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Characters in the story:
Vamana: Vamana, also referred to as Trivikrama, Urukrama, and Upendra, is the fifth avatar in the Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu and the first incarnation to appear in the Treta Yuga.
Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe and the protector of dharma (righteousness). He is often depicted with four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
King Mahabali: Mahabali, also known as Bali and Indrasenan is a daitya king and grandson of Prahlada. He was blessed to be one of the Chiranjivi, a group of seven immortals, by the Vamana avatar of Vishnu.
We are generally familiar with this version of the story:
During the Treta Yuga, the balance of the universe was shaken. A mighty Asura king named Bali—later known as Mahabali—had conquered the heavens, earth, and underworld. Though noble, wise, and generous to his subjects, his ambition grew without bounds. Through rigorous penance and yajnas, Bali won the blessings of the gods, making him nearly invincible. Soon, even the Devas (celestial gods) feared his growing power.
In their distress, the Devas turned to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the cosmos. Smiling serenely, Vishnu reassured them:
“Bali is righteous at heart, but his pride has taken root. I shall not destroy him, but I will teach him humility.”
The Birth of Vamana
Thus Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, the fifth avatar—a dwarf Brahmin boy with a wooden umbrella, a radiant smile, and a glow that belied his cosmic essence. Vamana walked to the sacrificial grounds where King Bali was performing a grand yajna and giving away gifts to all who came.
The Three Steps of the Dwarf
Bali welcomed the boy warmly and asked what he desired. Vamana said softly, “Great king, I ask not for riches or kingdoms. Grant me only three paces of land, measured by my steps.”
Bali’s guru, Shukracharya, warned him, “This is no ordinary boy. It is Lord Vishnu himself! Refuse this request.”
But Bali, known for his generosity and honor, replied, “A king’s word is sacred. I shall not withdraw my promise.” He poured holy water into Vamana’s palm to seal the vow.
At that moment, the dwarf began to grow. He rose higher and higher, transforming into a cosmic giant. With his first step, Vamana covered the earth. With his second, he spanned the heavens, displacing Bali from his throne of power.
The Humbling of the King
Bali now had nothing left to give. Folding his hands, he said humbly,
“O Lord, you have taken all. Where shall your third step fall?”
Vishnu, moved by his honesty, placed the third step upon Bali’s head, pressing him down into the netherworld. Yet, instead of anger, Vishnu blessed him: “You are noble, O Bali. You kept your word even in defeat. Rule the netherworld with justice, and each year you shall rise again to visit your people on earth.”
This blessing gave rise to the festival of Onam, celebrated with joy in memory of Mahabali’s return.
The Garuda Purana’s Version: The Secret of Gems
But there is a deeper, lesser-known tale preserved in the Garuda Purana. When Vishnu placed his foot on Bali’s head, a great transformation took place. The divine touch of Vamana caused the body of Bali to crystallize and disintegrate into radiant jewels. Each part of his being turned into a gem, each bearing its own brilliance and power:
Manikya (Ruby): From Bali’s heart, glowing red like his devotion.
Moti (Pearl): From his mind, pure and luminous.
Munga (Coral): From his blood, vibrant with life.
Pushyaraag (Yellow Sapphire): From his flesh, golden and radiant.
Indraneela (Blue Sapphire): From his eyes, deep as the heavens.
Vajra (Diamond): From his brain, unbreakable and dazzling.
Vaidurya (Cat’s Eye): From his sacred thread, sharp and protective.
Hara Panna (Emerald): From his nervous system, green with vitality.
Chandrakanth (Moonstone): From the light of his pupils, soothing and calm.
Lapis Lazuli: From his hair, dark and mystical.
Paras Mani, Sphatik Mani, and many more: From his organs, radiance, and essence.
In all, eighty-four jewels were born of Bali’s sacrifice, but only twenty-one shone with lasting brilliance. Of these, nine became the famed Navaratna, the nine celestial gems revered in Hindu tradition.
Mahabali’s Immortality
From that day, Bali was no longer just a mighty king—he became Mahabali, the great soul whose very body turned into jewels, illuminating the world with their brilliance.
Vishnu declared him a Chiranjivi (immortal one), destined to live across the ages as a guardian of divine consciousness. In the dark times of Kali Yuga, he would reappear to stand alongside Kalki, the final avatar, to restore dharma upon the earth.
Thus, the story of Mahabali is not just of conquest and fall, but of transformation—where pride was humbled, a king became eternal, and his body itself became the treasures of the earth.
