IMG_3694

Vaman Vishnu, 10 century A D, Sambhar, Jaipur. Black stone sculpture of Vaman Vishnu with rosary and conch-shell flanked by Ayudhpurush (bearers of Vishnu's attributes - the conch and discus) and attendants. His dwarf avatar was undertaken to subdue king Bali who had gained domination over the three worlds, depriving the gods of their power and dignity. The dwarf begged the generous king for as much land only as he could cover in three steps, which the unsuspecting king granted. Then the dwarf avatar assumed cosmic proportions and In two stndes covered the heavens and earth, there being no more space for the third step except the proffered head of the humbled Bali. Thus the worlds were released from Bali's domination but respecting his virtue as a man of his word and a righteous king he was allowed dominion over Patala, the nether worlds. As the legend goes his request that he be permitted to return each year at the festival of Onam to visit his people was also granted. His return in spirit is celebrated by the people of Kerala at the festival of Onam.