Significance
Vāmana Dvādaśī is the divine appearance day of Lord Vāmana, the fifth avatāra of Lord Viṣṇu, celebrated on the Dvādaśī tithi of the Bhādrapada month.
- Devotees observe fasting, hear narrations from Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (Canto 8, Chapters 18–23), and meditate on the Lord’s pastime of subduing the proud King Bali by asking for three steps of land.
- Vāmana’s message: True wealth is humility, and everything ultimately belongs to the Lord.
- Special mercy: Those who hear about Vāmana’s pastime are blessed with freedom from false pride and gain devotion (bhakti) to the Supreme Lord.
Biography of Lord Vāmana
- Parents: Kaśyapa Muni and Aditi
- Birthplace: Sacred womb of Aditi in response to her prayer for divine help
- Appearance: A beautiful dwarf brāhmaṇa boy carrying an umbrella, water pot (kamaṇḍalu), and kuśa grass
Pastime
- The demigods were displaced by the powerful king Bali Mahārāja.
- Lord Viṣṇu appeared as Vāmana to protect His devotees.
- Vāmana begged only three steps of land, but with two steps He covered all the worlds.
- When no space remained for His third step, Bali humbly offered his own head — an act of surrender praised by the Lord.
Result: Bali Mahārāja was blessed with a planet called Sutala and became one of the twelve Mahājanas.
Recommended Activities on Vāmana Dvādaśī
- Morning kīrtana and maṅgala-ārati – glorify Lord Vāmana through songs like Śrī Daśāvatāra Stotra.
- Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class – narrate Canto 8, Chapters 18–23.
- Special worship – decorate the Deity of Lord Vāmana or Lord Viṣṇu with brāhmaṇa ornaments (umbrella, kamaṇḍalu, kusa grass).
- Fasting and offering bhoga – devotees do half-day fast on Pārśva Ekādaśī and feast on Vāmana Dvādaśī.
- Dāna and Seva – distribute prasāda, gifts, and preach the glories of Vāmana avatāra.
- Dramas or skits – depicting Bali Mahārāja’s surrender to the Lord inspire children and congregational devotees.
Mantras to Pray on Vāmana Dvādaśī
1. Appearance Prayer (from Daśāvatāra Stotra):
chalayasi vikramane balim adbhuta-vamana
pada-nakha-nira-janita-jana-pavana
kesava dhrita-vamana-rupa jaya jagadisa hare!
“O Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a dwarf-brāhmaṇa! All glories to You! O wonderful dwarf, by Your massive steps You deceive King Bali, and by the Ganges water that has emanated from the nails of Your lotus feet, You deliver all living beings within this world.”
2. Bhāgavatam Verse Glorifying Vāmana (SB 8.17.25):
jayorugāya bhagavann urukrama namo ’stu te
namo brahmaṇya-devāya tri-guṇāya namo namaḥ
Lord Brahmā said:
“O Supreme Personality of Godhead, all glories unto You, who are glorified by all and whose activities are all uncommon. I offer my respectful obeisances unto You, O Lord of the transcendentalists, controller of the three modes of nature. I offer my respectful obeisances unto You again and again.”
3. Simple Mantra for Japa or Kīrtana:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vāmanāya
(Chanting this mantra purifies pride and awakens devotion.)
Seva Opportunities
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- Go-Seva – ₹1,008/-
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Spiritual Lesson
Vāmana Dvādaśī teaches that everything we have belongs to Kṛṣṇa, and real greatness is to humbly offer it back to Him.
Bali Mahārāja’s surrender is an example of śaraṇāgati (complete surrender) for all devotees.
Chant the Holy Names and Receive Their Mercy:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
🎉 Join the Festival!
We warmly invite you, your family, and friends to celebrate Vāmana Dvādaśī at ISKCON Raichur.