Lord Vamana Becomes Servant of Bali Maharaj
After taking everything away from Bali, Lord Vamana became a servant of Bali Maharaj. He stood, as a servant, with the Gada (mace) in His hand.
The Twelve Entrances of Bali’s Palace
It is said that Bali’s palace in Sutal Loka had twelve entrances. One day, Ravana went to fight Bali. Surprisingly, nobody obstructed his path as he made his way to Bali’s door.
The Dwarf Guard
When he reached Bali’s door, Ravana found a dwarf guarding the entrance, holding a gada. He saw the same Vamana guard at every entrance he went to.
Ravana’s Encounter with Vamana
Amazed, Ravana asked, “Who are you, to stop me from entering?”
Vamana replied, “This is not the right time for you to enter.”
Ravana, feeling insulted, threatened to physically lift and throw Vamana aside. Hearing this, the Lord pushed Ravana with the toes of His left foot. Ravana was thrown from Sutal Loka to Lanka. He never again attempted to face Bali.
Lessons to be Learned
- Divine Grace and Protection: No matter how many difficulties and challenges a devotee faces, the Lord always protects and ultimately rewards sincere devotion.
- Srila Prabhupada states, “Kṛṣṇa is everyone’s friend. As Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā, He is the friend of everyone. Suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānām (BG 5.29). We should be conscious that Kṛṣṇa is our eternal friend.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 6.2.14-15, Purport)
- Humility and Surrender: Bali Maharaj’s story exemplifies the importance of humility and surrender to the Supreme Lord, even in times of great loss.
- Srila Prabhupada explains, “One who is actually advanced in spiritual knowledge should not be called a fool, because a fool does not surrender to Kṛṣṇa. By surrendering to Kṛṣṇa, one attains perfection of knowledge.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 7.10.49, Purport)
- Supreme Authority of the Lord: The Lord, though appearing as a dwarf, demonstrated His supreme power and authority by effortlessly subduing Ravana.
- Srila Prabhupada says, “The Supreme Lord is the supreme controller, and all others are His controlled servants. He cannot be defeated by anyone or any means.” (Bhagavad Gita 18.66, Purport)
Moral of the Story
This story shows that no matter how many vicissitudes come into the life of a person who does bhajan (devotional service) of the Lord, he ultimately gets everything. By the Lord’s Grace, Bali got glory, luxury, protection, satsang (association with devotees), and also the position which had been taken away.
Conclusion
The story of Bali Maharaj and Lord Vamana exemplifies the ultimate protection and grace that comes from sincere devotion to the Lord. Despite being stripped of his kingdom and wealth, Bali Maharaj gained the Lord Himself as his servant and protector. This divine arrangement not only highlights the Lord’s boundless mercy but also underscores the transformative power of pure devotion.
Prayer
O Supreme Lord Krishna, please grant us the strength and devotion to remain steadfast in our bhajan despite the challenges we may face. Let us always remember that Your grace will ultimately bring us the highest benedictions and protection. Help us to cultivate humility and faith, knowing that You are always by our side, ready to uplift us. Hare Krishna!
Quote from Srila Prabhupada
“Devotional service begins with humility, which is born of the association of devotees. A devotee is always meek and humble, knowing that he is simply an insignificant servant of the Supreme Lord.” (Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3, Purport)
