Vrindavan 2016.09.14 (VT):Lord Vaman is described in the Puranas as the fifth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, and the first incarnation of the Second Age or Treta yuga. He is the first avatar to appear as a human, although he does appear as a dwarf Brahmin. The Bhagavata Purana describes that Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by Bali, a benevolent Asura King. Bali was the great grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grandson of Prahlada and son of Virochana.
Lord Vamana, in the guise of a short Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the King Bali to request three paces of land. Bali consented, against the warning of his guru, Sukracharya. Lord Vamana then revealed his identity and enlarged to gigantic proportions to stride over the three worlds. He stepped from heaven to earth with the first step, from earth to the netherworld with the second. King Bali, unable to fulfil his promise, offered his head for the third. Vamana then placed his foot and gave the king immortality for his humility.
Lord Vaman in the form of Trivikrama, stepping on the head of King Bali
Bali is seen as a symbol of prosperity and love. Onam, celebrated mainly in Kerala, is the celebration related to the return of Bali to see the citizens of his country. In worshiping Bali and his ancestor Prahláda, he conceded sovereignty of Pátála, the netherworld. Some texts also report that Vamana did not step into the netherworld, and instead gave its rule to Bali. In giant form, Vamana is known as Trivikrama. Bali symbolizes Samridhi mean prosperity, the three feet symbolizes the three planes of existence (Jagrat, Swapna and Sushupti) and final step is on his head which elevates from all three states and he attains moksha.
Vaman Jayanti is celebrated every year at Shravan Nakshatra on Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad month, according to Hindu calendar. It is also known as Vaman Dwadashi. On this day devotees worship Shri Hari early in the morning with proper rituals. Donating rice, curd etc is considered to be auspicious on this day. In the evening, the devotees should listen to Vamana Katha along with the family members and distribute prasad among everyone. Devotees should observe fast and perform puja with proper rituals to please Lord Vamana and to get all wishes fulfilled.
Celebrations in Vrindavan
Shri Atul Krishna Goswami Ji during the Vaman Jayanti Celebration at Thakur Sneh Bihari
All India Brahmin Association (AIBA) celebrated Vaman Jayanti grandly at Thakur Sneh Bihari temple. Chairman of the association Acharya Atul Krishna Goswami said that Vaman incarnation of Lord teaches us to follow the path of “dharma” be whatever happens.
Pandit Bihari Lal Vashisth said that Lord took incarnation to prove that no devil, be howsoever powerful he is, can be over the Lord and his devotees like Lord Indra. He also said that even in Vaman form, Lord showed his mercy towards Bali for his humbleness.
Pt. Sushil Sharma, Pt. Balkrishna Gautam, Pt. Umesh Chandra Sharma and Pt. Pratyush Goswami were honoured by Atul Krishna Goswami for being a pride to the community.
Honouring ceremony at Sneh Bihari temple during Vaman Jayanti
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