Onam stands on top as the biggest festivals in Kerala. During this festival, Diwali-like atmosphere is seen in every household. Onam festival is related to Lord Vishnu and King Mahabali. Let's know about the story of this festival that lasts for 10 days.
Story of Onam Mahaparva
King Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlad. He was the son of Hiranyakashyap, though he was also a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Like his grandfather, Mahabali also used to worship Vishnu from childhood. With the increasing age, the empire of Mahabali was spread. It is said that Mahabali was a very powerful, fair king who wanted god for his people. Even after being a demon he was highly respected. It is said that the people on earth were quite prosperous and happy with his rule. He was seen as God. However, in the midst of all this, there was also arrogance in King Mahabali. All the other demonic powers were laying traps and the gods were not happy with this, the gods then asked Vishnu for help.
In order to teach Mahabali a lesson, Lord Vishnu was born as a son of Mata Aditi in the 'Vamana' avatar. Once, Mahabali conducted an Ashwamedha Yagya on the banks of Maa Narmada to save himself from Indra's mightiest weapon. If this Yagya was successful, then the demonic powers would have done more evil deeds throughout the universe. Mahabali said that whoever asks for anything during the Yagya, they will give it to him. During this, Vamana enters the Yagyashala and Mahabali greets him.
Mahabali tells Vamana what do you want? How can I serve you? On this Vamana says that all I need is three steps of land. During this time, the Guru of Mahabali gets the hint that this is not an ordinary child and he asks King Bali not to do so. However, Bali started giving Vamana three steps of land. Only then Vamana appears in his huge form in front of Bali. In the first step, he measures the whole earth and in the second the whole heaven, now the third step was no option for where to place, then Bali said that you should put the third step on my head. Vamana places the third step on his head. Then Lord Vishnu asks Bali his last wish and he asks that he be allowed to come to the earth once a year. Hence the festival of Onam is celebrated.
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