A Brahmin in Kerala

When a dwarf became a giant

- Devdutt Pattanaik

The Puranas tell us the story of an Asura king called Mahabali who gave people whatever they desired. Mahabali had thrown out Indra, king of Devas, who ruled the skies, and now controlled the three worlds: the sky, the earth and everything in between.

Mahabali was a generous king: he offered to satisfy everyone's desires. And so, a dwarf (Vaman, in Sanskrit) or some say a young Brahmin (Vaman, is also a corruption of Brahmin) approached him and asked for three paces of land, just enough for him to recline on.

Mahabali gave away the three paces of land as promised. The dwarf turned into a giant. In two paces, he claimed the three worlds, all that Mahabali had. "Where do I put my foot now," asked Vaman, demanding the third pace of land. Mahabali offered his head. Vaman then shoved the Asura-king to the realm under the earth, and restored the skies to Indra.