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In one version of the Vamana legend, when Mahabali offered himself for Vishnu's third step, it was an act of Mahabali's devotion. [194] Vishnu granted him a boon. Mahabali chose to revisit earth, once every year, the lands and people he previously ruled.
Mahabali also temporarily possessed the amrita (nectar of eternal life) obtained by the asuras. [9] The amrita allowed his subjects to bring him back to life after his death in one of the wars between suras and asuras. [10] [9] Mahabali was, thus, immune from death. After many wars, the invincible Bali had conquered heaven and earth.
Lord Vamana has blessed king Sri Mahabali on his request for three feet of mud; the mood of the deity in the temple is that of blessing the king Mahabali. Vishnu was immensely pleased with the goodness of Mahabali. He educated Bali about the demerits of pride and arrogance, which forbids man from optimum progress.
Vamana, in the guise of a short Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the king to request three paces of land. Mahabali consented, against the warning of his guru, Shukracharya. Vamana then revealed his identity, and enlarged to gigantic proportions to stride over the three worlds.
Vamana then placed His Foot and gave the king immortality for his humility. In worshiping Mahabali and his ancestor Prahláda, he conceded sovereignty of Pátála, the netherworld. Some texts also report that Vamana did not step into the netherworld, and instead gave its rule to Bali. In giant form, Vamana is known as Trivikrama.
Another legend about Kankalamurti is that Shiva assumed the form when he slew Vamana, an avatar of Vishnu. Vishnu assumed the form of Vamana, a huge form that encompassed the huge universe to teach a lesson to the demon Mahabali. After Mahabali was humbled, the Vamana form became a nuisance to the world and the gods.
English: The Vamana-Mahabali legend presented in panels of the Chennakesava temple, Somanathapura Karnataka Mahabali is to the left offering water to canopy holding dwarf Vamana (avatara of Vishnu). The face has been desecrated.
King Mahabali, though an asura king, was generous, and engaged in severe austerities and penance and won the praise of the world. With the praise from his courtiers and others, he regarded himself as the all powerful in the world. Vamana, in the guise of a short Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the king to request three paces of land.