Legends indicate that in the first battle between Bali and Indra, Bali was not beheaded and that the Brahmin Sukracarya had used the “ “Mritra sanjeevani” (which can only be used on non-beheaded bodies) to revive him. Also according to texts such as Abhinanda’s Rāmaćarita, Bali was yet to achieve Indra’s throne as a consequence […]
Onam and Maveli
Story of ‘Three Foot Steps’ related to Onam
The second and the most popularly quoted legend with the festival are related to the demon king, Mahabali. It is said that Mahabali was a generous and kind hearted king of Kerala. He was powered by a boon granted to him by Lord Brahma, he was invincible and thus gradually won over the entire earth. […]
Why Shiva Blessed Bali: Story of Lord Shiva’s blessings to Mahabali
While describing the first battle among Bali and Indira, one among many versions indicates that Bali was not beheaded; rather the Brahmin Sukracharya carried out the “Mrita Sanjeevani” for reviving non beheaded bodies. There is a belief in the texts like Abhinanda’s Rāmaćharita that Bali was still to achieve Indra’s throne and consequently he was […]
What happened to Mahabali after leaving earth
What happened to Mahabali after leaving earth? Mahabali’s story of Onam festival… As said, atmanivedanam was the route through which Bali attained Moksha. In his “The Sri Rūpa Gosvāmīs Bhakti-rasāmrta-sindhu”, Krishna affirms that Bali attained Him or came to Him. To refer to Adhatya Ramayana, The gate of Bali’s planet, known as ‘Sutala’ is being guarded […]
Onam and Hindu Religious History
Onam is the biggest and grandest festival in Kerala (India). Considered as a harvest festival, the event is celebrated with complete enthusiasm and passion not only in Kerala, but amongst Malyalees living in various parts of the world. It is believed that the virtuous spirit of King Mahabali visits Kerala. Folk arts performances, grand celebrations, […]
Onam-King Mahabali’s annual home coming
It is the homecoming of the King Mahabali to his kingdom when people adorn their houses laying out flower carpets known as ‘Pookalam’ in front of their homes to welcome back the illustrious King Mahabali. People wear new clothes and special prayers are offered early in the morning when the youngsters receive blessings and gifts […]
Dominion of the King Mahabali
Once upon a time the beautiful state of Kerala was ruled by the demon King Mahabali who was greatly respected by the people for his characteristics such as wisdom, generosity, judiciousness. During Mahabali’s regime the state of Kerala witness its golden era where everybody was happy, the ruler has no discrimination on the basis of […]
Welcoming Bali with Flowers for Onam
Malayalees celebrate Onam throughout the world and the significant part of this festival is the floral decorations in front of the house, as a welcome feature they extend to Mahabali who is believed to visit them during this period of ten days. Onam being the harvesting period too, is rich with floral resource in the […]