• admin

Mahabali Chakravarthi,
Sarvajanapriya Mahabali,
Onathappanaya Mahabali,
Namostute!

Greetings of Vaamana Jayanti

Nestled in the serene landscape of Kerala, the Vamana Moorti Mandir at Trikakkara, near Kochi, symbolizes Satya Yuga era legends impacting the history of Sanataan Dharma.

This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is central to the grand celebrations of Onam and Vamana Ekadashi.

It is believed to be the very site where Lord Vamana placed his foot on the Asura King Mahabali’s head, sending him to the netherworld and curbing his growing influence. Rather, a close reading of the episode indicates an interesting contrarian truth acknowledged within Sanaatan Dharma, that Asura could very well be following Dharma, and even Deva could play cunning.

Due to Mahabali’s devotion and humility, Lord Vishnu granted him the boon that he would guard him himself in Sutala Loka the netherworld, and would allow him to return to his people once every year. This occasion forms the foundation of Kerala’s most celebrated festival—Onam—where King Mahabali’s spirit is said to visit the beloved land where people continue to remember him since then.

The temple is adorned with Pookkalam—vibrant floral carpets—symbolizing the welcoming of the beloved king. The air is filled with devotional songs and cultural performances such as Kathakali and Thiruvathira, bringing Kerala’s traditions to life.

The temple’s annual Onam Sadhya, a grand vegetarian feast, is prepared and served to thousands of devotees, emphasizing the values of hospitality, abundance, and community that Mahabali’s reign represents. The Vamana Moorti Mandir during Onam is not just a place of worship—it becomes a gathering of people from all walks of life, celebrating unity in diversity.

While Onam is a joyous festival of abundance, Vamana Ekadashi is a day of spiritual devotion. This auspicious day falls in the month of Bhadrapada and is dedicated to Lord Vamana. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and gather at the temple to seek blessings for prosperity and spiritual purification. The fasting, prayers, and rituals of Vamana Ekadashi are believed to cleanse the soul, offering a path to moksha (liberation).

The harmonious blend of devotion to Lord Vamana and the annual remembrance of King Mahabali is a reminder of an inclusiveness inherent in Sanaatan Dharma, where every being in nature – Asura or Sura, Daitya or Aditya, Raakshasa or Yaksha, Daanava or Maanava – are acknowledged as carrying divinity. This inclusiveness has given Sanaatana Dharma, an ablity to see divinity in even those who claim to be its enemy!

In these challenging times, when Indian subcontinent is witnessing massive surge in rise of sectarian violence, may Lord Vaamana bless us all!

Om Vamanaya Namah!!!