The divine appearance of Lord Vishnu in the form of a dwarf brahmana is celebrated as Vamana Jayanti, also known as Vaman Dwadashi since He appeared on the Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla paksha in Bhadrapada month according to Hindu calendar. In 2024, Dwadashi Tithi starts on 14th September at 8:41 PM and ends on 15th September at 6:12 PM.
Lord Vamana appeared as the son of Kashyapa Muni and Mother Aditi and is also known by the name Upendra, being the younger brother of Indra, the king of heaven. He is the fifth incarnation in the list of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu known as dashavatara. In this unique form of appearance as Lord Vamana, the Lord broke the pride of Maharaj Bali, the grandson of Prahalad Maharaj and restored the cosmic order by taking back the three worlds from Maharaj Bali.
Srila Jayadeva goswami mentions the appearance and pastime of Lord Vamana in his famous prayers of Dashavatara-stotra.
Jayadeva Goswami Preyer:
chalayasi vikramane balim adbhuta-vamana
pada-nakha-nira-janita-jana-pavana
kesava dhrita-vamana-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
Transalation: "He explains that Lord Hari who is the Lord of universe has assumed the form of a dwarf Brahmana. He is all glorious Lord and in this wonderful dwarf form he deceived King Bali by His massive steps covering the three worlds. Lord Brahma washed His lotus feet, and the water transformed into Ganges water, which purifies all the living entities in the three worlds."
When Bali Maharaj occupied the kingdom of demigods mother Aditi observed a unique process of worshiping Lord Vasudeva on the advice of her husband Kashyapa Muni, known as payo-vrata, which is executed in twelve days. The supreme personality of Godhead being pleased by her strict observance of the vrata and agreed to appear as her son. The three worlds became happy when the Lord appeared in this world and the auspicious day is therefore called Vijaya.
The Lord assumed the form of a dwarf and after His sacred thread ceremony was honored by all great personalities like Sun God and Moon God. Then Lord Vamana proceeded to bless Bali Maharaj and begged the King for three paces of land in charity. He broke the pride of Maharaj Bali and covered the entire planetary systems in two steps and placed the King on the planet Sutala. Lord Vamana being pleased by Maharaj Bali promised to remain with him and the demigods regained the heavenly planets.
The pastime of Lord Vamana and Maharaj Bali teaches us numerous valuable lessons.
Hare Krishna Mandir Jaipur jubilantly celebrates the glorious occurrence of Lord Vishnu in the form of Dwarf Brahmana. There is singing of Dashavatara stotra composed by Srila Jayadeva Goswami which glorifies the auspicious activities of Lord Vamanadeva. The temple is gorgeously decorated with flowers and festoons, Lord Krishna is decorated in the form of Lord Vamana, wearing saffron robes and holding an umbrella and a water pot in His hands.
There is offering of melodious kirtans and bhajans to the deities, sung throughout the day. Since the appearance of Lord Vamana is on the Dwadashi Tithi, on this Maha Dwadashi day devotees fast completely up to noon along with the full day fasting of Ekadashi.
The day begins by the offering of Mangala Arti to the Lord. The Deity of Lord Krishna is decorated in the form of Lord Vamana, with an umbrella and a water pot in his hands. Lord Vamana is offered bhoga and arti with incense, lamp and flowers. There is singing of Dashavatara Stotra after morning kirtans.
Devotees observe fast completely up to twelve noon along with the full day fasting of Ekadashi. The deities are offered singing of kirtans and bhajans throughout the day along with arti at multiple times.
The sacred occurrence of Vaman Dwadashi is very auspicious for performing charitable activities like anna daan, gau daan. Following in the footsteps of King Bali, one must donate to please the Lord with his offerings. Scriptures explains that the wealth of a person is purified by performance of charity. One can receive the unlimited favor of Lord Vamana on this unique observance as exemplified by Maharaj Bali.
Generously contribute to propagate and expand the activities of Hare Krishna Movement on this divine Vamana Jayanti and be blessed by the boundless mercy of happiness and good fortune.
