Vamana

Vamana is one of the avatars of the Hindu god Vishnu, and is also known as the "dwarf" avatar. He is the fifth avatar of Vishnu and is revered in many parts of India, particularly in the southern states. Vamana is often depicted in art and literature as a dwarf who tricks the demon king Bali into giving him as much land as he can cover in three steps, and then covers the entire universe in two steps.

Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, Vamana was born to the sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi. He was the youngest of their twelve sons, known as the Adityas. Vamana's birth is celebrated on the twelfth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada, which is known as Vamana Jayanti.

The story of Vamana's avatar is told in the Bhagavata Purana. The demon king Bali had become invincible and had taken over the three worlds. To restore balance, Vishnu took the form of Vamana and approached Bali, asking for as much land as he could cover in three steps. Bali, known for his generosity, agreed. Vamana then grew to a gigantic size and covered the earth and the heavens in two steps. With nowhere else to step, Bali offered his own head, and Vamana stepped on it, pushing him down to the underworld.

Worship

Vamana is worshipped in many parts of India, particularly in the southern states. There are several temples dedicated to him, including the Thrikkakara Temple in Kerala, which is considered the centre of Vamana worship. The festival of Onam in Kerala is associated with Vamana's victory over Bali.

See also

• Dashavatara
• Vishnu
• Onam

Vamana Resources
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