The Story of Vamana Avatar and Bali Maharaj

The Story of Vamana Avatar and Bali Maharaj

From Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 8: Withdrawal of the Cosmic Creations — A Gentle Bedtime Story for Young Vaishnavs

Once Upon a Time…

A long time ago, there lived a noble and mighty king named Bali Maharaj. Bali was the grandson of the great devotee Prahlada and was known for his courage, generosity, and love for his people. Under his rule, the world was peaceful and full of happiness. But Bali was an asura king, and with his growing power, he soon took over all three worlds, including heaven, earth, and the underworld.

The gods, led by Indra, became worried because they had lost their home and power. They prayed to Lord Vishnu for help. The Supreme Lord heard their prayers and decided to come to earth in a new, amazing form.

The Birth of Vamana Avatar

Lord Vishnu was born as Vamana, a charming and radiant young brahmana boy, to sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi. Though He appeared small in size, Vamana glowed with divine wisdom and sweetness. When Vamana grew up, He set out to meet King Bali, who was performing a great sacrifice and giving gifts to anyone who asked.

The Three Steps of Land

When Vamana arrived at Bali’s yagna, all the sages, gods, and people present were amazed by His beauty and humility. King Bali welcomed the young boy with great respect and offered Him water to wash His feet. He then promised to give Vamana anything He wished.

With a gentle smile, Vamana asked, “O King, please grant Me just three steps of land, measured by My own small feet.” Bali laughed kindly and said, “O little one, why ask for so little when I can give you so much more?”

But Vamana insisted, “I only need what is enough for Me.”

King Bali promised to grant Vamana’s wish. Suddenly, to everyone’s amazement, Vamana began to grow. He became so huge that He filled the whole universe! With His first step, Vamana covered the entire earth. With His second, He covered the heavens and all the worlds above. There was nowhere left for the third step!

The True Devotion of Bali Maharaj

Vamana then asked, “King Bali, you promised Me three steps of land, but there is nowhere left for My third step. Where shall I place My foot?”

Bali, understanding that this was no ordinary boy but the Lord Himself, humbly bowed his head and said, “O Lord, please place Your third step on my head. All that I have is Yours.”

Vamana, pleased with Bali’s honesty and devotion, gently placed His foot on Bali’s head, blessing him forever. He sent Bali to rule a special world called Sutala, where he would live happily, and promised to always be by his side.

The gods regained their place, but even they praised Bali’s humility and faith.

Lord Vishnu’s Promise

Because of Bali’s selfless devotion and truthfulness, Lord Vishnu Himself became Bali’s doorkeeper in Sutala, always protecting and caring for him. Bali Maharaj became famous as one of the greatest devotees of the Lord, remembered for his faith, humility, and willingness to give everything to God.

Moral of the Story

Dear children, the story of Vamana and Bali Maharaj teaches us the beauty of true humility and devotion. When we keep our promises, share what we have, and put God first, the Lord will always protect and bless us—even if we lose everything else. True greatness is in giving, not taking.

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Vamana and Bali Maharaj: The Tale of Three Steps and Endless Devotion

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Discover how Vamana’s three steps and Bali’s devotion created a story of humility, faith, and blessings—perfect for Hindu bedtime reading.

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