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{{About||the 1983 [[Malayalam]] film|Mahabali (film)}}
{{About||the 1983 [[Malayalam]] film|Mahabali (film)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Other uses}}
{{use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}

{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Infobox character
{{Infobox character
| image = 033-vamana.jpg
| image = 033-vamana.jpg
| alt = Mahabali
| alt = Mahabali
| caption = Vamana with Bali Maharaj
| caption = Vamana with Bali Maharaj
| father = [[Virochana]]
| family = [[Virochana]] (Father)
| spouse = Vijayavalli<ref>{{cite book |last=Satyanarayana Rao |first=Gangavelli |date=1993 |title=Myths and Deities: Some Aspects of Hindu Iconographic Traditions |url= |location= |publisher=New Era Publications |page=61-64 |isbn= |author-link= }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= |first= |date=1977 |title=Journal of Indian History Volume 55 |url= |location= |publisher=Department of History, University of Kerala |page=110 |isbn= |author-link= }}</ref>
| mother = Devamba
| children = [[Banasura]]
| children = [[Banasura]]
}}
}}
[[Image:Vamana1.jpg|thumb|Avatara Vamana splashes Bali’s head, and sends him to the [[Patala]]]]


[[File:Vamana1.jpg|thumb|Vamana as ''Trivikrama'', depicted taking the last of three steps, which is on Bali's head, and sends him to [[Sutala]].]]
'''Mahabali''' ([[IAST]]: Mahābalī, [[Devanagari]]: महाबली, [[Malayalam]]: മാവേലി, മഹാബലി) is also known as '''Bali''' or '''Māveli''' or "Vairochana" was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of [[Prahlada]] in Indian scriptures. The festival of [[Onam]] is celebrated in [[Kerala]] to mark his yearly homecoming after being sent down to the underworld Sutala by [[Vamana]], a dwarf and the fifth incarnation [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]].<ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= 74|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> The government of Kerala declared Onam as the ‘State Festival’ of Kerala in 1960.
'''Mahabali''' ([[IAST]]: Mahābalī), or Great '''Bali''', also known as '''Māveli''', was a benevolent [[kshatriya]] [[varna]] King in ancient [[Hindu mythology|Hindu antiquity]]. Mahabali was the great grandson of [[Hiranyakshipu]], the grand son of [[Prahlada]] and son of [[Virochana]]. After he failed to fulfill his promise to provide three paces of land for [[Vamana]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 8 - Chapter 21|url=http://bhagavata.org/canto8/chapter21.html}}</ref> Vamana sends Mahabali to live in netherworld for some period.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/8/21/34|title=PrabhupadaBooks.com Srila Prabhupada's Original Books|publisher=}}</ref> Pleased by Mahabali's devotion, Vamana also blesses Bali to be the [[Indra]] during the period of the Manu known as Sāvarṇi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/8/22/31|title=PrabhupadaBooks.com Srila Prabhupada's Original Books|publisher=}}</ref>


Mahabali was a beloved king and very kind to his subjects in the state of [[Kerala]]. The time under his rule was considered one of great prosperity and happiness. It is in fact this success as a king that led the gods to be wary of him and bring his demise at the hands of [[Vamana]]. To appease his subjects who were distraught at his death, Mahabali is allowed to return to Earth once every year on the auspicious festival of [[Onam]] and Malayalis all over the world celebrates this festival. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onamfestival.org/king-mahabali-onam.html|title=King Mahabali and Onam,Legend of King Mahabali,Story of King Mahabali|first=Siddhartha|last=Gupta|publisher=}}</ref>
==Conquest of the Universe and banishment==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2014}}
[[Image:Onapottan - A Traditional Kerala Art Form.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Onappottan'', a symbolic representation of King Bali.<ref name="Hindu082010">{{cite web|author=M. Nazeer |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/the-abiding-lore-and-spirit-of-onam/article583395.ece |title=The abiding lore and spirit of Onam |publisher=The Hindu |date=2010-08-10 |accessdate=2013-09-26}}</ref> ''Onappottan'' visits houses during the ''[[onam]]'' and gives blessings. Of late ''onappottan'' has become a rare sight, confined to villages.]]
Bali was the son of Devamba and [[Virochana]]. He grew up under the tutelage of his grandfather, [[Prahlada]], who instilled in him a strong sense of righteousness and devotion.

Bali succeeded [[Virochana]] as the king of the Asuras, and his reign over the realm was characterized by peace and prosperity. He later expanded his realm, brought the entire world under his benevolent rule, and was able to conquer the [[Patala|underworld]] and [[Svarga|Heaven]]. This was done by wrestling [[Indra]] and the [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]]. The Devas approached their patron [[Vishnu]] and entreated him to restore their lordship over Heaven.<ref>{{cite web |title= Bali Chakravarti's story |url= https://moralstories.wordpress.com/2006/05/31/bali-chakravartis-story/ |publisher= ''moralstories.wordpress.com'' |accessdate= 13 July 2016}}</ref>

[[Shukracharya]], the guru and advisor of Bali, advised Bali to perform the Viswajit Yagna (''Sacrifice for the Conquest of the World''.)<ref>P. 48 ''Bala Bhagavatam'' By Swami Chinmayananda</ref>

In Heaven, led by Shukra, Bali began the [[Ashwamedha|Ashwamedha Yaga]] at the Narmada River so as to maintain his rule over the three worlds. The ceremony had several Brahmins present, that Bali had invited.<ref>P. 49 ''Bala Bhagavatam'' By Swami Chinmayananda</ref> Vishnu, meanwhile, adopted the avatar of [[Vamana]], a small [[Brahmin]] boy, and, during the rite, approached Bali and requested a grant of land – although only as much land as he could cover with three paces.

Despite the warnings of his advisor, Bali granted this boon. Vamana then grew to an immense size, and, with his first pace, traversed all of the earth and the underworld. With his second pace, he covered Heaven in its entirety. Admitting defeat, and seeing that Vamana has no more room for his last step, Bali offered his own head as a stepping-stone. At this time the asuras spoke out in protest, but Bali explained that all living and non-living things are God's creation, and so it was God's right to have their return. Lord Vishnu put his third foot on Mahabali's head causing him to drown in the netherworld, that is traditionally called [[Patala]]. Lord Vishnu, seeing the devotion of Mahabali, blessed him to be the [[Indra]] of the next [[Manvantara|Manvantra]].<ref>Vishnu Purana</ref>

Mahabali made a request to the Lord Vishnu that he wanted to meet his people once a year; Lord Vishnu granted his wish.

==Genesis of Onam==
{{See also|Onam}}

Folk song about Maveli says "Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam, manushyarellarum onnu pole". The song says that all people were equal when Maveli ruled.

The story goes that the beautiful state of [[Kerala]] was the capital of the [[Asura]] (demon) king, Bali. However, he was very religious, was respectful to priests<ref>P. 72 ''Unto Krshna Consciousness: A New Look at Vaishnava Religion as a Religion for gods, sages, saints, devotees, the sinners, the fallen, the outcast, the stupid, and the anti-god demons too'' by Anayath Pisharath Mukundan, Nārāyaṇabhaṭṭapāda.</ref> and performed Vedic [[Aswamedha]] ritual to enlarge his kingdom and like his grandfather ([[Prahlada]]), was one of the greatest devotees of Lord [[Vishnu]] on Earth as he sacrificed his kingdom for the Lord. The king was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Bali. Everybody in his kingdom was very happy, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. There was neither crime, nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in that kingdom. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease in the reign of King Bali and everybody was happy and content. [[Banasura]] (or Banan, as he is referred to in Kerala) was the only son of Bali.<ref>Bhaleram Beniwal: Jāt Yodhāon ke Balidān, Jaypal Agencies, Agra 2005</ref>

However, because he was a [[Daitya]] (descendant of Diti), he was viewed by the [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] as unsafe. Otherwise, as the Vamana Purana reads, the rule of Mahabali was righteous.<ref>P. 10 ''History of Travancore from the Earliest Times'' by P. Shungoonny Menon.</ref>

[[Onam]] celebrations are marked in [[Thrikkakara]], a place 10&nbsp;km from [[Kochi]] (Cochin). [[Thrikkakara]] is said to have been the capital of the mighty King Mahabali. A [[Thrikkakara temple|temple]] with a deity of ''Thrikkakara Appan'' or ''Vamanamurthy'' who is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise is also located at this place.

This fascinating legend is artistically depicted at the Suchindram Temple in [[Kanyakumari district]], where Lord Shiva is believed to have slain Banasura, the evil child of the holy Mahabali.

Onam is observed by all Malayalees as the return of the pious Mahabali to Kerala.<ref>P. 372 ''Castes and Tribes of Southern India'' by Edgar Thurston, K. Rangachari.</ref> Colorful aquatic festivals (e.g., boat races) are held on this occasion on the banks of the river Pampa.<ref>P. 138 ''Explore Hinduism'' by Bansi Pandit.</ref> The celebration occurs all over Kerala and in the Malayalee diaspora.<ref>P. 128 ''Encyclopaedia of India'' by Ajay Bansal.</ref> Mahabali is worshipped even in Tulunadu which consists of coastal region of Karnataka and northern Kerala. There are many pad-danas or folk songs which describe Mahabali and his deeds. Even today, during Diwali people go to their field and call Bali Chakravarthi. It is said that Bali will come and rule this world again if some conditions are fulfilled, which are impossible in real world.

<gallery>
[[File:Maveli or Mahabali.png|thumb|A mythological character related to Onam.]]
</gallery>

==Traditions on Bali==
[[File:Maveli or Mahabali.png|thumb|267x267px|Nowadays Maveli or Mahabali is portrayed in cartoons and caricatures for advertisement purpose.]]
He is thought of by the Hindus as a true devotee of God.<ref>P. 254 ''The Srimad-Bhagavatam of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa'' by Evelyn J A Evans, J. M. Sanyal, S. R. Mittal.</ref> Shuk compared the saint-singer Narsinh Metha to Bali.<ref>P. 223 ''Gujarat and the Gujaratis'' by Behramji Merwanji Malabari, Krishnalal M. Jhaveri.</ref> He is one of the twelve [[Mahajanas]], the authorities on the [[Supreme Personality of Godhead]].

Because of the fact that Bali was such as great devotee of Vishnu, his son Bana was not slain by Lord Vishnu.<ref>P. 8 ''The Srimad-Bhagavatam of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa'' by J. M. Sanyal.</ref>

In the ''[[Yoga Vasistha]]'', Lord Rama inquires about King Bali and he is told by his Guru Vasistha that Bali was a great king and is always protected by Lord Vishnu.<ref>P. 132 ''The Yoga-vashishtha-ramayana'' by Dhirendra Nath Bose.</ref>

===In Sikhism===
Vamana is discussed in the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred text of Sikhism.<ref>P. 1390 ''Guru Granth Sahib''.</ref>

::satjugi tai maNiO ChaliO bali bAvan bhAiO
::In Satyayuga, you sported as the dwarf incarnation, and fooled Bali.

On page 1330 of the Guru Granth Sahib, Vamana is mentioned as the "enticer" of Baliraja.<ref>P. 1330, ''Sri Guru Granth Sahib'', Vol. 4.</ref>

===Traditions===

====When Bali Became Pious====
[[File:Dasavatara5.png|thumb|Mahabali offering boon to Vamana.]]
According to the ''Yoga Vasistha'', after inquiring about the realm beyond the universe, heaven, devas and asuras, which is ruled by the mind, Bali thus concentrates on the mind and being satisfied in himself, and teaches the asuras to do so likewise.<ref name="ReferenceA">P. 187 ''The Concise Yoga Vāsiṣṭha'' by Venkatesananda, Christopher Chapple.</ref>
From then on, he became a devotee.

He is hailed to be a supreme example of the highest and the ultimate Sadhana of Nava Vidha Bhakti, namely Atmanivedanam.<ref>P. 143 ''Advices on Spiritual Living by Chidananda''.</ref>

It is believed that Bali was a practitioner of the [[Raja Yoga]].<ref>P. 283 ''Sri Aurobindo: A Biography and a History'' by K. R. Srinivasa Iyengar.</ref>

====Shiva Blessed Bali====
A [[Shaivism|Shaiva]] tradition declares that a rat, by coming into contact with a lamp (and thus making it burn brighter) in a Siva temple was born subsequently as the famous emperor, Mahabali.<ref>P. 180 ''Philosophical Series'' by University of Madras, 1960</ref> According to this legend, first Lord Shiva said to his consort Paravati that anyone who would make the "deepa" (''lamp'') burn brighter would become the ruler of the three worlds.<ref name="Tamilnad' 1964">P. 155 ''Temples of Tamilnad'' by R. K. Das, 1964.</ref>
A rat approached it, wanting to drink the ghee (melted butter) but as it attempted to drink, the flame was rekindled into its mouth.<ref name="Tamilnad' 1964"/> Parvati asked Lord Shiva to keep his promise and so Lord Shiva did.<ref name="Tamilnad' 1964"/>

The [[Skanda Purana]], a Shaivite text also reads that Bali worships Shiva everyday.<ref>P. 1419 ''The Skanda-purāņa'' by Jagdish Lal Shastri, Govardhan P. Bhatt, Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare.</ref>

====Vishnu Supported Bali to Teach Indra====
According to the ''Brahma-Vaivarta Puranam'', it was Lord Vishnu who positioned Bali in power to curb the pride of Indra.<ref>P. 841 ''The Brahma-Vaivarta Puranam'' Bhagavatapurana Puranas, Rajendra Nath Sen.</ref>

The [[Bhagavata Purana]] reads "He ([[Vishnu]]) will take the kingdom away from Purandara ([[Lord Indra]]) and give it to Bali Maharaja."<ref>P. 158 ''Srimad Bhagavatam: Eighth Canto'' by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada.</ref>

Composition of song: King Mahabali had composed a beautiful song 'Hari Nama Mala Stotram" in honour of Lord Vishnu. Pandit Jasraj has a famous Bhajan by the name of 'Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya' which is this poem.

====Vishnu grants a boon to Mahabali====
As he was pushed down into Patala (a good<ref>P. 124 ''The Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata'' by Shripad Dattatraya Kulkarni.</ref> colony of demons), King Bali made a last request. He requested that he be allowed to visit his land on Earth once in a year to ensure that his people were still happy, well fed and content. Lord Vishnu was pleased to grant Mahabali his wish. Also, by the boon of Vishnu, Bali will be the next, that is the eighth [[Indra]] (King of Devas) (Purandara is the current Indra<ref>P. 30 ''Know the Puranas'' by Pustak Mahal.</ref>) during the time of the eighth [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]], [[Savarni Manu]].

Before he left for Patala, he bowed to Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva.<ref>P. 162 ''Śrīmadbhāgavatamāṃ Adbhuta Vijñāna-vihāra: Śrīmad-Vallabhācāryajīnī Najare: with English translation by Navanītapriya Jeṭhālāla Śāstrī'' by Navanītapriya Jeṭhālāla Śāstrī.</ref>

The theme of the story has been (repeatedly theorized in texts) is that whether Ravana or Bali, all things animate are endowed with great potentialities for both good and evil.<ref>P. 16 ''Religion, man, and society: from the archives of Dr. C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar: selections from his speeches & writings.'' by Chetpat Pattabhirama Ramaswami Aiyar, Sir.</ref>

Scholar Veermani P. Upadhyaya writes that even divinity cannot protect a person from accumulating sin by acting as owner of all, or "mahasriman".<ref>P 182 ''Modern Researches in Sanskrit: Dr. Veermani Pd. Upadhyaya Felicitation Volume'' by Veermani Prasad Upadhyaya.</ref>

It is notable that even though Vishnu, God, tested Bali, the king retained his faith in God.<ref>P. 109 ''Complete Works of Gosvami Tulsidas'' by Satya Prakash Bahadur, Tulasīdāsa.</ref>

====Battle with Indra and Acquiring Indra's Possessions====
Other versions describing the first battle between Bali and Indra indicate that Bali was not beheaded and that the Brahmin Sukracarya performed the "Mrityu sanjeevani" (wherein only non-beheaded bodies can be revived.)<ref>P. 66 ''Hrishikesa: Krishna-A Natural Evolution'' by T. V. Gopal.</ref>

It is believed in texts such as Abhinanda's ''Rāmaćarita''<ref>P. 242 ''Rāmaćarita of Abhinanda: A Literary and Socio-cultural Study'' by Promila Vatsyayan.</ref> that Bali had not yet achieved Indra's throne, and as a result was performing the Aswamedha Yagna (which Indian kings have historically performed to enlarge their kingdom) to finally achieve it. He attempted to perform as many as Indra.<ref>P. 207 ''Srimad Bhagavatam: Eighth Canto'' by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada.</ref>
Then Vamana intervened and in the sacrifice asked for 3 strides of land.<ref name="ReferenceA">P. 22 ''Bhavan's Journal'' by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref>

====Ganesha Blessed Vamana's Mission====
Some hold that it was Ganesha who gave the blessings to Vishnu in his avatar of Vamana.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

====Bali Bound in Ropes====
Although Bali was true to his word on giving whatever Vamana requested, in some legends, he is said to have been bounded with the ropes of Varuna by Garuda since Vamana could not place his foot anywhere on the earth and Bali requested Vamana place it on Bali's own head.<ref>P. 50 ''Shrimad Bhagwat Purana''.</ref> In the [[Bhagavata Purana]]. Brahma then asks Vamana to release Bali.<ref name="P. 51 Shrimad Bhagwat Purana">P. 51 ''Shrimad Bhagwat Purana''.</ref> Bali was released from the ropes and bowed before Vishnu.<ref name="P. 51 Shrimad Bhagwat Purana"/>

According to the Padma Purana, Bali along with his kinsmen, friends and followers were bound.<ref>P. 786 ''The Padma-purāṇa'' by N. A. Deshpande.</ref>

====Bali After Leaving Earth====
It is said that Bali attained [[Moksha]] by atmanivedanam.<ref>P. 178 ''Vedanta Established in Its Own Light=: Sushka Vedanta Tamo Bhaskaram'' by Malayalaswamulavaru.</ref> Krishna in the Sri Rūpa Gosvāmīs Bhakti-rasāmrta-sindhu<ref>P. 379 ''Sri Rūpa Gosvāmīs Bhakti-rasāmrta-sindhuh by Rūpagosvāmī'' by Rūpagosvāmī.</ref> says that Bali came to Him or attained Him. According to the ''Adhatya Ramayana'' It is also said that Vamana is the guard of the gate of Bali's planet Sutala<ref>P. 281 ''The Adhyatma Ramayana: Concise English Version'' by Chandan Lal Dhody.</ref><ref>P. 134 ''Srī Rūpa Gosvāmī's Bhakti-rasāmṛta-Sindhuh'' by Rūpagosvāmī, Bhakti Hridaya Bon.</ref> and will remain so forever.<ref>P. 134 ''Sri Rūpa Gosvāmīs Bhakti-rasāmrta-sindhuh'' by Rūpagosvāmī.</ref> [[Tulsidas]]'s [[Ramcharitmanas]] too declares that Vamana became the [[Dvarapala]] (''gate-keeper'') of Bali.<ref>P. 246 ''Complete Works of Gosvami Tulsidas'' by Satya Prakash Bahadur, Tulasīdāsa.</ref> In the Vamana Puranna, it is written that Bali performed the Aswamedha sacrifice in the Kurukshetra, where Bali deprived Indra of his kingdom.<ref>P. 90 ''Kurukṣetra in the Vamana Purāṇa'' by Sasanka Sekhar Parui.</ref>

====Mahabali visiting Kurukshetra====
Mahabali is said to visit Kurukshetra, bestowing it with gifts.<ref>P. 160''History of Kurukshetra'' by Vishwa Nath Datta, H. A. Phadke.</ref>

====In Commeration of Mahabali====

=====Kings Paying Tribute to Mahabali=====
The ''Bhavishyottara Purana'' reads that a king should pay respect to King Bali, "''the future Indra.''"<ref>P. 70 ''Kalādarśana: American Studies in the Art of India'' by Joanna Gmn,ottfried Williams.</ref>

=====Onam Festival=====
In the Keralite festival of [[Onam]], Mahabali is praised by Hindus as having been a charitable king.

=====Bali-Bamana Besha=====
In the month of Bhadra, Jagannatha is dressed like Vamana incarnation of Visnu.<ref>[http://jagannath.nic.in/?q=node/86 Bhesa of Deities]</ref> Balarama is dressed as Bali.

====Places associated with Bali====
Gujarat has a few places associated with Bali. It is said that the Patala which Bali was sent back to was his original kingdom. It is speculated by scholars that when the scriptures refer to Patala, it is a metaphor for some places in Gujarat. The [[Somanath |Somanath Temple]] of Shiva, in Gujarat is believed to have been built upon where Bali and his guru Shukracharya were performing the Aswamedha Yajna for maintaining power of the world.<ref>P. 744 ''Gazetteers: pt. 1 Surat District'' By Gujarat (India)</ref> This temple is also known as the Temple of Bhargu Rishi,<ref>P. 558 Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Gujarat: Surat and Broach, Volume II By Government Central Press</ref> Brigutirth, Bhargavesa, Gurukilya, Shukra-tirtha, and Shukracharya was of the lineage of Bhargu Rishi.

Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh in local legends is where Vamana appeared before Bali to ask him for three steps, and so it is known as Bawan.<ref>P. 258 ''Uttar Pradesh District Gazetteers: Hardoi'' By Government of Uttar Pradesh</ref>

Maharashtra Hindus have a celebration during Diwali (October–November) wherein Bali visits, called [[Balipratipada]].

Karnataka Hindus also celebrate during Diwali wherein Bali visits, called Bali Padyami.

Kerala is where the Hindus celebrate Onam (August/September) and Bali is also associated with the festival, wherein he returns to Kerala.

====Asuras versus Devas====
In the days of Rigveda, there were two major groups of Aryans; The Indo-Aryans who believed that Aditi was the true mother of the gods and Irano-Aryans (Dasyu) who believed Diti, the twin sister was. Bali was the descendant of this line. Scholar D. R. Bhandarkar writes in his Some Aspects of Ancient Indian Culture that "''Parsus or Persians''" was an old term for "Rakshasas" (demons).<ref>''Some Aspects of Ancient Indian Culture'' by D. R. Bhandarkar.</ref> He further says that the word is used together with Asuras in Panini's ''Parshvadi-gana''.

===In Buddhism===
Bali is regarded as an asura (demon), and in the ''Karandavyuha Sutra'' Avalokiesvara visits him in patala (hell) where Avalokitesvara promises to release Bali if Bali agrees to give up his evil way, to stop associating with evil people, and become a Buddhist himself. Bali agrees, and he along with other asuras converted to Buddhism.<ref>P. 19 ''Remaking Buddhism for Medieval Nepal: The Fifteenth-Century Reformation of Newar Buddhism'' By Will Tuladhar-Douglas</ref> (Avalokitesvara also converts Vishnu to Buddhism in the same scripture.<ref>P. 33 ''The Origins of Om Manipadme Hum: A Study of the Karandavyuha Sutra'' By Alexander Studholme</ref>)

===In Jainism===
In Jainism, there is several versions of the Vishnu-Bali story written in Sanskrit and Prakrit with certain variations.<ref>P. 41 ''The Vasudevahiṇḍi: An Authentic Jain Version of the Bṛhatkathā : with Selected Translations Compared to the Bṛhatkathāślokasaṅgraha, Kathāsaritsāgara, Bṛhatkathāmañjarī, and Some Important Jaina Works, Including the Unpublished Majjhimakhaṇḍa and with Extensive Notes, Introd., and Appendices'' By Saṅghadāsagaṇi</ref> In some versions Bali had developed a hatred towards Jain sages.<ref>P. 26 ''Annals of Oriental Research, Volume 27'' By University of Madras</ref> Bali is one of the [[Salakapurusa]] or "''illustrious or worthy persons''", a Prati-Vasudeva or Prati-Narayana demon.

In the ''Jnatadharmakatha'', the heroes that Bali conflicted against were Nandimitra (or Mandana, according to the version), and Dattadeva or Purusapundarika.{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1999|p=287}}

The Jambudvipaprajnapti, Sthananga, and Avasyaka Niryukti also mention that Bali had conflicted against the Vasudeva (Nandimitra or Mandana) of his era.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

In the ''Trisasti-salaka-purusa-charita'', Hemacandra writes that in Bali's era, two sons were born to King Mahasiva (Mahasiras) in Cakrapura during the period in which Ara was the Tirthankara. The sixth Baladeva, Ananda, was from King Mahasiva's first wife Vijayanti, while the sixth Vasudeva Purusapundarika was from Mahasiva's second wife Laxmivati. King Bali wanted to rob Purusa's wife was vanquished and killed by Purusa.{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1999|p=308}}

In the ''Harivamsapurana'' (JHP), Jinasena writes that Krishna had gone down into Sutala to rescue the infants killed by demon King Kamsa, and that Bali of Sutala had allowed Krishna to take them.<ref>P. 80 ''Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord Of Many Names'' By Lavanya Vemsani Ph.D.</ref> In another account of the JHP, Bali is one of the four ministers in Ujjayini of King Sridharma. In another version, he is minister to demon King Namuci.<ref>P. 212 ''Journal of the Oriental Institute, Volume 29'' By Oriental Institute</ref>

In the ''Mahapurana'', Gunabhadra writes that Bali had lit a fire for a yajna (sacrifice) but Jain monks are enveloped by the fire.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

In the ''Uttarapuranam'', Gunabhadra writes that Visnukumara assumed the form of a dwarf Brahmana and asked Bali for three steps on the earth.<ref>P. 90 ''Indian Demonology: The Inverted Pantheon'' By Narendra Nath Bhattacharyya</ref>

In the ''Vasudevahindi'', Sanghadasagani also writes of Muni Vinhu (or Visnukumara) asking Bali for land.<ref>P. 31 ''Prāci-jyotī: Digest of Indological Studies, Volumes 18-19'' By Kurukshetra University</ref>

In ''Brhatkatha-slokasarh-graha'', Buddhasvamin also writes of Visnukumara asking Bali for land.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

In the ''Vinhuglyaga'' or ''Narayanastuti'' is a Jain praise of Vishnu, and it also covers the Vishnu-Bali legend.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

In the Girnar inscriptions of Gujarat, minister Vastupala of the Chakulya Dynasty is praised as a great king by Jains, and the inscriptions connect him to Bali because Vastupala gave much charity. Some excerpts from the inscriptions are:
:O Vastupala, Bali has sent thee a message that he has been much pleased by hearing from Narada, who visits the three worlds, that though frequently solicited thou dost not extend thy anger to the needy,...{{sfn|Burgess|p=291}}
:By the famous minister Vastupala watering the earth with nectarial charities, the pride of Bali and Kalpataru has been greatly lowered...{{sfn|Burgess|p=292}}
:Let there be continuous salutation to holy Bali and Karna, whose charity though unseen has been the object of so much fame; consequently the people are worthy of worship, and the great minister Vastupala's charity which the people see with their eyes so great that even the world itself can scarcely contain it.{{sfn|Burgess|p=294}}

Jainism also mentions a separate Mahabali, who was the son of Bahubali, and was given Bahubali's kingdom before Bahubali became a monk.{{sfn|Vijay K. Jain|2013|p=xi}}

===Connection to Bali Arinnawa===
The Bali Arinnawa is an astrological system of mantras (prayers) that attempts to avert the influence of the planets. Bali is the ceremony wherein the presiding deities of the planets (graha) are invoked and placated in order to ward off their evil.<ref>P. 227 ''Collected Wheel Publications Volume XXVI: Numbers 394–411'' By Various Authors, Nyanatiloka Thera, Robert Bogoda, Roger Bischoff, A. G. S. Kariyawasam, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Lily de Silva</ref>

==Bali and gemology==
Different gems came out from Bali's parts of body according to some astrologers.
It is believed that after Bali was killed by Vishnu, different pieces of Bali's body fell at different places and took the shape of gems and jewels.<ref>[http://www.solutionastrology.com/gemologydetails.asp?gemologyid=211]</ref> Thus, origin of different gems and jewels is as follows:
*[[Ruby]]: It originated from the blood drops of Bali, hence it has red or pink colour.
*[[Pearl]]: It is believed to have originated from the mind of Bali.
*[[Coral]]: That part of Bali's blood which flowed down to the sea formed the coral.
*Yellow [[Sapphire]]: It originated from the flesh of Bali.
*Blue Sapphire: It originated from the eyes of the demon King Bali.
*[[Diamond]]: It originated from the pieces of Bali's brain.
*[[Grossular|Hassonite]]: This gem originated from the fat of the demon king.
*[[Chrysoberyl|Cat's Eye]]: This jewel originated from the Yagyopavit (sacred thread) of Bali.
*[[Turquoise]]: It originated from the nervous system of the demon king Bali.
*[[Moonstone (gemstone)|Moonstone]]: It originated from the radiance of the eye's pupils.
*Ghrit Mani: This jewel originated from the pieces of the waist.
*Tail Mani: Skin of the king Bali formed this jewel.
*[[Bheeshmak]]: This gem was produced from the head pieces of Bali.
*Upalak Mani: Cough or phlegm of Bali produced this jewel.
*Sphatik Mani (Rock Crystal): This jewel was formed from the sweat of Bali.
*[[Parasmani]]: Pieces of Bali's heart formed Paras Mani.
*Ulook Mani: This jewel was formed from the pieces of Bali's tongue.
*Lapis Lazuli: Bali's hair formed this jewel.
*Masar Mani: This jewel was produced from the faeces of Bali.
*Ishiv Mani: This jewel is believed to have from the semen of King Bali.
Another version says<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/hmvp/hmvp43.htm]</ref> that after Indra struck Bāli, the most costly gems dropped from his mouth; he therefore asked for his body, and with his thunderbolt cut it into many parts. "From the purity of his actions, the parts of his body became the germs of the various [[Gemstone|gems]]. From his bones came diamonds, from his eyes sapphires, from his blood rubies, from his marrow [[emerald]]s, from his flesh crystals, from his tongue coral, and from his teeth pearls."

==Descendant==
King Bali had only one son named Bana (or [[Banasura]]). Bana's daughter Usha married to [[Aniruddha]] son of [[Pradyumna]] and the grandson of [[Krishna]]. She gave birth to Vajra, whose lineage is traced to the royal family of [[Jaisalmer]]. [[Bana (clan)|Bana]] is a [[gotra]] ([[clan]]) of [[Jats]] found in [[Rajasthan]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] and Bundelkhand in [[India]]. Banas who formed [[Bana Kingdom]] are descendants of King Banasura. Balija`s(Bali+Ja(Born) = Balija) of South India claim that they are descendants of the King Bali.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Onam]]
*[[Rakshasa]]
*[[Chiranjivins]]
*[[Balipratipada]]
*[[Balipratipada]]
*[[Banasura]]
*[[Banasura]]
*[[Virocana]]
*[[Chiranjivins]]
*[[Rakshasa]]

*[https://onam2018.com Onam 2018]
==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}


==References==
==References==
{{commons category|Mahabali}}
* {{citation |last=Burgess |first=James |authorlink=James Burgess |title=Lists of the Antiquarian Remains in the Bombay Presidency: With an Appendix of Inscriptions from Gujarat }}
{{Reflist}}
* {{citation |last=Jain |first=Vijay K. |authorlink=Vijay K. Jain |title=Ācārya Nemichandra's Dravyasaṃgraha |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=g9CJ3jZpcqYC |date=2013 |quote={{PD-notice}} |publisher=[[Vikalp Printers]] |isbn=9788190363952 |ref={{sfnref|Vijay K. Jain|2013}} }}
* {{citation |last=von Glasenapp |first=Helmuth |authorlink=Helmuth von Glasenapp |others=Shridhar B. Shrotri (trans.) |title=Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation |date=1999 |location = [[Delhi]] |publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]] |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Jainism.html?id=WzEzXDk0v6sC |isbn=81-208-1376-6 |trans-title=Der Jainismus: Eine Indische Erlosungsreligion }}


==External links==
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[[Category:Chiranjivins]]
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[[Category:Characters in the Bhagavata Purana]]
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[[Category:Vaishnavism]]
[[Category:Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Asura]]
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[[Category:Salakapurusa]]
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Revision as of 19:04, 8 June 2018

For the 1983 Malayalam film, see Mahabali (film).

Mahabali
Mahabali
Vamana with Bali Maharaj
In-universe information
FamilyVirochana (Father)
SpouseVijayavalli[1][2]
ChildrenBanasura
Vamana as Trivikrama, depicted taking the last of three steps, which is on Bali's head, and sends him to Sutala.

Mahabali (IAST: Mahābalī), or Great Bali, also known as Māveli, was a benevolent kshatriya varna King in ancient Hindu antiquity. Mahabali was the great grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grand son of Prahlada and son of Virochana. After he failed to fulfill his promise to provide three paces of land for Vamana,[3] Vamana sends Mahabali to live in netherworld for some period.[4] Pleased by Mahabali's devotion, Vamana also blesses Bali to be the Indra during the period of the Manu known as Sāvarṇi.[5]

Mahabali was a beloved king and very kind to his subjects in the state of Kerala. The time under his rule was considered one of great prosperity and happiness. It is in fact this success as a king that led the gods to be wary of him and bring his demise at the hands of Vamana. To appease his subjects who were distraught at his death, Mahabali is allowed to return to Earth once every year on the auspicious festival of Onam and Malayalis all over the world celebrates this festival. [6]

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mahabali.
  1. ^ Satyanarayana Rao, Gangavelli (1993). Myths and Deities: Some Aspects of Hindu Iconographic Traditions. New Era Publications. p. 61-64.
  2. ^ Journal of Indian History Volume 55. Department of History, University of Kerala. 1977. p. 110.
  3. ^ "Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 8 - Chapter 21".
  4. ^ "PrabhupadaBooks.com Srila Prabhupada's Original Books".
  5. ^ "PrabhupadaBooks.com Srila Prabhupada's Original Books".
  6. ^ Gupta, Siddhartha. "King Mahabali and Onam,Legend of King Mahabali,Story of King Mahabali".
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