Vamana

Indian mythology · avatar · humility, cosmic order

The dwarf avatar who asked the demon king Mahabali for three paces of land, then grew to cosmic size and covered heaven and earth in two strides, claiming the king's own head for the third.

Stories

Vamana and the Three Steps

The demon king Mahabali's generosity rivals heaven itself, so Vishnu comes to his sacrifice as Vamana, a dwarf asking three paces of land. Against Shukra's warning the king grants it; two strides cover earth and sky, and Bali offers his own head for the third, winning in defeat a kingdom below and one promised return each year.