Vamana Jayanthi is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Maha Vishnu’s fifth avatar, Vamana. This auspicious occasion is celebrated on Bhadrapada Sukla Dwadashi or the 12th day of the waxing phase of moon int he month of Bhadrapada. Lord Vamana appeared as the son of Aditi and the sage Kashyapa muni. He was known as the younger brother of the king of heavens, Lord Indra.

Purpose of Vamana Avatar

According to Shastras, the performer of 100 Yagnas will have the ability to become ruler of both heaven and earth. Prahlad’s son, King Mahabali, performed the Ashwamedha yagna. Despite his devotion, he was considered as a threat to the devas. While performing the last yagna of the 100 yagnas, Lord Indira approached Maha Vishnu fearing for his reign. In order to prevent King Mahabali from becoming more powerful, Maha Vishnu undertook the incarnation of Vamana, a dwarf brahmin.

Vishnu in the form of Vamana visited the King Mahabali. The king greeted Vamana and told him that he will offer anything he wishes. Vamana requested Mahabali to allow him 3 paces of land which he could measure with his small feet.3. King Mahabali agreed to it but then Vamana grew huge in size. With his first step, he covered the whole earth, with his second he encompassed the heavens. There was no place to take his third step. Realizing that the dwarf brahmin was God Vishnu, Mahabali offered his own head and Vamana stepped on it. Thus, the tyrant Bali was tricked and defeated by Vamana.

Rituals

On the day of Vamana Jayanthi, the ideal way for you to start the rituals is by donating food, rice and curd. This is considered to be an auspicious act on this particular day. During the evening, engross yourself to the Vamana Katha along with family members and following this distribute prasadam to everyone. In order to showcase your great devotion to Maha Vishnu, observing fast along with performing pujas is the spiritual way to abide by. The act of observing fast is said to immensely please Vamana who as a result showers you with blessings to get all your wishes fulfilled.

In addition to the above practices, some of the rituals a devotee must do are..
1. Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama, Narayana Mantra and other mantras 108 times.
2. Starting the puja by chanting the Beej mantra while offering the seat (asana) to the Murthi.
3. Offering flowers, lamps and incense while reciting Maha Vishnu’s name 108 times.
4. During the days of Poornima, worshiping the God is considered to be very auspicious
5. Donating food to Brahmins is also considered auspicious.

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