LEGENDS OF ONAM

 

 The story goes that the beautiful state of Kerala was once ruled by an Asura (demon) king, Mahabali. The King was respected in his kingdom and was wise, judicious and extremely generous. 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. During the reign of King Mahabali there was no sickness or sorrow.

 

Challenge for Gods

 

The Gods were concerned and jealous seeing the popularity of King Mahabali. They felt threatened about their own supremacy and began to think of a strategy to get rid of the dilemma. To curb the growing reign of Mahabali and maintain supremacy, Aditi, the mother of Gods seeked help of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) whom Mahabali worshiped.To test Mahabali’s generosity, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf and a poor Brahmin called Vamana.

 

Lord Vishnu takes Vamana Avatar

 

Disguised as Vamana, Vishnu 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 but agreed. Soon after agreeing, Vamana began to expand 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.

 

 The King realised that he was no ordinary Brahmin. Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the King, which pushed him to patala, the nether world. There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu appeared before the King in his person and told the King that he came to test him. King Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. And Lord Vishnu granted a boon to the King for winning the test.

King Mahabali Requests for a Visit to Kerala

 

The King requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year to see his people. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the King and said even after losing all his worldly possessions, the King would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people.

BIRTH OF ONAM 

 It is the day of the visit of King Mahabali to Kerala that is celebrated as Onam every year. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of King Mahabali. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their King. They wish to please the spirit of their King by depicting that his people are happy and wish him well. Onam is a 10 day festival and the second day,  Thiruvonam is the biggest and the most important day of this festival. It is believed that King Mahabali visits his people on the second day.