King Mahabali (Maveli)

Mahabali, also recognized as Bali, Indrasenan, or Maveli, stands as a prominent daitya king within Hinduism. He traces his lineage back to Prahlada, his grandfather, and stems from the lineage of the revered sage Kashyapa. A multitude of renditions detailing his saga can be found in ancient texts like the Shatapatha Brahmana, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and various Puranas. Hindu literature recounts that he received the blessing of eternal life (Chirajeevi) from the Vamana incarnation of Vishnu and rules over the realm of sutaloka.

Story of King Mahabali

Mahabali, also known as Bali, Indrasenan, or Māveli, plays a significant role within Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. In the realm of Hinduism, Mahabali is depicted as a benevolent and just ruler, leading his subjects with fairness and kindness. He possesses the amrita, the nectar of eternal life, allowing his people to revive him after his demise in the conflicts between suras and asuras. Despite his invincibility and conquering of both heaven and earth, the suras approach Lord Vishnu to restore the balance disrupted by Mahabali’s dominance. Vishnu incarnates as the dwarf Brahmin avatar, Vamana, who humbly requests three steps of land from Mahabali during his ashvamedha sacrifice. Mahabali agrees, leading to Vamana’s transformation into Vishnu’s trivikrama form, encompassing heaven and earth in two strides. Mahabali’s willingness to offer his own head symbolizes his acceptance of his fate.

The myth diverges on his fate, with some versions suggesting banishment to patala, others indicating heaven’s embrace through Vishnu’s touch, or even his transformation into the immortal Chiranjivi. The notion of Mahabali’s annual homecoming finds its manifestation in the Balipratipada and Onam harvest festivals, marked by joyous celebrations. Notably, Mahabali’s story is also interwoven into Jainism, portraying him as a villainous figure in Jain mythologies. In Buddhist sutras, including the Dānapāramitā Sūtra and the Lotus Sutra, Mahabali appears as part of the audience receiving Buddha’s teachings.

Notably, the Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra showcases a profound dialogue between Mahabali and the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. In this discourse, Mahabali recounts his time in the underworld and receives teachings on karma, death, and the cultivation of merit. Thus, Mahabali’s legacy traverses the boundaries of multiple religious narratives, embodying diverse interpretations across Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

Mahabali and the Origin of Onam

Onam, the celebrated national festival of Kerala, takes place during the Chingam month, commencing from Atham and extending for 10 days until Ponnonam. Thiruvonam, a significant day within these celebrations, triggers nostalgia among Keralites, uniting people regardless of religious or caste backgrounds. Following the challenging month of Karkidakam, Chingam arrives, instilling hope for prosperity among farmers and transforming Onam into a vibrant harvest festival.
The entire state is decorated with Athapookkalam (floral rangoli) and illuminations during the festival. Visitors to Kerala during this festive period have the opportunity to experience the state’s hospitality and culture firsthand. The festival offers a diverse range of events, including boat races, Onasadhya (feast), Athachamayam, Pulikali (tiger dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Thumbi Thullal, and the elaborate Onam Sadya (traditional meal), which showcase the region’s artistic and cultural diversity.

According to legend, Mahabali, the beloved mythical king of Kerala, emerges from the netherworld to visit his subjects on Thiruvonam day. He was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, the son of Virochan, and the grandson of Prahalad. Mahabali ruled with righteousness and compassion, treating all his subjects equally and fostering a realm devoid of poverty, crime, or cruelty. Despite being a demon king, his rule was a glorious era that was adored by his people. However, the devas (gods) grew envious of his increasing fame and sought Lord Vishnu’s assistance to curb Mahabali’s power.

Lord Vishnu agreed to help the devas and took on the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. Vamana visited Mahabali and asked for three paces of land as alms. Mahabali, being a generous king, agreed to Vamana’s request. However, Vamana grew into a giant and took three giant strides, covering the entire earth and the heavens in his first two strides. With his third stride, Vamana pushed Mahabali down to the netherworld, but allowed him to visit his subjects once a year on Thiruvonam day.

Lord Vishnu, in response, reincarnated as Vamana, a Brahmin boy, and visited Mahabali, who was performing a yagna to seek Vishnu’s grace. The boy asked Mahabali for three steps of land, which Mahabali granted. The boy then miraculously encompassed the entire universe with his first two steps. Mahabali, realizing the boy’s divine nature, offered his head for the third step. Touched by Mahabali’s devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him, sending him to the netherworld but allowing him to visit his subjects once annually. The site of this event, originally named Trikalkkara, became Thrikkakara over time.

Onam, the ten-day harvest festival, is celebrated in Kerala every year in the month of Chingam. It is said to commemorate the return of the legendary king Mahabali, who was known for his benevolence and generosity. The festival is marked by feasting, dancing, and games. People also decorate their homes and visit temples. The popular folk song “Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam” tells the story of Mahabali’s sacrifice. Other folktales also exist about the origins of Onam. References to the festival can be found in the Brahmandapurana, Pathupattu, and Mangudi Maruthanar’s work “Madurai Kanji.” Another myth links the festival to the god Parashurama.

Frequently Asked Questions on Mahabali

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