Going to Siddhashrama - Chapter 15

Vishwamitra said "Rama this place was where Lord Vishnu did penance before creating the Yugas and the seasons. Here was the Ashram where Vamana performed great penance and which came to be known as Siddhashrama. Vamana is one of the incarnations of Vishnu when he subdued the great King Mahabali the son of Virochana. Mahabali comes from Prahlada's dynasty and he attained great strength that became a problem for the Devas. They prayed to Lord Vishnu to come to their aid. Lord Vishnu decided to be born to Kashyapa rishi and his wife Aditi because He was pleased by the great penance of Kashyapa. Thus Lord Vishnu was born as Vamana. Mahabali was performing a great Yaga and he was offering gifts to Brahmins very generously. Vamana with his umbrella and the vessel Kamandalu (which carries water) in his hand went to the Yaga performed by Mahabali and begged him to grant three paces of the ground as measured by his steps. Mahabali was highly pleased saying that his Yaga was really fulfilled by the visit of that young Brahmin and graciously agreed. At that time his Guru Shukracharya warned him that the young Vamana was none other than Lord Vishnu who had come to vanquish him and so asked him not to give the offerings. But Mahabali did not heed the words of his Guru. He said that he was very pleased that Lord Vishnu himself had come to beg from him, a reflection of his ego. When the offering was made Vamana started growing taller and taller (Vishwaroopa) until he occupied the three worlds. He (Lord Vishnu) with his three feet measured the worlds and re-established peace and controlled king Bali".

We learn from other Puranas (Bhagavata Purana) that Lord Vishnu measured the two worlds with his two paces and for his third pace there was no place left. So Mahabali humbly offered his head and Lord Vishnu placed his foot on his head and he was pushed to the netherworld (Patala Loka), which is under the earth. It is believed that he was given the boon to come and visit his dear country once a year, which he had ruled so well. That day is celebrated even now in Kerala in the month of September, which is the famous Onam Festival.

Incidentally, one of the Azhwars has very beautifully sung this scene which is very moving. He says that as Vamana grew, first the stars formed His crown, then they formed a necklace, and finally the stars formed a girdle around His waist!

Vishwamitra continued "Vamana then returned the worlds to the Devas and did penance here in this place for a long time. This place is since then been known as Siddhashram. This is where we perform our yagas. But now we are disturbed by the rakshasas and Rama I want you to kill all of them". Vishwamitra in the company of Rama and Lakshmana then entered that ashram free from any worries. Valmiki beautifully compares Vishwamitra who glowed with happiness to the moon in the company of the star Punarvasu. He probably referred to Rama who was born under that star. All the rishis there paid their respect to Rama and welcomed him and his brother. Then Rama addressed Vishwamitra and asked him to start their Yaga the next day and he would be ready to face and destroy the rakshasas who come to disturb the rishis. All the rishis told Rama that they needed to be guarded for six nights (Rakshasas attacked after sunset).

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