King of Kings

If we turn down the pages we can find the name of a famous king Mahabali a wise and generous asura (demon) king. The people living in his kingdom were all happy and prosperous.

The King become so popular slowly that even Gods felt challenged by his popularity and they went to Lord Vishnu who was worshiped by King Mahabali for seeking help. Futher Lord Vishnu took the avatar of a poor Brahmin, named Vamana. One day Vamana went to the King when the King was giving boons to the Brahmin.

Vaman (Lord Vishnu) asked the king for the land covering his three steps. The King agreed and made a promise to do so. Suddenly, Vamana changed to a massive size. With his one step he covered the whole of the sky and with the other he covered the whole earth. At last he asked for a place to put his third step. By then King Mahabali realised that this boy was no ordinary Brahmin and told Vamana to put his third step on his head.

Vamana placed his third step on Mahabali's head pushing Mahabali in the nether world, the patala. Lord Vishnu was very much pleased with King Mahabali generosity and granted him a boon. Mahabali was deeply attached with his people and therefore said he would like to visit Kerala and see his people every year. Lord Vishnu was pleased granted him his request and from then every year its Onam which celebrated as the homecoming of King Mahabali by Keralities.