(Picture taken by DSS Lakshmi at Srikurmam temple)
Dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, who asked for three feet of land from Emperor Bali and humbled Bali’s pride. (Glossary for the Vahinis)
Excerpts from (Avatars: Their myriad Forms, Purpose, role and relevance)
Vamana was short in stature, but he could fill the entire universe. Being an avatar, He was Aprameya (beyond all limitations, indescribable and immeasurable). Human beings have limitations, but not an avatar. (SSS Vol.37, pp. 200-202)
The Lord had incarnated to bless Bali, not to destroy him. So, when He had measured the earth with one stride and the sky with the second, He placed his foot on Bali’s head and accepted the Emperor as the third foot of ground. That foot released Bali from the recurrent cycle of birth and death. (SSS Vol.18), 28-8-1985.
Vamana did so only with a view to crush the ego of Emperor Bali. In fact, Emperor Bali was a man of righteousness and great charitable disposition. He was proud of these qualities and had developed ego. Vamana therefore decided to crush his ego. Emperor Bali’s subjects were greatly distressed that they had lost a great emperor. (SSS Vol.41, p. 191)
Vamana sought from Emperor Bali three footsteps of land. What is the reason for the Lord appearing as a dwarf before Bali? This shows that however mighty a person may be, when he appears as a supplicant he gets diminished in stature. When one stretches his palm for an offering he becomes small. The giver of gifts acquires a high stature. Bali realised the greatness of his status as a giver. He rejoiced over his good fortune.
After the Lord had used two footsteps to measure the earth and the firmament, Bali prayed to the Lord to place his foot upon his head for the third footstep. What is the inner meaning of this action? As the Lord had measured the entire earth with one footstep it meant that the place occupied by Bali was also covered by the first step. What separate claim could he make regarding his head? The inner significance of this should be understood. By measuring the earth the Lord has covered the earthly realm. By His second step He had covered the heavenly realm.
By placing his foot on the head of Bali, the Lord covered Manorajyam (the realm of the mind). This indicates that the Lord accepted and received from Bali the kingdom of his mind. (SSS Vol.25)
Vamana confers liberating glory to Bali
The mind is at the root of this phenomenal world. The mind is the cause of both bondage and liberation for men. It is only when one is free from the trammels of the mind that he obtains true Moksha (liberation). Vamana conferred liberation on Bali by freeing him from his bondage to the mind. It should be realised that Vamana did not come to Bali just to seek a gift. He came to Bali to liberate him. He came to Bali as a protector. He sought to make Bali an ideal example to the world. For what reason? Bali was the very embodiment of righteousness. He was a just ruler. In looking after the welfare of his subjects, he was exemplary. He excelled also in his generosity and his adoration of the Divine. He was steadfast in his faith. The advent of Vamana was intended to glorify Bali and make him an ideal example to the world. (SSS Vol.25)