Mahabali

Mahabali
Mahabali
Vamana with Bali Maharaj
Information
Family Virochana (Father)
Spouse(s) Vijayavalli[1][2]
Children Banasura
Vamana as Trivikrama, depicted taking the last of three steps, which is on Bali's head, and sends him to Sutala.

Mahabali (IAST: Mahābalī), or Great Bali, also known as Māveli, was a benevolent Asura King in ancient Hindu antiquity. Mahabali was the great grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grand son of Prahlada and son of Virochana. After he failed to fulfill his promise to provide three paces of land for Vamana,[3] Vamana sends Mahabali to live in netherworld for some period.[4] Pleased by Mahabali's devotion, Vamana also blesses Bali to be the Indra during the period of the Manu known as Sāvarṇi.[5]

Mahabali was a beloved king and very kind to his subjects in the state of Kerala. The time under his rule was considered one of great prosperity and happiness. It is in fact this success as a king that led the gods to be wary of him and bring his demise at the hands of Vamana. To appease his subjects who were distraught at his death, Mahabali is allowed to return to Earth once every year on the auspicious festival of Onam and Malayalis all over the world celebrates this festival. [6]

See also

References

  1. Satyanarayana Rao, Gangavelli (1993). Myths and Deities: Some Aspects of Hindu Iconographic Traditions. New Era Publications. p. 61-64.
  2. Journal of Indian History Volume 55. Department of History, University of Kerala. 1977. p. 110.
  3. "Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 8 - Chapter 21".
  4. "PrabhupadaBooks.com Srila Prabhupada's Original Books".
  5. "PrabhupadaBooks.com Srila Prabhupada's Original Books".
  6. Gupta, Siddhartha. "King Mahabali and Onam,Legend of King Mahabali,Story of King Mahabali".
Preceded by
Virochana
Daityas
unknown
Succeeded by
Banasura
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