The real story of Onam comes from the legend of Mahabali in the Srimad Bhagavatam, which connects to many puranas describing battles between the Asuras and the Devas.
Clarifying Concepts:
Asuras represent those focused solely on sensual pleasures—eating, drinking, sleeping, reproduction.
Suras (Su = good, Ra = revels) symbolize those who cherish good thoughts.
Mahabali, the grandson of Prahlada and a spiritually evolved Asura king, led a powerful and ultimately righteous kingdom.
In the battle between Asuras and Devas (like Indra, Agni, Vayu, the Moon, and the Sun), the Asuras prevailed due to their numbers and strength. We must understand that many people—including ourselves—often find our tendencies align more with the Asuras than with the Suras. Acknowledging this is a significant leap in spiritual awareness, and that very recognition marks genuine spiritual growth.
Another factor in the Asuras’ victory was their guru Sukracharya, who developed a life-restoring potion. During war, even fallen soldiers could be revived. Imagine, losing the fear of death makes one fearless—like a midday nap where energy renews, only amplified.
After their loss, the Devas lived in exile, weakened. The mothers of Devas are Aditi, and of Asuras, Diti—both wives of the sage Kashyapa. Aditi (meaning “non-dual” or force of unity) and Diti (who represents duality) are sisters. Aditi, deeply distressed by the plight of her sons, approached Kashyapa for guidance. He advised her to cease struggling with duality and to focus instead on her own spiritual growth. As a mother, she could not quiet the turmoil in her mind. Ultimately, following Kashyapa’s suggestion, Aditi undertook an upavasa (fasting with milk) and meditated, invoking Mahavishnu. He appeared and instructed her to continue austerities without informing her husband. Eventually, Vishnu incarnated as her son, Vamana, the dwarf Brahmin.
Meanwhile, King Mahabali held the Aswamedha Yajna on the banks of the Narmada. He who completes one hundred Ashwamedha yajñas will become the next Indra.
That was the moment when Vamana, disguised as a Brahmin boy, approached the yagashala. From a distance, Mahabali witnessed his arrival; his heart stirred with an unknown sweetness. As Vamana entered the yagashala, Mahabali—accompanied by his wife, Vindhyavali—welcomed him and washed his feet with deep devotion.
It is customary to ask a guest for his wish and fulfill it. So Mahabali said, “Please tell me what will make you happy.” Vamana replied, “I only need three feet of land.” Mahabali burst into loud laughter. “You foolish Brahmin boy!” he exclaimed. “Who goes to a king asking for so little? Whenever you get the chance, you should take as much as possible.”
But Vamana gently countered, “If one is not satisfied with basic needs, he will destroy his life in the pursuit of more and more. A true Brahmana finds contentment even in minimal possessions.”
At that moment, Sukracharya called Mahabali from a distance. Mahabali went to his guru—Sukracharya—who warned him: “This is none other than Mahavishnu himself, come to snatch your possessions. He’s already hinted at the magnitude—do not agree to such a small request.”
Shukacharya explained, “The phrase ‘three paces of land’ (त्रिपदे भूमेः) symbolizes the three dimensions of totality; 'bhuma' means the all-encompassing.” Hearing this, Mahabali was overjoyed. “If Mahavishnu himself requests this,” he thought, “I must grant it willingly. Everything is his; everything belongs to him. I cannot breach my word to a Brahmana.”
Sukracharya cautioned, “You've only given your word—it only becomes binding when you pour water three times with the vow. Until then, it's just a tongue twist” —Shukra-neeti. Yet Mahabali remained resolute. He refused to retract his promise, and Sukracharya cursed that Mahabali would lose everything—including his very glorious personality.
Remember, Sukracharya is a Brahma-jnani (one who knows Brahman). Even his curse served as a blessing for Mahabali’s spiritual growth. Feeling contentment and pride, Sukracharya admired Mahabali’s commitment—even if it meant defying his guru.
Understanding the gravity of his vow, Mahabali and Vindhyavali approached Vamana bearing a kamandalu with water. They offered three feet of land. Vamana then revealed his cosmic form. His first step measured the entire material world; his second step encompassed the nether regions. Then Vamana asked, “Where shall I place my third step?”
With wisdom and humility, Mahabali bowed his head and said, “Please place it upon my head. I was blinded by ego and bounded by my glorious personality, thinking I possessed everything. Now, please remove this delusion and elevate me to the ultimate state of experience.” Vindhyavali, too, offered heartfelt praise of Lord Mahavishnu, sharing her profound insight.
Delighted by their wisdom and willingness to surrender their sense of individuality (ahamkar) for everlasting bliss, Vamana blessed them, granting Mahabali established in Sutala, the auspicious realm of existence.
When the Lord places His feet upon the head, the ego perishes. It is common sense that head is the seat of our Ego. When our personality dissolves, we rise to the Supreme Self. Our ancestors celebrated Onam to remind us that the purpose of human life is to elevate our consciousness and surrender our sense of individuality to the Supreme (Vishnu). This surrender is the only path to liberation from grief and limitations in our life. This isn’t merely a belief—it is a contemplation from which we can draw inspiration, through the story of Mahabali.