The Story of Onam

Once upon a time, there lived a wise and benevolent king named Mahabali. He belonged to the Asura monarchy whose empire constituted heaven, hell, and earth. He was indeed a queer fish among the Asura’s, he respected, bolstered, and gained honor from every man jack. For the first time in history, people were quite gratified with a ruling Asura majesty crown headed by His Highness Mahabali. Of course, this made him Pompous to an extent.

Like his grandfather Prahlada, Mahabali was a Lord Vishnu fervid and he distributed flowers to his subjects to worship his preferred god. The guardian angels of jealousy, redundant Indra and his clans got desirous of Mahabali’s esteem and they came up with a usual plan (none of my grannies ever conveyed Indra Deva being self-sufficient and so were the serials) to conquer back the opulence of heaven. A river of tears from the celestial blood then swept the sorrow solver Lord Vishnu’s feet. Drowned in the crocodile tears, Lord Vishnu signed the petition to end the melancholy of the shameless, incompetent Devas.

It was an auspicious day. A yajna was being performed at the courtyards of Mahabali’s mansion for the welfare of the public. This time came Lord Vishnu dressed elegantly as a dwarf brahmin called Vamana( I always relate Lord Vishnu to be a Mufti Policeman or a CBCID, who tries out different physical attires for his missions). The infirm dwarf caught Mahabali’s attention. The handsome Mahabali who was searching the public to be enrolled for “hands for some” project came out and enquired with the best actor if in case he need any favor from the King.

Just three feet of land. That’s what I only need, your majesty!!!!

I can give you more. I own this world!!!!! claimed Mahabali.

No, your majesty. One must not seek more than what one needs replied the Vamana.

Asura Guru Shukracharya warned Mahabali from granting the wish as he felt a divine aura on the brahmin’s face which Mahabali went against.

Take three feet from wherever you need ordered Mahabali.

A gigantic growth took place in Vamana. He grew taller, stronger, and sharper :) An incredulous Mahabali witnessed the sea change. It didn’t take much time, with his first foot Vamana covered the entire earth. The second foot took over the sky. These two steps covered the whole of Mahabali’s kingdom, the earth, and the sky.

You don’t have any more land. From where should I take my third foot asked Vamana.

By now Mahabali recognized Vamana to be his favorite lord himself. He surrendered with utter devotion.

Place your third foot on my head, my Lord. I am ready to go down to Pathala, said Mahabali

This attitude and integrity touched Lord Vishnu deeply. He felt a bit nasty about leading the mission. Behind the curtains laughed Indra. To tally his contrition, Lord Vishnu enquired if Mahabali has any final wish to be made. Mahabali expressed his dejection on separating himself from his people before going to Paathal for which Lord Vishnu released him an offer.

You may come back for a few days every year from Pathal to meet, mingle and eat with your people. They would always remember you for the harmony and prosperity you gave them.

This period of our mighty King returning every year is what we call Onam.

Lessons Taken Away?

1. A blink of an eye is what it takes to lose your empire.
2. You will only be remembered based on your integrity and attitude.
3. Prepare yourself for all the backstabs. There are so many Indra’s out there.
4. Nothing is eternal. No one can become an everyday lion.
5. No one can understand you better than you, not even God. Even God gets tricked.
6. Never commit before a discussion. Be aware of the consequences. Experience does hold significant value.
7. Favoritism is older than mother Earth herself. You are your favorite, someone’s favorite but not everyone’s.
8. Hard work and sincerity don’t always fetch results. Skulduggery and fawning would have more success stories than hard work.
9. Never try to conquer someone’s empire. They are not gonna sit and watch with a bucket of popcorn.?