The history of Onam: In ancient times there lived a King called Mahabali, who used to rule the state of Kerala then Keralam. The countrymen loved Mahabali because of his kind, just & benevolent nature. Very soon his khayaati spread to the Gods up above in Heaven. Considering Mahabali a threat to his throne – Indraasaan, Lord Indra somehow convinced Lord Vishnu to go and test King Mahabali’s kindness. Lord Vishnu went to Mahabali as a small Brahmin boy called Vaman (this avtaar of Lord Vishnu later became famous as Vaman Avataar) & asked for land measuring his three footsteps. The kind & benevolent King readily agreed but his Guru Shankaracharya recognized the Lord and sensed danger. Therefore he hid inside the kamandal with which the King was supposed to take the oath of donating the land. When water didn’t come out of the kamandal nozzle, Lord Vishnu tried to clear the outlet with a sharp pointed twig thereby making the Guru blind in one eye. As soon as the King took the oath Vaman began to increase his size; with his one footstep he measured the entire Earth (including Mahabali’s Kingdom), in 2nd step he took the heavens up above for the 3rd footstep Mahabali offered his head thereby pushing the king to the Paatal Loka. Upon the King’s request Lord Vishnu allowed Mahabali to come & visit hiscountrymen every year for 10 days during the Harvest month. Thus, started the festival of Onam.
Posted on: Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:31:45 +0000
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