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			{{Short description\|King in Hindu scriptures}}
	The legend of King '''Mahabali''' (]: mahābalī, ]: महाबली
			{{Other uses}}
	) or '''Māvēli'''(as known locally) is the most popular and the most fascinating of all legends behind Onam. Onam celebrates the visit of King Mahabali, a king of ancient ] to the state of ] every year. The festival is celebrated with fervour as King Mahabali is greatly respected by his subjects. Mahabali is also popularly called ''Maveli'' and ''Onathappan''. He is believed to have ruled in ] before the ] event and his empire is believed to have extended from the ] in the north to the far out in the south.
			{{Use dmy dates\|date=June 2016}}
			{{Use Indian English\|date=June 2016}}
			{{Infobox deity
			\| type = Hindu
			\| affiliation = ], ]
			\| image = Vamana_Bali_Shukra.jpg
			\| alt = Mahabali (Maveli)
			\| caption = Mahabali serves Vamana, while a suspicious Shukra tries to stop him. Painting from Mankot, Jammu and Kashmir, c. 1700-25
			\| parents = ] (father), Vishalakshi (mother)
			\| spouse = ]{{efn\|also known as Ashrama<ref name="Dalal2010p229" />}}
			\| children = 100 sons including ], ], Sahasika, and Shakuni<br>2 daughters Ratnamala/Yagyamala and Vajrajvala (wife of ])
			\| member_of = ]
			}}
			'''Mahabali''' (]: Mahābalī), also known as '''Bali''', '''Indrasenan''', or '''Māveli''', is a ] king featured in ]. He is the grandson of ], and a descendant of the sage ]. There are many versions of his legend in ancient texts such as the '']'', '']'', '']'', and several '']''. According to ], he was blessed to be one of the ], a group of seven immortals, by the ] avatar of ] and reigns in the Sutaloka.<ref name="kanev5" /><ref>{{cite book\|author=Nanditha Kirshna\|title=Book of Vishnu\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIFFEJXx7L8C \|year=2009\|publisher= Penguin Books\|isbn=978-81-8475-865-8\|pages=58–59}}</ref><ref name="Narayan">{{Cite book \|last=Narayan \|first=R.K \|title= The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic \|chapter=Mahabali story \|pages=14–16 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jv-BdsLrX0wC \|publisher= Penguin Classics \|year=1977\|isbn=978-0-14-018700-7}}</ref>

			It is believed that Mahabali will become the King of ] (heaven) in the next '']''. In ], Mahabali is considered to be the noblest and most prosperous ruler, who transformed his kingdom into a heavenly place. His legend is a major part of the annual festival ] in the state of ], and it is celebrated in ], ], ], ], and ] as ], ], or Bali pādva (the third day of ] and first day of ] month).<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2020-11-15 \|title=Bali Puja 2020 date: Bali Pratipada story and significance \|work=The Times of India \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/bali-puja-2020-date-bali-pratipada-story-and-significance/articleshow/79167061.cms \|access-date=2023-09-02 \|issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=kanev5/><ref name="Melton2011p634"/><ref>{{Cite news \|date=2022-10-27 \|title=Diwali Padwa, Bali Pratipada: See significance and date \|work=The Economic Times \|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/diwali-padwa-bali-pratipada-significance-and-date/articleshow/95096033.cms?from=mdr \|access-date=2023-09-02 \|issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
	== Reign of King Mahabali ==

			==Hinduism==
	The story goes that the beautiful state of ] was the capital of the ] (demon) king, Mahabali. However, he was very religious and performed Vedic ] sacrifices to enlarge his kingdom and like his grandfather (]), was one of the greatest devotees of Lord ] 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 Mahabali. Everybody was happy in the kingdom, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were equally treated. 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 Mahabali and everybody was happy and content. But because he was a ], a descendent of Diti who was a ] or a cannibal, he was viewed by the Suras or Devas as unsafe.
			{{See also\|Onam#Mahabali and Vamana}}
			] avatar of Lord ] stomps on Bali's head, and sends him to ]]]
			Mahabali is described in early Hindu texts as a benevolent and generous king. He ruled without discrimination, and his people were honest, healthy, and happy under his rule.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.madhurima.org/new_madhurima/webpages/AboutOnam.html\|title = About Onam}}</ref> Mahabali also temporarily possessed the '']'' (nectar of eternal life) obtained by the '']s''.<ref name="Hudson2008p163">{{cite book\|author=D Dennis Hudson\|title=The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IMCxbOezDi4C \|year=2008\|publisher=Oxford University Press\|isbn=978-0-19-970902-1\|pages=163–174}}</ref> The amrita allowed his subjects to bring him back to life after his death in one of the wars between ''suras (])'' and ''asuras''.<ref name="Williams2008p73"/><ref name="Hudson2008p163"/> Mahabali was, thus, immune from death. After many wars, the invincible Bali had conquered heaven and earth. The ''suras'' (devas) approached Vishnu to save them from complete obliteration. Vishnu refused to join the devas in violence against Mahabali, because Mahabali is a benevolent king and his own devotee. To restore the natural order, he incarnated as the dwarf Brahmin avatar, ]. While Mahabali was performing the ] sacrifice to celebrate his victories and giving away gifts to everyone, Vamana approached him and requested "three steps of land".<ref name="Williams2008p73"/><ref name="Hudson2008p207">{{cite book\|author=D Dennis Hudson\|title=The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IMCxbOezDi4C \|year=2008\|publisher=Oxford University Press\|isbn=978-0-19-970902-1\|pages=207–219}}</ref> Mahabali granted him this gift, despite warnings from ], who had realised Vamana's true identity. Vamana then metamorphosed into Vishnu's colossal trivikrama form, the first foot encompassing all of heaven in one step and the earth with the second foot. When rhetorically asked where he might take his promised third step, Mahabali accepted his fate and offered his own head. Some Hindu texts state that Mahabali was banished to '']'' (netherworld), some state he was dragged there by ], in others he entered ] with the touch of Vishnu, while another version states he became ''Chiranjivi'' (immortal).<ref name="Williams2008p73">{{cite book\|author=George M. Williams\|title=Handbook of Hindu Mythology\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7LOZfwCDpEC\|year=2008\|publisher=Oxford University Press\|isbn=978-0-19-533261-2\|pages=73–74}}</ref> Others even have Bali admitted into ], which was an even higher place than the realm of the devas.<ref>{{cite book\|author=George M. Williams\|title=Handbook of Hindu Mythology\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7LOZfwCDpEC\|year=2008\|publisher=Oxford University Press\|isbn=978-0-19-533261-2\|pages=274}}</ref>

			In other versions of the story, when Vamana asks where to place his next step, Mahabali offers his own head to him because he realizes that he is an ] of Vishnu. Vishnu then sends the king to ''patala'', but seeing Mahabali's gesture, he is pleased and wants Mahabali to ask for a boon. Mahabali wishes for Vishnu to stay with him in his palace in ''patala'' and give him the privilege of serving him. However, when ] finds out, she does not approve. She goes to ''patala'', makes Mahabali her brother, and requests him to let her husband come back to her in Vaikuntha. In response to this situation, Vishnu decides that he will visit Mahabali's palace every year and rest/sleep there for four months. To ensure that the world continues to function while he is resting in ''patala'', Vishnu gave his responsibility of running the world to ]. Those four months, during which Vishnu rests and Shiva runs the world, are known as ]. In this way, Mahabali played an important part in the start of Chaturmas.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2024-07-05 \|title=Devshayani Ekadashi 2024: Legend Says Lord Vishnu Goes Into Yog Nidra, Know The Tale \|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/devshayani-ekadashi-2024-legend-says-lord-vishnu-goes-into-yog-nidra-know-the-tale-article-111520250 \|access-date=2024-10-25 \|website=Times Now \|language=en}}</ref>
	== Brief Sketch of King Mahabali ==
	:''See Also ]''
	The king was from the line of Diti, a deity in the Rigveda. In the days of Ridveda, there were two major groups of ]; 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. This caused a split between the Indians and the Aryans with many Daityas migrating towards Iran, but some remained in India. Mahabali is the descendent of this line.
	Most of the incarnations of Vishnu were connected with the struggle with Maha Bali lineage.
	<br />Mahabali was the son of ] and grandson of Prahlad, refused to side with his atheistical father and worshipped Vishnu with great devotion. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says that out of the Daityas, He is Prahlada. Prahalada's father was the Asura King ] who was killed by Vishnu in his avatar as Nara Simha (The Man-Lion).
	Hiranya Kasipu's brother Hiranyksha was killed by Vishnu in his Avatar of Boar. Mahabali however, being a noble being worshipped Vishnu and sacrificed his kingdom of rakshasas to the Avatar Vamana.

			According to one story, Vishnu granted Bali a boon whereby he could return to his homeland once every year. The harvest festivals of ] and ] are celebrated to mark his yearly homecoming.<ref name=kanev5>{{cite book\|author=PV Kane\|title=History of Dharmasastra, Volume 5 Part 1\| url=https://archive.org/details/KhistoryOfDharmasastraancientAndMediaevalReligiousAndCivilLaw \| publisher= Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute\| year= 1958 \|pages= –206}}</ref><ref name="Melton2011p634">{{cite book\|author=Constance A Jones\|editor=J. Gordon Melton\|title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC \|year=2011\|publisher=ABC-CLIO\|isbn=978-1-59884-205-0\|pages=634, 900}}</ref><ref>{{cite book\|title=India through the ages\|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada\|last=Gopal\|first=Madan\|year= 1990\| page= \|editor=K.S. Gautam\|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> Literature and inscriptions in Hindu temples suggest that these festivals, featuring colourful decorations, lighted lamps, gift giving, feasts and community events, have been popular in India for more than a millennium.<ref name=kanev5/><ref name=amkurup>{{cite journal\| title= The Sociology of Onam\| author= A.M. Kurup\| year=1977\| journal= Indian Anthropologist\| volume=7\| number=2\| pages= 95–110\| jstor= 41919319}}</ref> Bali is also featured in the ] where ] tries to free him from Patala, but is unable to.<ref name="Williams2008p73"/>
	Maha Bali created a veritable Kingdom of God all over India, but most of his military was still rakshasas.

			Mahabhali had a wife named Vindhyavalli, who was also referred to as Ashrama. With her he had many sons, including the Shiva devotee ] (Banasura) and ] (Prince Namuchi). It is believed that Vindhyavalli once saved Bana from the wrath of ].<ref>{{Cite book\|last=Dalal\|first=Roshen\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&q=Vindhyavalli\|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide\|date=2010\|publisher=Penguin Books India\|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6\|language=en}}</ref>
	Maha Bali literally means "the Great Sacrifice." - One who sacrificed for all.

			==Jainism==
	== Challenge for the Devas ==
			King Mahabali is also found in the mythologies of ]. He is the sixth of nine ]s (Prati-narayanas, anti-heroes).{{sfn\|von Glasenapp\|1999\|p=288}} He is depicted as an evil king who schemed and attempted to rob Purusha's wife.{{sfn\|von Glasenapp\|1999\|p=308}} He is defeated and killed by Purusha. In Jain mythology, the antagonists to Mahabali are the two sons born to King Mahasiva (Mahasiras): Ananda (the sixth Baladeva) and Purusapundarika (the sixth Vasudeva).{{sfn\|von Glasenapp\|1999\|p=308}}

			Mahabali is also mentioned in Jain inscriptions, where the patron compares the defeated evil opponents of the current king to Mahabali. For example, in the Girnar inscriptions of Gujarat dated to about 1231 CE (1288 Vikrama era), minister Vastupala of the ] is praised as a great king by Jains, and the inscriptions connect him to Mahabali because Vastupala gave much charity. Some excerpts from the inscriptions are:
	Looking at the growing popularity and fame of King Mahabali the ] became extremely concerned that the Daitya way '''(cannibalism)''' might conquer the people. They felt threatened about their own supremacy and began to think of a strategy to get rid of the dilemma.
			: In olden times Mahabali was pressed down by the foot of Vishnu, the enemy of the demons, from the earth; now the same is done by the hand of Vastupala,...{{sfn\|Burgess\|1885\|p=285}}
			:O Vastupala, Mahabali 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\|1885\|p=291}}
			: By the famous minister Vastupala watering the earth with nectarial charities, the pride of Mahabali and Kalpataru has been greatly lowered...{{sfn\|Burgess\|1885\|p=292}}
			: Let there be continuous salutation to holy Mahabali 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\|1885\|p=294}}

			Mahabali is a common name and found in other contexts. For example, in Jain history, Mahabali is the name of the son of Bahubali, who was given Bahubali's kingdom before Bahubali became a monk. {{sfn\|Vijay K. Jain\|2013\|p=xi}}
	To curb the growing reign of Mahabali and maintain their own supremacy, ], the mother of gods sought help from Lord ] (the preserver in the Hindu trinity). Asuras did not worship Vishnu.
	It was said Mahabali was very generous and charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help or requested for anything he always granted. To test the King, ] disguised himself as a poor Brahmin boy called ]. He came to the Kingdom of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons to Brahmins.

			==Buddhism==
	== Lord Vishnu takes Vamana Avatar ==
			Bali appears in several Buddhist sutras, such as the Dānapāramitā Sūtra, the Ratnamegha Sūtra, and the ]; where he is seen among the audience who listens to the Buddha's discourses.

			The ] features an extensive dialogue between Bali and the ] ] that occurred during the life of the Buddha ]. Bali relates his story of being imprisoned in the underworld by ]. The asura king repents for his misdeeds and praises the qualities of Avalokiteśvara and the pure land ]. Avalokiteśvara bestows a prediction that Bali will someday become a fully awakended buddha named Śrī who will lead the asuras in the Dharma.
	In the form of ], the son of ] and (the great grand-father of Bali Maharaj) ] said he was a poor Brahmin and asked for a piece of land. The generous King said, he could have as much land as he wanted. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King was surprised to hear this humble request, and insisted that the boy ask for more. But the brahmin again said that he only wanted as much land as he could cover in three steps. So Mahabali agreed.

			Bali offers Avalokiteśvara "strings of pearls worth a hundred thousand silver coins and diadems adorned with various jewels." Before leaving his abode, Avalokiteśvara gives a teaching about how humans must leave Jambudvīpa upon death and are subject to the punishments of King ] in hell. He then tells Bali of the importance of cultivating merit in this life.{{sfn\|Roberts\|2013}}
	Just as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land, ] began to expand and eventually increased himself to the size of cosmic proportions. With his first step the Brahmin boy covered the whole of earth and with the other step he covered the whole of the skies. He then asked King Mahabali where is the space for him to keep his third foot.

			==Veneration==
	The King realised that he was no ordinary Brahmin and his third step will destroy the earth. Mahabali with folded hands bowed before ] and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise to Vishnu. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head was pleased for his devotee's benevolance and so granted him immortality and also offered him patala, the nether world. Vishnu renamed this mahatma as "Mahabali" for his great sacrifice. This story symbolizes the love between humans and God on the highest level.
			For people in Kerala, Mahabali is remembered fondly as a great and benevolent king. Keralites celebrate the festival ] to commemorate the glorious days of Mahabali. They believe that Mahabali, once ruled Kerala. During Onam, the asura king is believed to return to see his people.

			In Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, several people believe that Mahabali was an ancient king.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2020-11-15 \|title=Bali Puja 2020 date: Bali Pratipada story and significance \|work=The Times of India \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/bali-puja-2020-date-bali-pratipada-story-and-significance/articleshow/79167061.cms \|access-date=2023-09-04 \|issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Special puja is offered during the third day of Deepavali and first day of Kartika month, which they call, 'Bali padwa', ' Bali pratipada', and 'Bali Padyami'. In coastal Karnataka, people offer a special dish to the being on a plate prepared with bamboo tree sticks, along with a lamp, and through the medium of a Tulu folklore song, request him to accept their offerings. People believe that on the third day of the festival, the king comes out of Patala for a day to see his kingdom.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2013-11-04 \|title=Bali Pratipada to mark home coming of Mahabali \|work=The Times of India \|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/bali-pratipada-to-mark-home-coming-of-mahabali/articleshow/25196219.cms?from=mdr \|access-date=2023-09-05 \|issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
	== Vishnu grants a great boon to King Mahabali ==

			The town of ] in Tamil Nadu is also associated with him.<ref name="Dalal2010p229">{{cite book\|author=Roshen Dalal\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC\|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide\|publisher=Penguin\|year=2010\|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6\|pages=229–230}}</ref>
	As he was pushed down into hell, King Bali made a last request. He requested that he be allowed to visit ] 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.

			In ] and ] call him is '''Chao Krung Bhali''' (เจ้ากรุงพาลี). He is regarded as chief of ]. (พระภูมิเจ้าที่) ] (รุกขเทวดา) and ]. (เทพารักษ์) which deity these types same match with ] and ] in ]., ] of his most important located in '''Ho kaew sal Phra bhum''' (หอแก้วศาลพระภูมิ) which is ] for deity guardian of ] which is on the side of ] but located in the area of the Inner royal Court (accommodation of ], concubine with daughter unmarried and woman attendant).,<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.resource.lib.su.ac.th/rattanakosin/index.php/2014-10-27-08-52-05/2014-10-29-01-27-45/2015-10-15-04-25-28/2015-10-15-04-28-36?showall=&start=1 \| title=พระที่นั่งในสวนศิวาลัย }}</ref> Him will receive special worship during the old Thai new year festival (เทศกาลตรุษไทย) according ] (around the end of the month March to early April) before the ]., by inviting ] of his with ] other in ] for deity guardian ]., Come to worship with ] which was regarded as the chairman of chief deity guardian of ]., which accompanying ceremony in ] annually by ] or agent of ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.silpathai.net/%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A/\|title=พระราชพิธีบวงสรวงพระสยามเทวาธิราช\|date=29 July 2014\|website=silpathai.net\|access-date=8 September 2023}}</ref> As for the ] He was generally worshiped together with ]., ] and ]. by his famous ] and ] of him located in '''San Chao Krung Bhali''' (ศาลเจ้ากรุงพาลี) in Noen Phra sud district in ] ] which has been praised by indigenous people to be ] guardian of community.<ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.naewna.com/likesara/633798 \| title=โจรแสบขับกระบะลักรูปปั้น 'องค์เจ้ากรุงพาลี' อายุกว่า 40 ปี เผยก่อนสร้างมีคนฝันเห็นยักษ์ \| date=7 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://www.banmuang.co.th/news/crime/268608 \| title=อุกอาจ! โจรบุกขโมยรูปปั้นองค์พระเจ้ากรุงพาลี ขนขึ้นกระบะหนีลอยนวล }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://news.ch7.com/detail/548632 \| title=วอนคนร้ายส่งคืนรูปปั้นเจ้ากรุงพาลี สิ่งศักดิ์สิทธิ์ที่ชาวบ้านนับถือศรัทธา จ.ระยอง }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/320392 \| title=ล่าหัวขโมยอุ้ม "พระพุทธรูปกรุงพาลี" เจ้าของวอนขอคืน เผยอยู่คู่อพาร์ทเม้นมากว่า40 ปี \| date=7 February 2022 }}</ref>
	== Genesis of Onam ==

			== Literature ==
	Onam celebrations are marked in Trikkakara, a place 10 km from Kochi (Cochin) on the Edapally- Pookattupadi road. Trikkara is said to be the capital of the mighty King Mahabali. A temple with a deity of ''Trikkakara Appan'' or ''Vamanamurthy'' who is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise is also located at this place. Nowhere else in ] can one find a deity of 'Vamanamurthy'. This fascinating legend is artistically depicted at the Suchindram Temple in ] district of ], where Lord Shiva slayed Banasura, the evil child of the holy Mahabali.
			The Sapta Chiranjivi Stotram is a mantra that is featured in ]:

			{{Blockquote\|text=अश्वत्थामा बलिर्व्यासो हनुमांश्च विभीषण:।<br>कृप: परशुरामश्च सप्तैतै चिरञ्जीविन:॥<br>सप्तैतान् संस्मरेन्नित्यं मार्कण्डेयमथाष्टमम्।<br>जीवेद्वर्षशतं सोपि सर्वव्याधिविवर्जितः॥
	== Alternate Views of Bali ==

			aśvatthāmā balirvyāsō hanumāṁśca vibhīṣaṇaḥ।<br>kṛpaḥ paraśurāmaśca saptaitai cirañjīvinaḥ॥<br>saptaitān saṁsmarēnnityaṁ mārkaṇḍēyamathāṣṭamam।<br>jīvēdvarṣaśataṁ sopi sarvavyādhivivarjitaḥ॥<br>\|title=Sapta Chiranjivi Stotram}}
	There are two alternate views of Bali, who is also popularly known as Mahabali.

			The mantra states that the remembrance of the eight immortals (], Mahabali, ], ], ], ], ], and ]) offers one freedom from ailments and longevity.
	#Especially in ], Mahabali is seen as a good ruler tricked by the jealous gods (suras), who vanquished him by deception.
	#In the ] ], Bali is a ] (descendents of Diti), an enemy of the ] (descendents of Aditi, twin sister of Diti), who claimed all of the heavens, ] and the ].

			==See also==
	Accordingly, there are two versions, which differ in the connotations and not in the substance, of the same story of how Mahabali was stripped of his kingdom. These are (in the same order as the two views above):
			*]
			*]
			*]
			*]
			*]
			*]
			*]
			*]
			*]
			*]

			==Notes==
	# The gods (suras) grew worried of Mahabali's rule and popularity. ], in his ] as the dimunitive ], asked Mahabali for a piece of land only three paces wide. Bali, ever the generous king, granted this wish, whereupon ] grew to an immense size and covered the heavens with one step and the earth with another. There was no space left for ] to measure his third pace. Realizing ]'s is no ordinary boy but that it is his god Vishnu, Mahabali offered his own head for ] to place his third step.
			{{notelist}}

			===Citations===
	# According to ] Bali was an efficient and popular ruler loved by all. His kingdom stretched the earth, the ''patal'' (the underground), and was threatening the skies. The ruler of the ], Lord ] got apprehensive of Bali's popularity and might, and approached ] for help and advice. ] came to this mortal world as the boy (Vamana) ], went to Bali and asked for 3 steps of land. Bali readily agreed. With the first step, ] spanned the entire earth, with the next the underground, and there was nowhere to put his third step. The final step was put in heavan to reclaim the abode of the Devas, pushing out the cannibals.
			{{Reflist\|30em}}

	==~~Historical~~==		==References==
			* {{citation \|last=Burgess \|first=James \|author-link=James Burgess (archaeologist) \|title=Lists of the Antiquarian Remains in the Bombay Presidency: With an Appendix of Inscriptions from Gujarat \|url=https://archive.org/details/listsantiquaria00burggoog/page/n306\| year= 1885\| publisher= Archaeological Survey of India }}
	This story implies how a man of great devotion to God, in this case Vishnu sacrificed his own kingdom when God asked to do so. It further implies the conflict between the two Aryans those who were followers of the Devas/Adityas and those who were followers of the Asuras/Daityas. Anti-Hindus have made claims that Bali was not a Hindu, was a non-Aryan "native." Christianists have even gone towards claiming that Bali is actually St. Thomans though Hindu scriptures make no such claim of Bali Maharaj being the devotee of another religion.
			* {{citation \|last=Jain \|first=Vijay K. \|title=Ācārya Nemichandra's Dravyasaṃgraha \|url=https://books.google.com/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 \|author-link=Helmuth von Glasenapp \|others=Shridhar B. Shrotri (trans.) \|title=Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation \|date=1999 \|location = ] \|publisher=] \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WzEzXDk0v6sC \|isbn=81-208-1376-6 \|trans-title=Der Jainismus: Eine Indische Erlosungsreligion }}
			* {{Citation \| last1 =Roberts \| first1 =Peter Alan \|others=With Tulku Yeshe \| year =2013 \| title =The Basket's Display \| publisher =84000 \| url=https://read.84000.co/translation/toh116.html }}

	==~~Festivals~~==		==External links==
			{{Commons category}}

			{{S-start}}
	In the state of ], the ] festival is a celebration of the visit of Mahabali or Maveli (local name of Bali) to their land.
			{{succession box\|

			before=] \|
	According to legend, Mahabali requested ] to grant him a boon to come and visit his homeland, ], at least once a year, and he comes to visit his people and his land during ]. Vamana also told Mahabali that he is destined to become ] in the next cycle of creation.
			title= ]s\|

			years = unknown\|
	==See also==
			after=]}}

			{{S-end}}
	* ]
	*http://moralstories.wordpress.com/2006/05/31/bali-chakravartis-story/
	* ]

	==External Links==
	*

	{{HinduMythology}}		{{HinduMythology}}
			{{Authority control}}

	]		]
			]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
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	]

	]

Latest revision as of 04:44, 26 December 2024

King in Hindu scriptures For other uses, see Mahabali (disambiguation).

Mahabali
Member of Chiranjivi
Mahabali serves Vamana, while a suspicious Shukra tries to stop him. Painting from Mankot, Jammu and Kashmir, c. 1700-25
Affiliation	Daitya, Asura
Genealogy
Parents	Virochana (father), Vishalakshi (mother)
Spouse	Vindhyavali
Children	100 sons including Banasura, Namasu, Sahasika, and Shakuni 2 daughters Ratnamala/Yagyamala and Vajrajvala (wife of Kumbhakarna)

Mahabali (IAST: Mahābalī), also known as Bali, Indrasenan, or Māveli, is a daitya king featured in Hinduism. He is the grandson of Prahlada, and a descendant of the sage Kashyapa. There are many versions of his legend in ancient texts such as the Shatapatha Brahmana, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and several Puranas. According to Hindu literature, he was blessed to be one of the Chiranjivi, a group of seven immortals, by the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and reigns in the Sutaloka.

It is believed that Mahabali will become the King of Svarga (heaven) in the next yuga. In Kerala, Mahabali is considered to be the noblest and most prosperous ruler, who transformed his kingdom into a heavenly place. His legend is a major part of the annual festival Onam in the state of Kerala, and it is celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh as Balipratipada, Balipādyami, or Bali pādva (the third day of Deepavali and first day of Kartika month).

Hinduism

Jainism

King Mahabali is also found in the mythologies of Jainism. He is the sixth of nine Prativasudevas (Prati-narayanas, anti-heroes). He is depicted as an evil king who schemed and attempted to rob Purusha's wife. He is defeated and killed by Purusha. In Jain mythology, the antagonists to Mahabali are the two sons born to King Mahasiva (Mahasiras): Ananda (the sixth Baladeva) and Purusapundarika (the sixth Vasudeva).

Mahabali is also mentioned in Jain inscriptions, where the patron compares the defeated evil opponents of the current king to Mahabali. For example, in the Girnar inscriptions of Gujarat dated to about 1231 CE (1288 Vikrama era), minister Vastupala of the Chaulukya dynasty is praised as a great king by Jains, and the inscriptions connect him to Mahabali because Vastupala gave much charity. Some excerpts from the inscriptions are:

In olden times Mahabali was pressed down by the foot of Vishnu, the enemy of the demons, from the earth; now the same is done by the hand of Vastupala,...

O Vastupala, Mahabali 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,...

By the famous minister Vastupala watering the earth with nectarial charities, the pride of Mahabali and Kalpataru has been greatly lowered...

Let there be continuous salutation to holy Mahabali 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.

Mahabali is a common name and found in other contexts. For example, in Jain history, Mahabali is the name of the son of Bahubali, who was given Bahubali's kingdom before Bahubali became a monk.

Buddhism

Bali appears in several Buddhist sutras, such as the Dānapāramitā Sūtra, the Ratnamegha Sūtra, and the Lotus Sutra; where he is seen among the audience who listens to the Buddha's discourses.

The Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra features an extensive dialogue between Bali and the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara that occurred during the life of the Buddha Viśvabhū. Bali relates his story of being imprisoned in the underworld by Nārāyaṇa. The asura king repents for his misdeeds and praises the qualities of Avalokiteśvara and the pure land Sukhāvatī. Avalokiteśvara bestows a prediction that Bali will someday become a fully awakended buddha named Śrī who will lead the asuras in the Dharma.

Bali offers Avalokiteśvara "strings of pearls worth a hundred thousand silver coins and diadems adorned with various jewels." Before leaving his abode, Avalokiteśvara gives a teaching about how humans must leave Jambudvīpa upon death and are subject to the punishments of King Yama in hell. He then tells Bali of the importance of cultivating merit in this life.

Veneration

For people in Kerala, Mahabali is remembered fondly as a great and benevolent king. Keralites celebrate the festival Onam to commemorate the glorious days of Mahabali. They believe that Mahabali, once ruled Kerala. During Onam, the asura king is believed to return to see his people.

In Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, several people believe that Mahabali was an ancient king. Special puja is offered during the third day of Deepavali and first day of Kartika month, which they call, 'Bali padwa', ' Bali pratipada', and 'Bali Padyami'. In coastal Karnataka, people offer a special dish to the being on a plate prepared with bamboo tree sticks, along with a lamp, and through the medium of a Tulu folklore song, request him to accept their offerings. People believe that on the third day of the festival, the king comes out of Patala for a day to see his kingdom.

The town of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is also associated with him.

In Hinduism in Thailand and Tai folk religion call him is Chao Krung Bhali (เจ้ากรุงพาลี). He is regarded as chief of deity serve as guardians of the earth. (พระภูมิเจ้าที่) deity guardians of the trees (รุกขเทวดา) and Tutelary deity. (เทพารักษ์) which deity these types same match with Grāmadevatā and Kuladevata in Hinduism., statue of his most important located in Ho kaew sal Phra bhum (หอแก้วศาลพระภูมิ) which is Spirit house for deity guardian of Grand Palace which is on the side of Phra Thinang Chai Chumpol but located in the area of the Inner royal Court (accommodation of Consort, concubine with daughter unmarried and woman attendant)., Him will receive special worship during the old Thai new year festival (เทศกาลตรุษไทย) according Lunar calendar (around the end of the month March to early April) before the Songkran festival., by inviting statue of his with statue other in Spirit house for deity guardian Grand Palace., Come to worship with Siam Devadhiraj which was regarded as the chairman of chief deity guardian of Grand Palace., which accompanying ceremony in Phra Thinang Phaisan Thaksin annually by Monarchy of Thailand or agent of Monarchy of Thailand. As for the Tai folk religion He was generally worshiped together with deity serve as guardians of the earth., deity guardians of the trees and Tutelary deity. by his famous statue and Spirit house of him located in San Chao Krung Bhali (ศาลเจ้ากรุงพาลี) in Noen Phra sud district in Mueang Rayong district Rayong province which has been praised by indigenous people to be Tutelary deity guardian of community.

Literature

The Sapta Chiranjivi Stotram is a mantra that is featured in Hindu literature:

अश्वत्थामा बलिर्व्यासो हनुमांश्च विभीषण:।
कृप: परशुरामश्च सप्तैतै चिरञ्जीविन:॥
सप्तैतान् संस्मरेन्नित्यं मार्कण्डेयमथाष्टमम्।
जीवेद्वर्षशतं सोपि सर्वव्याधिविवर्जितः॥ aśvatthāmā balirvyāsō hanumāṁśca vibhīṣaṇaḥ।
kṛpaḥ paraśurāmaśca saptaitai cirañjīvinaḥ॥
saptaitān saṁsmarēnnityaṁ mārkaṇḍēyamathāṣṭamam।
jīvēdvarṣaśataṁ sopi sarvavyādhivivarjitaḥ॥
— Sapta Chiranjivi Stotram

The mantra states that the remembrance of the eight immortals (Ashwatthama, Mahabali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripa, Parashurama, and Markandeya) offers one freedom from ailments and longevity.

Notes

also known as Ashrama

Citations

^ Roshen Dalal (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin. pp. 229–230. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6.
^ PV Kane (1958). History of Dharmasastra, Volume 5 Part 1. Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. pp. 201–206.
Nanditha Kirshna (2009). Book of Vishnu. Penguin Books. pp. 58–59. ISBN 978-81-8475-865-8.
Narayan, R.K (1977). "Mahabali story". The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. Penguin Classics. pp. 14–16. ISBN 978-0-14-018700-7.
"Bali Puja 2020 date: Bali Pratipada story and significance". The Times of India. 15 November 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
^ Constance A Jones (2011). J. Gordon Melton (ed.). Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations. ABC-CLIO. pp. 634, 900. ISBN 978-1-59884-205-0.
"Diwali Padwa, Bali Pratipada: See significance and date". The Economic Times. 27 October 2022. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
"About Onam".
^ D Dennis Hudson (2008). The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram. Oxford University Press. pp. 163–174. ISBN 978-0-19-970902-1.
^ George M. Williams (2008). Handbook of Hindu Mythology. Oxford University Press. pp. 73–74. ISBN 978-0-19-533261-2.
D Dennis Hudson (2008). The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram. Oxford University Press. pp. 207–219. ISBN 978-0-19-970902-1.
George M. Williams (2008). Handbook of Hindu Mythology. Oxford University Press. p. 274. ISBN 978-0-19-533261-2.
"Devshayani Ekadashi 2024: Legend Says Lord Vishnu Goes Into Yog Nidra, Know The Tale". Times Now. 5 July 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 74.
A.M. Kurup (1977). "The Sociology of Onam". Indian Anthropologist. 7 (2): 95–110. JSTOR 41919319.
Dalal, Roshen (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books India. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6.
von Glasenapp 1999, p. 288.
^ von Glasenapp 1999, p. 308.
Burgess 1885, p. 285.
Burgess 1885, p. 291.
Burgess 1885, p. 292.
Burgess 1885, p. 294.
Vijay K. Jain 2013, p. xi.
Roberts 2013.
"Bali Puja 2020 date: Bali Pratipada story and significance". The Times of India. 15 November 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
"Bali Pratipada to mark home coming of Mahabali". The Times of India. 4 November 2013. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
"พระที่นั่งในสวนศิวาลัย".
"พระราชพิธีบวงสรวงพระสยามเทวาธิราช". silpathai.net. 29 July 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
"โจรแสบขับกระบะลักรูปปั้น 'องค์เจ้ากรุงพาลี' อายุกว่า 40 ปี เผยก่อนสร้างมีคนฝันเห็นยักษ์". 7 February 2022.
"อุกอาจ! โจรบุกขโมยรูปปั้นองค์พระเจ้ากรุงพาลี ขนขึ้นกระบะหนีลอยนวล".
"วอนคนร้ายส่งคืนรูปปั้นเจ้ากรุงพาลี สิ่งศักดิ์สิทธิ์ที่ชาวบ้านนับถือศรัทธา จ.ระยอง".
"ล่าหัวขโมยอุ้ม "พระพุทธรูปกรุงพาลี" เจ้าของวอนขอคืน เผยอยู่คู่อพาร์ทเม้นมากว่า40 ปี". 7 February 2022.

References

Burgess, James (1885), Lists of the Antiquarian Remains in the Bombay Presidency: With an Appendix of Inscriptions from Gujarat, Archaeological Survey of India
Jain, Vijay K. (2013), Ācārya Nemichandra's Dravyasaṃgraha, Vikalp Printers, ISBN 9788190363952, This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
von Glasenapp, Helmuth (1999), Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation [Der Jainismus: Eine Indische Erlosungsreligion], Shridhar B. Shrotri (trans.), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 81-208-1376-6
Roberts, Peter Alan (2013), The Basket's Display, With Tulku Yeshe, 84000

External links

Preceded byVirochana

Daityas
unknown

Succeeded byBanasura

v t e Hindu deities and texts
Gods	Trimurti Brahma Vishnu Shiva Agni Ashvins Chandra Dattatreya Ganesha Hanuman Indra Kama Kartikeya Krishna Kubera Rama Shasta Surya Varuna Vayu Vishvakarma Yama more
Goddesses	Tridevi Saraswati Lakshmi Parvati Aditi Bhumi Chhaya Durga Ganga Shachi Kali Mahadevi Mahavidya Matangi Matrikas Radha Rati Rohini Rukmini Sanjna Sati Shakti Shashthi Sita more
Other deities	Apsaras Asuras Daitya Danava Devata Dikpāla Gandharvas Gana Kuladevatas Gramadevatas Rakshasas Vahanas Yakshas / Yakshini
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