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The Story of the birth of Lord Vamana – the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Lord Vamana is the fifth incarnation of Srihari Vishnu. In Vamanavatara (Vaman Avatar), Lord Vishnu appeared as a dwarf Brahmin before King Bali. As a result of this incarnation, demon King Bali got Moksha and the company of Lord Vishnu during Chaturmasa period. Indra, the king of Devas, got back his kingdom.

Story of the Birth of Lord Vamana
This story of the birth of Lord Vamana was sent to us by Narahari Sumadhwa.

When Devataas (Demi gods) lost their power to Balichakravarthi (King Bali), Adithi, the mother of Devataas requested Kashyaparu (Sage Kashyapa) to get a son who can bring back the powers to Devataas from Daithyaas (Demons or Asuras).

Balichakravarthy in his quewt for power of Indra, was doing the 100th Ashwamedha Yagna. He had already completed 99 yagnas. If he completes the 100th yagna he would be eligible for the post of Devendra – he can throw out Indra. (The present Indra is Purandara).

Kashyapa Rushi told Aditi to do Payovratha for one year, which she did successfully. As a result of her Jnaana, bhakthi, vairagya, was born Vamana, on Bhadrapada Shudda Dwadashi in Shravana Nakshatra, and Abhijin Muhoortha. This particular dwadashi is also called as Vijaya Tithi.

When he was born itself, Vamana was having Chaturbhuja, Shanka, Chakra, Gada, Padma. He was neelameghashyama and was having Srivatsa Lanchana.

Aditi-Kashyaparu did the Jatakarma Samskara.
Surya did the Gayatri Mantropadesha.

Bruhaspatyacharyaru gave Yagnopaveeta, kashyaparu gave the "darbe Ududaara", Bhoodevi the Krishnajina, Chandra gave Muttugada Danda (palasha).

Aditi gave him koupeena. Brahma gave Kamandalu, saptarshees gave darbe, saraswathi the aksharamale., Kubera Bhikshapatre, annapoorne gave the first bhikshe.

Vamana after Upanayana, did the Agnikaarya and after this Vamana went to Balichakravarthi's Yagna Shaale in Brukukutsa kshetra, near Narmada River north bank.

Bali Chakravarthy on seeing the Baala Brahmachari Vamana, did the paadapooja of the brahmachari and asked him what he wanted? the land, Gold, Mrustanna? marriage, Elephants, Horses, Chariot, etc?

Vamana just asked him to give three steps of land. Bali was surprised for having asked that little daana. Vamana was satisfied with three steps only. Bali agreed.

Vamana in his first step occupied the entire bhoomandala, and in the second he occupied the sky. No place was left to place the third. Asked Bali where shall he keep the third? Bali replied to put on his head.

That is how Vamana recovered for Devendra all the lost properties from Bali and gave it to Devategalu.

Written by Narahari Sumadhwa