Return of Maveli

"Happy Onam for all my friends "

I recently read about the story behind the celebration of Onam. It was indeed a very creative and beautiful fable.

The story goes like this, Maveli or Bali was born of Devamba to Veerochana, the son of Prahlada. He grew up under the tutelage of his grandfather who instilled in him a sense of righteousness and Bhakti. Bali succeeded his grandfather to become king of the Asuras. There was peace and prosperity everywhere during his reign.

He expanded his kingdom and usurped the heaven. The vanquished Devas then complained to their protector Vishnu, who assured them that he himself would restore the authority of Devas. Bali, at the behest of his Guru Sukracharya decided to conduct the Ashwamedha Yagam.

During the Yagam, Vishnu, in the guise of a small Brahmin boy (Vamana), appeared before Bali and asked for three paces of land. Bali, who had vowed not to refuse anyone, promptly granted the wish, even ignoring the warnings of his guru. Vamana measured all the worlds and the sky with two paces. Then, Bali offered himself for the third pace and was thus banished to the Patala.

However, impressed by Bali's unselfish devotion and unwavering "dharma", Vishnu granted him the permission to visit his subjects once every year. This day is celebrated throught kerala as Onam and they believe that their king will visit their home and along with him bring wealth and happiness.

This onam song still remains so fresh in my memories. It was beautifully composed by Vijay Krishna and equally rendered by Koshy.