Vamana

Vamana ( Vamana वामन Sanskrit ) in Hinduism is a dwarf deity and the fifth incarnation of Vishnu.

According to Indian mythology, the first four incarnations of Lord Vishnu took place in the first of four world ages, the Krita Yuga. His fifth incarnation is considered the first in the Second Age, the Treta Yuga. In that time there were already three worlds: heaven, earth and underworld. The story tells how the virtuous king Bali had won by great piety and asceticism dominion over heaven, earth and underworld. In the eyes of the heavenly Devas this was too great a presumption of Bali, they saw their dominance wane. As always, when the Dharma, the laws of heaven and earth are threatened, they called Vishnu to help, so that descend to the earth to restore the right order. Vishnu came up with a ruse. He surprised King Bali at a spiritual practice and met him in the form of inconspicuous dwarf Vamana. He modestly asked for three paces of land for his fireplace. Bali was struck by this ridiculous request from his mouth and granted it. Since Vishnu transformed in his cosmic form, consisting of all the gods. The mythology describes the divine splendor and immensity: Moon and Sun are his eyes, the sky his head, his feet the earth, the constellations in his view, the rays of the sun his hair, stars his pores. With two steps he walked through heaven and earth. But out of respect for the quality of Bali he stops and leaves him the unfathomable depth, the region of the underworld.

Frequently, this dwarf avatar is symbolized by a shield which he carries in his hand. Sometimes you find this alone as a symbol. He is regarded as a hallmark of Indian priests of the Brahmin caste.

  • Vishnu
  • Indian deity
  • Deity of Hinduism
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