Vamana Avatara – I

• Courtesy: His Holiness Sri Sri Vishwapriyatheerta Swamiji
• Compilation: Dr. Vamshikrishna Acharya Purohit
•  Translation: Sandesh Upadhyaya K.
• Vamana Avatara image source : Wikimedia

Amongst the infinite incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the Dashavataras are prominent and we are well versed with them. Every single form of Lord Vishnu has its own significance and they inculcate important life lessons. Vamana Avatara and other incarnations where the Almighty took physical form as a human exemplified the way of life which we can very well connect to. This has proved to be effective as the Almighty explains to us the values of life and also teaches us to lead life according to varna ashrama dharma. Let us now shed some light on one such avatara which is mentioned as Vamana Charitra in Srimad Bhagavata according to Madhva philosophy.

As we all know, Vamana is a wonderful incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the result of payo vrata (fasting with just the intake of milk) which was destined to be performed by Aditi and Sage Kashyapa. It’s a well-known fact that the Almighty showed his ability to grow to be as magnificent as Trivikrama from a dwarf form of Vamana. The beginning of this instance as put forward by Vyasa is exciting. Vyasa’s preface begins with the words of Parishita Maharaja (Rajaovacha). In the 8th book (skanda), chapter 12 (adhyaya) of Bhagavatha, the foreword about Vamana is given by Shuka Muni. The foreword by Shuka Muni is put together so well that it grabs the attention of the readers before getting into the tales of Vamana. This culture is being followed even in today’s conventional classes and lectures wherein a gist of the topic to be taught on the next lecture will be disclosed at the end of each lecture. This helps in building the curiosity of the listener. Similarly, Parikshita Maharaja’s question is well complimented by the foreword of Shuka Muni.

Shuka Muni begins by saying “The Almighty incarnates as Vamana, seeks charity from Bali Chakravarti, receives it from him, makes Bali captive and then kicks him to patala loka”. Listening to these words, many questions arise in one’s mind. Pariskhita Maharaja was also in a similar state of mind. Parikshita started bombarding questions one by one. “Shuka Muni! why did Almighty who came in Vamana’s form seek charity from Bali? Why did He criticize  Bali after receiving charity? Why did He convict him? Why was he sent to patala loka? The One who in the other sense has all the wealth, is the husband of the goddess of wealth, what made him seek charity?”. These questions were answered in Vamana Charitra.

Earlier, during Ksheera sagara mathana, as the devatas (sura) lead by Indra were unable to perform the churning by themselves, sort assistance from the demons (asura) as well. Indra personally went and sought the help of Bali. The group of devatas and asuras agreed upon sharing the byproducts obtained by the mathana. Finally, the Amruta which was consumed only by devatas made them immortal. Thereafter, Indra fought with Bali and defeated him, making Bali unable to rise. Bali was lifeless. Shukracharya revived Bali time and again.

Shukracharya is a satvika sage. In the material world, ‘Shukra’ is associated with wealth and the designated term is ‘Shukradeshay’ which translates to good times. Shukra (Venus) is one among the strongest planets according to astrology. Shukracharya is the son of Bhrugu. Bhrugu is the son of Varuna (rain god). As he was the son of Bhrugu he was also known as Bhargava. Indra, the one who defeated Bali comes in 8th  stratum of hierarchy. Shukracharya, the one who revived Bali comes in 19th stratum. Now the question arises as to how this was possible as there is a lot of distance between their status as per hierarchy. The reply is thus. Shukracharya woke Bali and said “Bali! Do not be scared! I am there for you”. In a way, these words by Sukracharya made the listless and lackluster Bali to regain his consciousness. Such was the remarkable austerity of Shukracharya. What made a satvika sage like Shukracharya help a demon like Bali? Let us see it in our next issue.

Sandesh Upadhyaya

A seeker of Madhva philosophy. Hails from Rupyapeeta (Udupi).

|| विष्णो: सर्वोत्तमत्वं च सर्वदा प्रतिपादय ||

(Hari sarvothama Vayu jeevothama tatva)