invisible... [Then Bali], in performing one hundred
asvamedha-yajnas... enjoyed the opulences of the heavenly planets' (15).
Aditi, to help her son Indra, performs penances to
propitiate Vishnu, as taught by
Kashyapa (16).
Krishna, 'being very pleased by the
payo-vrata ceremony performed by Aditi... agreed to become her son' (17). After Vamana is born and assumes the form of a dwarf, the
Jatakarma (birthday) and sacred thread ceremonies are performed. Vamana then visits the sacrificial arena [of Bali] on the northern side of the
Narmada River, at the field known as Bhṛgukaccha, where
brahmanas of the
Bhrigu dynasty were performing
yajnas... after washing the Lord's feet, Bali
Maharaja immediately accepted the water from the Lord's feet on his head and felt that he and his predecessors had certainly been glorified. Then Bali Maharaja inquired of Lord Vamanadeva's welfare and requested the Lord to ask him for money, jewels or anything He might desire' (18). . Vamana praises
Hiranyakasipu and
Hiranyaksa before asking for three footsteps of land. However,
Sukracarya knows the dwarf is Vishnu acting on behalf of Indra, and so forbids Bali to gift anything (19). As it 'is the duty of a householder to maintain the principles of religion... Bali Maharaja thought it improper to withdraw his promise... Lord Vamanadeva then immediately extended Himself into a universal body. By the mercy of Lord Vamanadeva, Bali Maharaja could see that the Lord is all-pervading and that everything rests in His body... The Lord gradually covered the entire surface of the world, and by extending His body He covered the entire sky. With His hands He covered all directions, and with His second footstep He covered the entire upper planetary system. Therefore, there was no vacant place where He could take His third footstep' (20). Seeing Bali deprived of everything in two steps, angry demons attack Vamana, but are defeated and - on Bali's order - are banished to the
netherworld. Bali is arrested and bound with the rope of
Varuna by
Garuda, before Vishnu asks for the third step of land promised. However, as 'Lord Vishnu appreciated Bali Maharaja's determination and integrity, when Bali Maharaja was unable to fulfill his promise, Lord Vishnu ascertained that the place for him would be the planet
Sutala, which is better than the planets of heaven' (21). Bali remembers the devotion of his grandfather,
Prahlada, and so offers his head to Vishnu for the third step; pleased with this
devotion, Krishna offers 'His
disc to protect Bali Maharaja' and promises to remain with him as a doorkeeper (22). Other details include: • Vamana is the 15th overall incarnation of Krishna (1.3.19) • Vamana is stated to have had a wife called Kirti with whom 'He begot one son, named Bṛhatsloka, who had many sons, headed by Saubhaga' (6.18.8). Aiyangar states that Kirti means 'Fame', Brihat-soka means 'great praise', and Sanbhaga means 'Happiness'. •
Krishna informs his parents,
Vasudeva and
Devaki, that He was also previously their son as Vamana (also known as Upendra) when they were
Kashyapa and
Aditi (10.3.42) •
Bana, the eldest son of Bali, was a
devotee of
Shiva and 'especially satisfied the lord by playing a musical accompaniment with his one thousand arms' (10.62.2)
Brahma Purana First account Although the first account of the legend of Vamana in
Brahma Purana is brief and otherwise entirely typical in nature, it is notable that 20 of the 28 verses focus on detailing the names and attributes of the
Asuras that either attacked and/or were destroyed by Vamana. The remaining 8 verses (or
slokas) relay the legend itself, whereby Vishnu adopts the dwarf-form of Vamana, attends 'the
yajna of the powerful
Bali', crushes the demons in His gigantic form, and returns control of the three worlds to
Indra.
Second account on Hamsa. The second account of the legend of Vamana consists of an entire chapter (Gautami-Mahatmya: 4; 68 verses). Narrated by
Brahma to
Narada, it differs from the usual accounts insofar as the devas led by
Indra are 'defeated' not in a literal battle, but rather by the good and noble qualities of the invincible
Bali, under whose rule 'there were no enemies, no ailments, no anxieties in any way.. While Bali was ruling over the kingdom, none of these was seen even in dream, viz.
famine, evil,
denial of God, [or] wickedness'. Jealous and miserable, the devas seek refuge in
Vishnu, who states Bali is a
devotee, 'cannot be conquered by
Devas or
Asuras', but can be bound 'by means of words with miraculous power' to return the kingdom to them. Vishnu enters the womb of
Aditi and is born as the dwarf, Vamana. Assuming the form of a
Brahmin, Vamana then attends the sacrifice of Bali 'singing
Saman verses'. The
preceptor of the demons,
Sukra - a descendant of
Bhrgu - warns Bali and his wife about Vamana, and Bali responds 'Blessed I am because the lord of
sacrifices is coming to my house so unexpectedly'. Vamana requests three steps of land, this is granted by Bali, and Vamana grows in size, covering all of existence in two steps, as quoted above. Pleased with Bali, Vamana offers a boon but Bali does not wish for anything. The three worlds are returned to Indra, and Bali and his family are sent to the
netherworld.
Brahmanda Purana A brief account of the legend of Vamana is provided in the
Brahmanda Purana (Part 3: 73.75-87). It is notable as one of the few accounts where Bali is neither forewarned nor aware of the true nature of Vamana, or the consequences for gifting a three footsteps of land. In addition, while Bali and other '
Asuras along with their sons and grandsons' are driven to
Sutala by Vamana, the 'cruel ones among them were [also] killed'. After the
Devas,
Danavas (including
Bali), and human beings see the gigantic universal form of Vamana - containing the universe within it - the three worlds are bestowed back to the 'noble-souled' leader of the Devas,
Indra. Other details include: • The tip of one of
Vishnu's toes, while He took the three steps to reclaim the three worlds from
Bali, created the
Ganges river (37.4-5) • Of the 12 battles or wars between the
Devas and
Asuras, the first involved
Narasimha, the second Vamana, and the third
Varaha (72.73) • Bali is described as 'noble-minded' and as a 'great
Yogin' (74.26)
Brahmavaivarta Purana The legend of Vamana quoted above seems to be unique to the
Brahmavaivarta Purana (Krsna-Janma-Khanda: Chapter 47). In this account,
Visvakarma is employed by
Indra to rebuild the city of
Amaravati after it is destroyed. A year later, with Indra still not satisfied and unable to return to his abode, Visvakarma seeks the help of
Brahma. Brahma in turn seeks the help of
Vishnu, who incarnates in the 'form of a Brahmana boy... He wore a serene smile on his face which was quite charming'. Indra becomes arrogant and haughty after being asked about the length of time Visvakarma must be engaged, so as quoted above, Vamana points out there have been innumerable Indras in innumerable
universes. Countless thousands of ants appear, and Vamana states to Indra that every one of them was previously enthroned as an
Indra. He adds that all the ants had achieved their positions - high and low - because of their
Karmas, alone. A sage called Lomasa arrives later, and asked why a patch of hair was missing from his chest, states that he loses a hair every time an Indra dies. He adds that there have been innumerable Brahmas, and that yet with 'the fall [death] of [a]
Brahma,
Vishnu winks but once'. Vamana - who turns out to be '
Shiva in the form of Vishnu' - and Lomasa disappear. Indra, looking at 'the whole scene like a dream', is left more humbled and intelligent. Visvakarma is thus generously rewarded with riches for his work by Indra and sent back to his own abode. A more typical account of Vamana is also provided elsewhere in the
Purana. Quoted below, it is given as one of a series of examples where Indra becomes arrogant and so has his pride shattered by
Vishnu (Indra's pride and humbling is also the premise of other legends such as that of
Kurma, the tortoise incarnation): Other details include: • It is stated that Bali consumes the
sacrifices improperly performed (also stated in other texts such as the
Harivamsa and
Vamana Purana; Part 1: Prakrti-Khanda - 42) • The
Supunyaka Vrata (vow) is undertaken by women ('in the bright thirteenth day of the moon in the month of
Magha') to propitiate
Krishna and through His favour beget a son; it is stated that
Aditi performed the
Supunyaka Vrata to get 'a son who happened to be the dwarf incarnation' (Part 1: Ganapati-Khanda - 6); According to the
Bhagavata Puran, Aditi instead performed the
payovrata (see above). • The
Prajapati Sutapa and his wife Prsni pleased
Vishnu so much with their
tapas (religious austerities) that he agreed to be their son, including a second time as Vamana in their
incarnations as
Kashyapa and
Aditi, and ultimately a third time as
Krishna in their incarnations as
Vasudeva and
Devaki (Part 2: Krsna-Janma-Khanda - 7) • Ratnamala, the daughter of Bali, 'felt attracted towards Vamana and desired to have him as her son, she had thought in her mind that the son like him should be fed by her from her breasts'. Her wish was granted by
Vishnu: incarnated as
Putana, the demoness breastfed poison to baby
Krishna before being killed (and therefore
liberated) by Him (Part 2: 10 and 115) •
Shiva incarnated as a dwarf Brahmana - described almost identically to Vamana - when concerned for
Parvati, who had grown weak due to practising austerities (Part 2: 40); this may be a reference to Vajasaneyi Samhita (White Yajurveda, Book 16, see above).
Garuda Purana It seems that the legend of Vamana is only briefly mentioned in the
Garuda Purana, such as in the example quoted above. Other details include: • 'Vamana' is one of the 1,000 names of Vishnu (
Vishnu Sahasranama), as is 'Balibandhanakrt' ('who fettered the demon bali'), Trivikrama ('having three steps'), and 'Bali' (Part 1: 15.3) • The
Salagrama stone for Vamana 'is circular and short' (Part 1: 45.20) • Vamana is listed as fifth in
Dashavatara, the ten principle incarnations of
Vishnu (Part 1: 86.10-11) • 'Vamana' is one of the names of Vishnu to repeat at a sacred rite to take place 'On the eighth day in the dark half mingled with the Rohini star' (Part 1: 131.3; 10–16) • Bali is stated by
Hari to be the son of
Virocana, grandson of
Prahlada, the son of
Hiranyakasipu (killed by the
Narasimha avatar of Vishnu), and to have had 100 sons of his own, the eldest being
Bana (Part 1: 6.45-46) • During the reign of the next (eighth)
Manu called
Savarni, Bali will be elected to the post of
Indra (Part 1: 87.36) • It is stated that the 'idol of dadhivamana [Vamana] should have the size of [a] barley corn. It should be round, blue in hue, slender in proportion and of pleasant aspect. It should wield a pair of wheels, five
gopuras, bow and arrow. It should be straight and round and adorned with a garland of wild flowers. It should contain a thousand heads, a silvery dot on the right side of the forehead and an auspicious semicircular mark on the left and the full moon in the middle. Such auspicious gifts are attended by good fortune to the donor' (Part 2: 26.63-66)
Kurma Purana In the
Kurma Purana, there are two accounts of Vamana.
First account In the first account, following the part quoted above, Vamana covering all three worlds in three steps splits the
cosmic egg, and the consequent flow of water rushing into it is 'termed by
Brahma' as the
Ganges. Vamana then tells
Bali that he will be banished to the netherworld until merging with Him at the time of dissolution (i.e. at the end of the
Kalpa, which lasts 1,000
Yugas in total). Vamana gives the three worlds back to Indra before disappearing in front of everyone's eyes. In the
nether world, the devotee Bali seeks instruction from his grandfather,
Prahlada, to worship and seek refuge in
Vishnu (16.46-69). Prahlada is also directly linked with the legend of
Narasimha, the fourth (man-lion)
incarnation of Vishnu, who killed
Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu is the father of Prahlada, great-grandfather of Bali, and elder brother of
Hiranyaksha. The latter was killed by
Varaha, the third (boar) incarnation of Vishnu. Both Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha themselves are the first of three incarnations of
Jaya and Vijaya, the doorkeepers of Vishnu cursed by the
Four Kumaras.
Second account In a second and much briefer account, it is stated that in 'this
Vaivasvata Manuvantra, Vishnu was born of
Kashyapa and
Aditi as Vamana. Winning the three worlds with his three steps, this high-souled lord gave in to
Indra the triple world bereft of all obstacles... Since this entire world was entied by the high-souled Vamana, therefore he is called by all as Vishnu due to the root 'Vis' (to enter) involved herein' (49.33-36). Vaivasvata, also known as
Shraddhadeva Manu, is the current and seventh of fourteen total
Manus that rule the current
Kalpa in succession. Vaivasvata is also directly linked with the legend of
Matsya, the first (fish) incarnation of
Vishnu, who rescued him from the
deluge at the end of the reign of the sixth Manu,
Chakshusha.
Linga Purana In the
Linga Purana, the legend of Vamana is only briefly mentioned, as quoted above. Other details include: • 'Vamana' and 'Trikrama' ('one who has taken three steps') are listed as two of the 1,000 names of
Shiva (Part 1: 65.54b-60) • Matala, the netherworld or Hell, 'is occupied by
Ananta,
Mucukunda and king
Bali who is the resident of
Patala and
Svarga' (Part 1: 45.11) • It is stated that '
Omkara is identical with the three worlds, the three
Vedas, the three sacrificial fires, the three steps of
Vishnu, the three scriptures, viz. Rk, Samans and Yajur
mantras' (Part 1: 91.52) • Vamana is listed in the Dashavatara, or ten principle
incarnations of
Vishnu (Part 2: 48.31-32)
Markandeya Purana It seems that in the
Markandeya Purana, the legend of Vamana is not mentioned.
Matsya Purana , painting by the
Mahesh of Chamba (
fl. c. 1730 - 1770).
Rietberg Museum In the
Matsya Purana, three chapters are dedicated to the legend of Vamana. It has elements and descriptions very similar to that of the
Vamana Purana in particular. In this account,
Shaunaka tells
Arjuna that after
Indra is vanquished by the
Asuras, his mother,
Aditi, 'the mother of the
Devas began to practise rigid austerities. For one thousand years she worshipped Lord
Krishna by living on air alone, and on seeing Her children oppressed by the [Asuras] she said to Herself that Her sons were born in vain'.
Vishnu, pleased with the devotion of Aditi, agrees to her request to restore Indra to power and states 'I shall therefore be born of you through
Kashyapa when I shall kill all the demons' (CCXLIV / 244). After the demons lose their lustre,
Bali enquiries from his grandfather and
Devotee of Vishnu,
Prahlada, what the reason is. Meditating on
Hari, Prahlada has a vision of Vamana and informs Bali, who initially scoffs but apologises after being cursed as 'indiscriminate, vicious and disrespectful'. Upon the birth of Vamana, 'all the Devas, even the Demons, men, earth, heaven, [and the] sky became peaceful', while
Brahma prays and performs the appropriate birth ceremonies. Brahma gives Vamana a (Black) deerskin to wear,
Vrihaspati the sacred thread,
Marichi (Son Of Brahma) the Danda,
Vasitha the Kamandala,
Angira gives Kusa grass and the
Vedas,
Pulaha the Aksasutra (Rosary Beads), and
Pulastya the white raiment. As Vamana proceeds to the sacrifice of King Bali, the 'portion of the land on which Vamana put His feet in walking sank down and a deep hole appeared there and He made the whole world with all its mountains to oceans... quiver though He walked slowly' (CCXLV / 245). . Bali enquires from his preceptor
Shukra why his sacrifices are not being accepted by
Agni, and is informed Vamana is coming to the sacrifice. Although realising that
Vishnu cannot be refused, Bali is still considers it 'uncommon good fortune that the Lord, for whose sake various asceticism, gifts, sacrifices, etc., are performed' will accept his offering in person. Bali offers any riches or any amount of land Vamana chooses, but is requested to give only three steps. Upon agreement, Vamana 'spread His vast Form and He measured the earth in the twinkling of an eye', and spreading over the three worlds, 'killed the great Asuras for the benefit of the Devas'. Vamana gives the three worlds to
Indra and the nether regions to Bali, with the promise that after '
Vaivasvata Manu [7th and current ruling
Manu] is succeeded by
Savarni Manu, you will become Indra [i.e. King Of The devas]'. Vamana also mentions that as Bali in 'ancient times' had worshipped Him most devoutly, he can go to live in
Patala, 'abounding in excellent gardens, palaces, luxuriant flowers, lakes, rivers' etc. Vamana then vanishes (CCXLVI / 246). Other details include: • The oldest of
Bali's 100 sons is
Bana, who had 1,000 arms (VI.6-10 / 6.6-10) • Bali reigned for 20,080,000 years (XLVII.55-57 / 47.55-57) • The queen of Bali is
Vindhyabali (CLXXXVII.38-42 / 187.38-42) • The place where Bali performed sacrifices is called
Ilavrita Varsa, 'famous as being the birthplace of all the
Devas' (CXXV.1 / 135.1) •
Shuka states 'O
Prahlada, your grandson, King
Bali, will reign with all glory, in different realms for, even, Lord
Vishnu will promise this secretly to your grandson, when He will deprive him of his kingdom in His Dwarf incarnation...
Shiva, the most supreme Lord of the entire universe, has spoken to me, as a secret, that Bali will be the future King of the
Devas [i.e.
Indra], and therefore He, invisible to all, is awaiting that time, O Prahlada'. (XLVII.213-244 / 47.213-244) • It is stated "
Namah Karanavamanya on the fore of the teeth [is] sacred to [the]
Svati asterism and [the] Vamana (Dwarf)
incarnation" (LII.18 / 52.18)
Narada Purana In the
Narada Purana, the legend of Vamana is given in chapter eleven. The (anonymous) translator in footnote 12 to this chapter (p. 208) states that the 'gift of land has been highly praised as the most meritorious, from ancient times. Apararka quotes many verses from the
Visnudharmottara Puran, the Aditya Purana and
Matsya Purana... and states that there is no gift comparable to the gift of land. Verses pertaining to land-grant are common not only in
Puranas or
Smrti works but are recorded on inscriptions and copper-plates of such grants all over India'. Although advised by
Sukra to gift nothing to Vamana or else face total destruction, Baskali considers himself lucky to be able to surrender to Vishnu and wants to give everything. Indra repeats that only three steps of land are requested, and 'Baskali then gave (the piece of land measured by) three (foot-) steps to the dwarf, after (pouring) water (on his hand), saying 'Let
Hari himself be pleased with me'. The first step of Vamana is on the
sun, the second is on
Dhruva (the polar star), and the third reaches outside the universe. Water rushing in through the crack in the edge of the universe caused by the tip of Vishnu's toe becomes the river Visnupadi (i.e. the
Ganges), an auspicious and
holy river. Vishnu offers Baskali a boon, and is requested only for increased devotion and a death at His hands in order to enter the realm even 'inaccessible to the ascetics'. Vishnu agrees and promises to kill Baskali when they incarnate and battle as
Varaha and
Hiranyaksha, respectively. Otherwise, after being deposed, 'Baskali lived happily in the netherworld [while] Indra also protected the three worlds'.
Second account and other details The second account, narrated by Mahadeva (i.e.
Shiva), is much shorter and more typical in nature. In this, Vamana is implored by the devas to visit the sacrifice of Bali to request the three worlds from him. Vamana, this time alone without Indra, is greeted and worshipped by Bali, explains the merit of donating land, and requests three steps, which is granted despite the protests of
Sukra. Vamana then 'abandoned his dwarfish form... extending up to fifty
crores (of
yojanas) he seized the earth along with the seas and mountains, along with the oceans, islands, devas, demons and human beings'. As
Vishnu places his second and third steps, creating the sacred
Ganges in the process,
Bali is granted the ability to see his universal '
Janardana-form' (similar to that witnessed by
Arjun in the
Bhagavad Gita). Other details include: • The 'three objects' (Trivarga) of worldly existence specified by Baskali (i.e. Bali) are
Dharma,
Artha, and
Kama (Part 1: 30.94) • 'Vamana' is listed as one of the hundred names of Vishnu (Part 3: 87.10-24) • Vamana 'removed, with the auspicious glances, the sin of
Bali... lord Vamana, shining in the group of
Brahmanas at the
head of the sacrifice, adorned with Brahmanic glory (Part 4: 98.52-78) • Vamana should be worshipped - amongst other devas - during
Amalaki Ekadasi (Part 7: 45.49-52) • In the Hymn called 'Apamarjana', Vamana is assigned to 'the roots of the ears' (Part 7: 78.16.29) • The 'round and small'
salagrama stone is called 'Vamana' (Part 8: 120.51b-73) •
Vishnu as Vamana is stated to dwell in Holy places called
Kanyakubja and Vamana
tirtha (Part 8: 133.2-12 and 160) • Reference is made to a sage called Vamana who, amongst others, served
Shiva due to the grace of
Ganesha (Part 8: 138.1-15) • Vamana is listed in the Dashavatara, the ten principle incarnations of
Vishnu (Part 7: 66.44-54, 71.23-29, and Part 9: 229.40-44)
Shiva Purana It seems that the legend of Vamana is only briefly mentioned in the
Shiva Purana. The translator, J.L.Shastri, notes in the fourth part (page 1659, footnote 93) that '
Patala is called Balisadman - the abode of
Bali. According to a legend God
Vishnu in the form of a
Brahman dwarf craved from Bali the boon of three steps of ground and having obtained it stepped over heaven and earth in two strides but then out of respect to Bali's devotion and his grandson
Prahlada's virtues, he stopped short and left to him Patala, the nether region'. However, Prahlada is actually the grandfather of Bali (being the son of
Hiranyakashipu), not his grandson as incorrectly stated by Shastri. Other details include: • Bali conquering the devas led by
Indra is a prelude to the legend of the
Kurma incarnation, where the
Devas and
Asuras form a pact to churn of the
ocean of milk (Part 2: 15).
Bali is present at the churning where a 'great battle for the possession of
Amrta ensued between the devas and the Asuras', and after gaining possession of it, where
Vishnu incarnates as
Mohini to give the Amrita to the devas (Part 3: 22) •
Aniruddha (incarnation / grandson of
Krishna) sneaks into the residence of
Bana (son of
Bali) to form an alliance with Usa (daughter of Bana; Part 2: 51–53). This legend is repeated in other
Puranas such as the
Srimad Bhagavatam. • The eldest son of Bali,
Bana 'became a devotee of
Shiva. He was highly respected and intelligent' (Part 1: Rudra-Samhita: 51.14-15) • There is a mountain called Vamana (Part 3: Uma Samhita: 18.47) •
Hiranyaksipu,
Hiranyaksa,
Virocana (Bali's father) 'and
Bali worship
Shiva every day' (Part 4: Kotirudra-Samhita 37.18); the exception is Prahlada (son of Hiranyaksipu, father of Virocana, and grandfather of Bali) who does not
worship Shiva but instead
worships Vishnu • Vamana is listed in the Dashavatara, the ten principle incarnations of
Vishnu (Part 4: Vayaviya-Samhita: 30.56-58 and 31.134-136)
Skanda Purana Notably, this above-quoted incident is not mentioned in either of the two legends of Vamana given in the
Skanda Purana.
First account , and Vindhyabali. In the first account (part 1, chapters 18–19), after being defeated by the
Daityas (led by
Bali), the shamed
Suras (led by
Indra) disguise themselves as different animals and go to the
hermitage of
Kashyapa and
Aditi for refuge. Aditi wishes to help the Suras, so on the advice of Kashyapa, she performs the
Ekabhakta rite for
Vishnu for a year (details and instructions are provided, including the most auspicious timings and star
constellations). Pleased with Aditi's holy penance,
Janardana (Vishnu), on 'the
Dvadasi day which coincided with [the]
Sravana constellation [appeared in] the form of a
Brahmacarin (religious student). He was two-armed and had lotus-like eyes. He had the colour of the flower of Atasi (
Hemp). He was adorned with a garland of sylvan flowers'. Pondering how to defeat the Daityas, Vamana first orders his
gada (mace) to kill Bali, but it replies that this is impossible as Bali is 'a great
Brahmanya (well-versed in the
Vedas, friendly and hospitable to
Brahmanas)'. His
discus and
Sarnga bow give the same reply when ordered to kill Bali, too: 'Just as you are Brahmanya, O
Vishnu, so is this great Daitya [called Bali] also'. Meanwhile, the Daityas conquer heaven (abandoned by the Suras) and install Bali on Indra's throne. Bali's previous life as a sinful gambler is recounted, before it is revealed Aditi completed her
Vrata (vow) - upon which Vamana, 'Aditi's son in the form of a great religious student' appeared - just before Bali's 100th
horse-sacrifice. At the sacred thread ceremony performed by
Kashyapa for Vamana,
Brahma gives the sacred thread,
Soma gives the staff, the Earth gives two
sandals, and
Bhavani gives
alms. Also given a girdle and deer-hide by unknown parties, Vamana proceeds to Bali's next sacrifice. Although Bali is willing to give the Brahmin the whole earth, Vamana requests only three steps of land, before
Sukra warns Bali that the religious student ('Batu') is
Vishnu in disguise, and in relation to the
Kurma incarnation, that Vishnu had previously incarnated as
Mohini to take the
Amrita away from the Daityas to give to the Suras (Chapter 18). In the next chapter, Bali states that he intends to give whatever is asked as 'Lord
Hari, the soul of everyone has come here out of sympathy for me, in order to redeem me'. Sukra curses Bali for ignoring his advice and retreats to a Hermitage. There is no mention of Sukra attempting to block the offering or losing his eye. Vamana takes two steps, the first covering the earth and the second all existence; the water used by
Brahma to wash the foot of Vishnu that took the second step produces the
Ganges. Vamana returns to His original size, and through
Garuda, admonishes and binds Bali for only gifting two steps, not three as promised (since all existence had been covered in only two). Vindhyavali, Bali's wife, sees through this ruse and offers the heads of Bali, her son
Bana, and herself for
Vishnu to step on. Delighted, Vishnu releases Bali from his bonds, instructs Bali to rule in
Sutala, and offers a boon. Bali states 'I do not wish for anything except your lotus-like feet, O Lord'. Vishnu promises to be Bali's gatekeeper forever, and all 'the beggars and mendicants of the three worlds went to Bali. Visnu who stood at the entrance to his abode, granted to them whatever they desired to get'. The account then ends with a eulogy to
Shiva, by whose favour 'that Bali became thus' (i.e. happy and blessed; Chapter 19).
Second account and other details In the second account (part 12, chapter 63, verse 237 onward), after the request of the devas granted a boon by
Vishnu, Vamana is born 'as the delighter of
Aditi' some time later. At this time Bali was performing 'a hundred
horse sacrifices with a desire to take away the kingdom of
Indra'. Vamana, singing 'the Mantras of all the four Vedas', arrives at Bali's sacrifice officiated by figures such as
Kashyapa and
Bhrgu. Announced by the doorkeepers, Vamana is taken by Bali to the centre of the hall, and asked His reason for coming as well as whatever He may desire. Vamana requests three steps of land. Bali offers much more, but Vamana repeats he wishes for three steps of land. Against the advice of
Bhrgu (
Sukra in the first account), this is granted by Bali, and 'Hari immediately occupied the cosmos. The entire region of [the] earth including mountains, forests and jungles was covered by two and a half [footsteps]'. Having conquered the
Asuras, Vamana gives the three worlds back to Satakratu (
Indra) and returns to earth. The remainder of the chapter concerns the merits of the Vamana
Tirtha (holy site) related to this legend. Other details include: • The city of
Bali in
Patala (i.e. the netherworld) is called
Bhogavati (Part 3: Purvardha: 11.14) • The 12-month
Jyesthapancaka Vrata to
Vishnu is described in detail, including mention of Vamana (Part 5: 44.12) • Bali requests from Vamana that if 'people offer lamps to
Naraka [Hell] on the fourteenth day [of
Dipavali, the festival of lights], all their forefathers shall cease to be in
Naraka' (Part 6: Karttikamasa-Mahatmya - 9.49b-60) • In the procedure for
Puja Mandala Construction for
Vishnu worship, Vamana, along with the
Gautama Buddha, should be installed at 'the front of the eastern filament... both of them dark as a cloud (in complexion), compassionate, quiescent, celibate, wearing sacred thread and white garments, holding a full bloomed lotus in the right hand, [and] the left hand indicating
Abhaya (protection from fear) by its position' (Part 7: Vaisakhamasa Mahatmya: 27.25-26) • When the murti of Vamana is installed in the house 'he makes people prosperous' (Part 11: Uttarardha: 61.220) • Vamana is listed in the Dashavatara, the ten principle incarnations of
Vishnu (Part 15: Reva Khanda: 151.1-7) • Bali is to take the position of
Indra during the reign of the eighth
Manu (Part 18: Nagara Khanda: 273.4-6)
Vamana Purana There are two main accounts of the legend of Vamana in the
Vamana Purana. At least 18 chapters relate directly to Vamana and events or characters relating to the legend.
H.H. Wilson summarises the legend of Vamana in this
Purana as 'the birth of
Krishna as a dwarf, for the purpose of humiliating Bali by fraud, as he was invincible by force. The story is told as usual; but the scene is laid at
Kurukshetra'. This somewhat curt summation is fundamentally inaccurate and misleading since Bali is neither humiliated nor defrauded. As a general rule, Bali is a noble-souled and religious character fully aware of exactly who Vamana is and who knowingly grants three footsteps of land in spite of being warned of the consequences. This is the case in both accounts contained in the Vamana Purana, where far from being 'humiliated', Bali is installed as ruler of the netherworlds and is promised the post of
Indra (i.e. King of the devas).
First account and his father,
Hiranyakasipu. The first account is remarkably similar to that of the
Matsya Purana (see above), and consists of 9 chapters (Saromabatmya: 2-10). It begins with the coronation of
Bali as the King after defeating
Indra. Noble and religious, Bali is congratulated for his victory and blessed by
Sri (2). Meanwhile, Indra returns to his mother,
Aditi, who states Bali can only be defeated by
Vishnu. Aditi and the devas go to
Kashyapa, 'the creator of beings, the Supreme Master of the entire progeny' who then takes them to
Brahmaloka, the celestial abode of
Brahma (3). Brahma informs the devas that the three worlds will be delivered by 'Him who is the Lord of all the worlds, the eternal master of the universe, and the First born they call the Primordial First Deity. Even the devas do not know who the Great One is'. From there the devas travel to 'the northern bank of the
Ksiroda Ocean, in the northern direction, where the Creator of the universe is present... the region known as
Amrta'. There, knowing 'Lord
Narayana, the thousand-eyed god' could only be realised through spiritual union, practiced holy vows and recited the
Vedas for 1,000 years (4). Kashyapa also eulogises Vishnu by reciting many of His names, including 'Devadeva' ('God of devas') and 'Prasitara' ('the Eater of the oblation at the sacrifice') and states the importance of
sacrifice (5). Narayana agrees to the request of Kashyapa to 'be born as the younger brother of Indra, the promoter of the happiness of the relatives, and the dear son of Aditi'. Returning to the Hermitage of Kashyapa, Aditi then performs penances for 10,000 years (6). Pleased with her penance Vishnu appears, agrees to Aditi's wish to restore her son Indra to power, and becomes conceived in the womb (7). After the demons lose their lustre, Bali enquiries from his grandfather and
Devotee of Vishnu,
Prahlada, what the reason is. Meditating on
Hari, Prahlada has a vision of Vamana and informs Bali, who scoffs and is consequently cursed as for his disrespect towards 'the all-pervasive, supreme spirit' (8). Bali apologises, is forgiven by Prahlada, and accepts he will lose his kingdom as a result of the curse. Meanwhile, Vamana is born to Aditi after 10 months of pregnancy. Brahma performs the
Jatakarma ceremony and other rites before gifting a black deer skin,
Brhaspati the sacred thread,
Marici the Asadha staff,
Vasistha a Kamandalu,
Angiras a silken cloth, and so on. The dwarf then proceeds slowly to the sacrifice of Bali, His footsteps leaving hollows in the earth (9). Bali is warned by
Sukra about the arrival of Vamana, and advised to refuse any request made. Bali responds that he could not refuse the Lord of Sacrifices even if he wanted to, and considers himself very fortunate the Lord is arriving to his
Yajna personally. Bali offers Vamana 'a gift of anything that belongs to me' and Vishnu requests 'three strides for a
Fire Sanctuary [Altar]'. Bali agrees and as 'soon as water fell in his palm the Dwarf assumed non-dwarfish dimensions and showed instantly his form, comprehending all devas'. In three steps Vamana regains the three worlds which are returned to Indra, while Bali is promised to become Indra on 'the expiry of the
Vaivasvata period' (i.e. end of the rule of the seventh Manu); until then, he is to rule in
Sutala, 'crowded with hundreds of palaces and provided with comforts necessary for devas'. The remainder of the chapter concerns the importance of sacrifices, and the merits achieved by Bali though improper practices of others, such as 'sacrifices performed without faith' (10).
Second account . The second account - excluding chapters not directly related to the legend, such as Bali conquering the devas beforehand and the pilgrimage of Prahlada after cursing Bali - consists of at least 5 chapters (Saromabatmya: 50–51, 62, and 64–65). In this,
Indra travels to
Brahmaloka to confer with
Brahma and
Kashyapa, where he is told that he lost his Kingdom due to his sin of attempting to destroy the fetus of
Diti (saved by
Vishnu), another wife of
Kashyapa and mother of the
Daityas. Indra performs penances, of which he tells his mother,
Aditi. Aditi in turn performs penances, and pleased, Vishnu agrees to be born as her son (i.e. Vamana) to restore
Indra to power (50). Similar the first account, Bali is warned about the birth of Vamana and cursed after failing to take the threat seriously, albeit this time by his grandfather Prahlada (not
Sukra), who then goes on a pilgrimage (51). Vamana is born, and eulogised by Brahma who performs the
Upanayana and
Jatakarma ceremonies and others.
Pulaha gives the sacred thread to Vamana,
Pulastya two white garments,
Agastya a deer skin,
Bharadvaja a girdle,
Marici a staff,
Vasistha (son of
Varuna) rosary beads,
Angiras a broom of
Kusa grass, King
Raghu an umbrella, Nrga a pair of shoes,
Brhaspati a water-jar, and so on. Vamana states 'I will go to Kuruksetra which confers great prosperity. There the sacred
Asvamedha Sacrifice of the king of demons [Bali] is going on' (62).
Sukra advises Bali not to give anything to Vamana. This advice is rejected by Bali, who relates the story of Nisakara 'the son of Kosakara, which took place on the
Malaya Mountain in olden days'. It is similar to the legend of
Bharat, insofar as it concerns a person that having remembered their previous births, pretended to be mentally-handicapped, and suffered mistreatment by others as a result, in order to 'no longer commit terrible sins with my mind, actions and speech' (64). Vamana arrives at the sacrifice of Bali and requests three steps of land. Bali offers much more but Vamana again repeats 'Give me three steps; I do ask for this much only'. Bali agrees, and just 'as the water (of the pitcher) fell on the hand (of
Vishnu) he assumed a divine, multifarious, world-embracing form for the purpose of pervading the three worlds'. In two steps, Vamana covers all existence and creates the
Ganges. Vamana then tells Bali he must 'supply my (remaining) step or accept captivity'. Bali's son,
Bana, sees through the ruse and points out Vishnu could traverse all of existence in a single step despite being in the small form of a dwarf.
Vishnu responds that His three steps were also for the benefit of Bali, and to the King directly, says, 'O King, till my honorarium is paid, you go and live free from diseases in the subterranean region called
Sutala (good-surfaced) which is highly beneficial'. As in the first account, Vishnu also states that improper sacrifices will also benefit Bali while resident in the netherworld, in addition to other sacred rituals such as Dvara-
pratipada. Then, 'having restored heaven to Indra, and enabling the devas to enjoy their shares in sacrifices, the omnipotent Lord of the universe disappeared' (65).
Varaha Purana In the
Varaha Purana, it seems that the legend of Vamana is only briefly mentioned, as quoted above. Other details include: • Vamana is one of the 10 primary
incarnations (
Dashavatar) of
Vishnu (Part 1: 4.2-3, 113.42 and Part 2: 211.69) • In 'the month of Caitra (Mesa), Visnu should be worshipped on
Dvadasi day after due fasting. The feet should be worshipped as Vamana' (Part 1: 43.1-2) • Worship of Vamana removes 'all stupefaction' (Part 1: 48.18) • It is said that the 'only means for redemption for those who are ignorant and indifferent to
dharma and do not have compassion or give gifts, is to perform worship and
sacrifice to Lord Vamana at the confluence at
Mathura when the star
Sravana is in combination with
Dvadasi in the month of
Bhadrapada' (Part 2: 174.53-54)
Vayu Purana In the
Vayu Purana, the legend of Vamana is briefly recounted in the second part (36.74-85), an excerpt of which is quoted above. A simplified version of the legend (in comparison to many others), after Vamana takes back the three worlds from the
Asuras, 'he forced them to retreat to the bottom of the nether-world along with their sons and grandsons. Namuci,
Sambara and
Prahlada (were among them). The cruel
Danavas were killed'. Bali is also stated to have been 'bound with great nooses along with his kinsmen, friends, and followers'. The previous two incarnations of
Vishnu prior to Vamana are stated to be
Varaha and
Narasimha. Notably, deviating from
incarnations typically listed, the fourth listed (occurring in the tenth
Treta Yuga) is
Dattatreya, the fifth (fifteenth Treta Yuga) is
Mandhatr, the sixth (nineteenth Treta Yuga) is
Parashurama, and the seventh (twenty-fourth Treta Yuga) is
Ram. Other incarnations following Rama have not been listed here. Other details include: • The sons of Bali 'established the disciplines of four castes on this earth' (Part 2: 37.26-32) • There are two different Balis. The first is
Mahabali, the rival of
Indra conquered by Vishnu/Vamana in three steps. The second is 'another East Indian King who being childless requested [progeny] thus to
Dirghatamas' (Part 2: 37, footnote 1, page 796). The anonymous translator notes that the
Vayu Puran seems to mix-up or confuse these two Balis in chapter 37 (i.e. Mahabali was not childless) • It is stated that 'He who was formerly
Bali, the son of
Virocana, will become their [the
devas]
Indra' (Part 2: 38.21-22) • It is stated that a son of Bali, Cakravarma, will be incarnated as
Karn, one of the main villains of the
Mahabharata (Part 2: 7.32)
Vishnu Purana It seems that the legend of Vamana is only briefly mentioned in the
Vishnu Purana. According to the notes of the translator,
H.H. Wilson, 'Fuller details occur in the
Bhagavata Purana,
Kurma,
Matsya, and
Vamana Purana'. However, it is stated in the above quotation that Vamana had a wife called Padma or Kamala, an incarnation of His eternal consort
Lakshmi. The only other mention of a wife is made in the Bhagavata Purana, whose name was Kirti (meaning 'Fame', see above). ==Sangam Literature==