In the grand narratives of Hindu mythology, the stories of Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, are filled with adventures that portray his unparalleled arrogance and unmatched strength. One such tale, recounted in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, is his encounter with Vishnu while attempting to challenge King Bali in the netherworld.
Ravana's Quest to Confront King Bali
Ravana, renowned for his indomitable spirit and desire to assert his supremacy, had heard whispers of the great King Bali's reign over the netherworld (Patala). Bali, a pious and immensely powerful king, had once ruled the heavens but was banished to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu, who assumed the form of Vamana, the dwarf avatar, to reclaim the dominion of the gods.
Intrigued by Bali's story and seeking to expand his own might, Ravana decided to journey to the netherworld to challenge Bali. He wished to prove his strength by defeating Bali, whom he thought to be held captive due to Vishnu’s intervention.
Arrival at the Magnificent Palace of Bali
Ravana's journey led him to the awe-inspiring palace of King Bali, a marvel crafted by the divine architect Vishwakarma under Vishnu's command. The palace, a testament to celestial craftsmanship, gleamed with opulence and grandeur, its towering gates adorned with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer with a life of their own.
As Ravana approached the palace gates, he was struck by the sight of a formidable guardian. This was no ordinary gatekeeper but a dark-skinned, radiant figure exuding an aura of serene power and majestic authority. This figure, with his resplendent presence, was none other than Lord Vishnu himself, though disguised as a humble guard.
The Dialogue with Vishnu
Ravana, his curiosity piqued by the guardian’s demeanor, demanded to know where he could find King Bali. Unperturbed by Ravana’s imposing presence, the guardian, Vishnu in disguise, replied calmly that Bali was within the palace.
With this information, Ravana boldly entered the palace, where King Bali, ever the gracious host, received him with respect and warmth. Ravana, driven by his ambition and ego, questioned Bali about his presence in the netherworld. He proclaimed his intent to free Bali by defeating Vishnu, whom he blamed for Bali’s plight.
Bali, with a knowing smile, informed Ravana that the very guardian he had encountered at the gate was none other than Vishnu himself. He extolled Vishnu’s virtues and unmatched power, recounting his divine deeds like the defeat of the demons Madhu and Kaitava, and his role as the protector of the universe.
Ravana’s Defeat and Humiliation
Emboldened and eager to assert his dominance, Ravana stormed back to the entrance to confront Vishnu. However, to his bewilderment, Vishnu was nowhere to be found. Frustrated and unable to comprehend Vishnu’s disappearance, Ravana returned to King Bali.
Realizing Ravana’s true intent and his desire for conflict, Bali decided to teach the demon king a lesson. With his mighty strength, Bali swiftly subdued Ravana, capturing him with ease. Ravana, stripped of his arrogance and reduced to pleading for his freedom, was humbled in the face of Bali’s power.
Recognizing Ravana's repentance, Bali, embodying the virtues of a true king, showed mercy. He released Ravana but with a stern warning never to return to the netherworld with such intentions. Ravana, humbled and shamed, departed, his arrogance bruised by the wisdom and strength of King Bali and the elusive might of Vishnu.
This tale from the Krittibasi Ramayana not only highlights Ravana's indomitable spirit but also serves as a powerful reminder of the supreme power and benevolence of Vishnu and the righteousness and strength of King Bali.