Lord Vamana is the 5th Avatar among the ten dashavatar's of Lord Vishnu. According to the Puranic texts of Hinduism, Vamana Avatar is the first incarnation of the Second Age, or the Treta yuga and also the first Avatar of Mahavishnu which appears in a completely human form, that of a dwarf Brahmin. Vamanan, who was born to Aditi and Kashyapa, is held to be the younger brother of Lord Indra – King of Devas. He is usually represented as a dwarf, holding a water-pot in one hand and an umbrella in the other hand. The legend of Bhagavata states that the Vamana avatar was taken by Vishnu to restore Indra’s authority over the heavens, which was taken away by the King Bali.
Origin of Onam Festival in Kerala
Onam is an important Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala for 10 days in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August – September). Tiruonam festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent visit of legendary Emperor Mahabali to Kerala. The festival, celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of King Bali.
Famous Vamana Temples in India
Some important Vamana temples in India are
1) Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple in Kochi, Ernakulam District of Kerala
2) Mithranandapuram Vamanamoorthy Temple in Cherpu, Thrissur, Kerala
3) Vamanar Temple, near the Kamakshi Amman Temple, in Kanchipuram
4) Ulagalantha Perumal Temple in Tirukoilur, Viluppuram district of Tamilnadu
5) Vamana Temple in Khajuraho Group of Madhya Pradesh
Dashashvamegh, the crematory at Bharuch, a town near my home-town Surat is said to be the place where "Bali" was thrust in "Paataala" by Vamanavatara. Can any one shed more light? Please speak out, i m all ears. i m trying to figure out geographical locations related with the Avataras. - Major Unmesh Pandya, Surat.
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