King Mahabali and Onam

India is a land of festivals, legends, myths, and folklore. Behind every festival, tradition, and ritual lays a fascinating story and narrative that binds people. One such fascinating and intriguing legend is about King Mahabali and the Onam festival. Onam is celebrated in Kerala every year. It falls during the Hindu month of Chingam (August-September) and marks the return of the legendary King Mahabali to Earth.

The legend states that the beautiful land of Kerala was once ruled by kings and princes. One of those rulers was King Mahabali, an asura. He ruled justly and benevolently, providing peace and justice to his Kingdom. People believe that Kerala experienced a golden age of justice and happiness during the reign of King Mahabali. He was loved by people of all castes and classes. The rich and poor were treated equally. There was harmony in the state. In fact, Kerala was so content that people did not even lock their doors at night as there were no thieves.

King Mahabali was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu. He was the son of Veerochana and grandson of Prahlad, the son of King Hiranyakashyap. King Mahabali had a son called Bana who later became King and popular in his own way and right. King Mahabali was gifted his name as it means ‘King of Kings.’ Now the growing popularity and fame of King Mahabali had earned him some enemies. Gods, powerful kings, and deities became concerned with the power and idolizing of King Mahabali. They believed he would surpass them or people may soon stop worshipping them and start worshipping him. They decided to approach Lord Vishnu to ask him to limit the powers of King Mahabali. After giving it thought, Lord Vishnu agreed and took the form (avatar) of a dwarf Brahmin called Vamana.

King Mahabali was known for his generosity and charity. It was said that he didn’t refuse anybody for anything they requested. King Mahabali usually granted boons to Brahmins after his morning prayers. Lord Vishnu decided to use that for their benefit. As Vamana, he begged for an audience with King Mahabali. He said that he was a poor Brahmin and requested for a piece of land. King Mahabali in his generous nature suggested that Vamana could have as much land as he wanted. Vamana said he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. King Mahabali was surprised to hear this peculiar request but he agreed.

As a powerful and popular King, Mahabali had a court full of learned advisors and nobles. One of those advisors was Shukracharya, a wise and shrewd man. He understood that Vamana was no ordinary Brahmin. There had to be some trick behind his request. Faithful to his King, he advised Mahabali to not fulfill the promise. Mahabali was shocked and replied that he had already given his word. To take it back or lie would be tantamount to a sin. The King was unaware of Vamana being Lord Vishnu and proclaimed that he should take the land.

Waiting for this opportune moment, Vamana began to expand in size. Vamana eventually increased himself to gigantic proportions. He covered the whole earth with his first step. Vamana then covered the entire skies with his second step. Then he asked King Mahabali as to where he should take the next step. The reality of his identity was dawning on King Mahabali. He knew that another step by Vamana would destroy the Earth as we know it. Humbled and awed, he folded his hands before the Brahmin. King Mahabali requested that he place his last step on his head so that nobody else may suffer for his ignorance. Vamana placed his foot on King Mahabali’s head and pushed him to Patala, the netherworld.

In Patala, King Mahabali was tested and found true to his people and Gods. Pleased by his nature, Lord Vishnu decided to visit him. After being requested by the King to reveal his true identity, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him. He informed the King that he had passed with flying colors and won his admiration and a boon. The generous and powerful King Mahabali had only one request. He felt a strong attachment towards the people of Kerala. He requested with folded hands that he be allowed to visit his people once a year. Moved by his dedication, Lord Vishnu declared that King Mahabali would be allowed to do so and be remembered for centuries by his people on an auspicious day.

The day of King Mahabali’s visit is celebrated as Onam in Kerala. The elaborate and majestic festival is celebrated happily by people even today. King Mahabali was affectionately called King Onathappan by his people. People of Kerala display their respect and love for King Mahabali by sharing their happiness and success. They also pray and wish for King Mahabali to remain well. The second day of Onam is called as Thiruvonam. Temples to King Mahabali and Lord Vishnu are found in Kerala and decorated beautifully on the day of Onam.