In the Hindu Puranas, Bali is a Daitya, an enemy of the gods, who claimed all of the heavens, earth and the underworld. Vishnu, in his avatar as Vamana, asked for a piece of land only three paces wide. Bali agreed and Vishnu crossed the heavens in one step, the earth in another and left Bali only the underworld to rule over.

According to mythology Bali was an efficient and popular ruler loved by all. His kingdom stretched the earth, the patal (the underground), and was threatening the skies. The ruler of the Heaven, Lord Indra got apprehensive of Bali's popularity and might, and approached Lord Vishnu for help and advice. Vishnu came to this mortal world as a (Vamana) Brahmin, went to Bali and asked for 3 steps of land. Bali readily agreed. With the first step, Vamana spanned the entire earth, with the next the underground, and there was nowhere to put his third step. Bali being true to his word, asked Vamana to keep the third foot on his head, who pushed Bali down into patal.

Festivals

In the state of Kerala, the Onam festival is a celebration of the visit of Mahabali or Maveli (local name of Bali) to their land.

According to legend, Mahabali requested Vamana to grant him a boon to come and visit his homeland, Kerala at least once a year, and he comes to visit his people and his land during Onam.

See also

• Mahabalipuram
• Onam