Mahabali

For the 1983 Malayalam film, see Mahabali (film).
Mahabali

Mahabali

Vamana with Bali Maharaj
Information
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, Devanagari: महाबली, Malayalam: മാവേലി, മഹാബലി, Telugu:మహా బలి (బలి చక్రవర్తి )), also known as Mahabali or Māveli, was a benevolent Asura King in ancient Hindu mythology. Mahabali was the great great grandson of a Brahmin sage Kashyapa, great grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grand son of Prahlada and son of Virochana. After failing to fulfill his promise to provide 3 steps land for Vamana,[1] Vamana sends Mahabali to live in netherworld for some period[2] Pleased by Mahabali's devotion, Vamana also blesses Bali to be The Indra during the period of the Manu known as Sāvarṇi.[3]

However, 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[4] on the auspicious festival of Onam. His subjects deck up their houses and themselves in order to show their happiness and prosperity to their King.

See also

References

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  1. ↑ http://bhagavata.org/canto8/chapter21.html
  2. ↑ http://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/8/21/34
  3. ↑ http://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/8/22/31
  4. ↑ http://www.onamfestival.org/king-mahabali-onam.html
Preceded by
Virochana		 Daityas
unknown 		Succeeded by
Banasura
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