Strange Story: - The Mahabali( He was a great King who ruled the land once upon a time)story associated with Thiruvonam states that Mahabali was a great king in whose rule, the citizens were happy and peace with each other. The Devas were Jealous of Mahabali and they approached Lord Vishnu to curtail his power and Vishnu(God) agreed to malicious intention of Devas and kicked Mahabali underground.
- If Vishnu yields to Jealousy of Devas, is Vishnu worth to worship?
- Can a God be partial to someone or some clan?
Clearly this is a fabrication of human mind (Nara stuthi) which contains human elements of Jealousy, enmity, ego, arrogance, dominate with power and annihilate. There is no divinity (holiness) in this story.
Vishnu: - As per Vedas the feet of Lord Vishnu can be reached only by those who had conquered their senses (Indrajit), renounced and sacrificed.
Indrasya Yuj saha,
Tad vishno paramam padam sada pasyanthi soorayaha
Mahabali: - Our tradition states that we acquire nothing through wealth and only sacrifice defines a place for us (Tyagainaike amirthathvam anasuha). Mahabali had performed 99 Yajnams (fire sacrifices).
Yajnam is associated with fasting for several days, giving up our residence(upa vasam), giving up sleep and staying focused on Agni day and night, finally donating to the needy/ poor upon completion and staying de-attached from materialistic pleasures.
King Mahabali, executing 99 Yajnams(fire sacrifices) had acquired supremacy over his senses(Indrajit) and was qualified for more than Indra sadas. He was qualified for the Divine Lotus Feet of the Lord. Therefore the Lord Himself came down to this qualified (Aruhath) soul.
Typically in Hindu traditions, departed soul integrates with the feet of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu Paadam). Pindam (offerings) to Vishnu Paadam is considered as offering to departed souls. Vishnu Paadam is the final resting place for a soul and Mahabali acquired it alive through his penance and sacrifice.
In Conclusion:- Thiruvonam is a celebration for conquest of senses giving us a clue on how to reach parama padam.
Hi.
ReplyDeleteNice to see the contact in my bog and good to see the interesting perspective on Onam. I always wondered about the fairness of the Mahabali story.
Nice hearing from you Kimira. It's true that a lot of wonderful traditions are lost because the true significance is not seen /known. Hope we get to know and realize the beauty of our traditions and what it stands for rather than just going through it. Anyhow.... Thanks for the comment. Totally appreciate your time.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Durga.