Host:
Pranam, Gurudev. Pranam to all of you. I hope everyone is doing well and chanting Harinam regularly. Welcome to the channel "Gupta Sadhak Shyamakhyapa 2." This channel is no longer limited to YouTube; you can now watch us on both Facebook and Instagram. I mention this often, but I am reminding you again. You will find all the links in the description box.
Host:
The topic we are currently discussing with Gurudev is the Avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu. We are dedicating one episode to each Avatar, and Gurudev is explaining them in his own unique way. Today, we will hear from Gurudev about the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu. I would like to request Gurudev to share his insights on this.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. Look, we have four Yugas: Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali. The Vamana Avatar is actually the first Avatar of the Treta Yuga. At that time, Vishnu descended to subdue the demon king, Mahabali. The condition of humanity was quite dire back then. Goddess Aditi prayed to Lord Brahma and Lord Narayana, pleading with Narayana to take birth from her womb just once. Narayana kept His word, and later, through Sage Kashyapa, Narayana was born from Aditi's womb.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
As you may know, Diti and Aditi were sisters. Diti gave birth to all the Asuras, Daityas, and Danavas (demons), while Aditi gave birth to beings like Narayana and the Devas (gods). This has always been the dynamic.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Now, King Bali was a fierce and powerful king. However, the unique thing about him was that he strictly maintained Dharma (righteousness) and always gave everyone their rightful due. If anyone asked him for anything, he would grant it; that was his custom.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Once, King Bali initiated a massive Yajna (fire sacrifice). Narayana saw this as the perfect opportunity. He arrived in the form of a Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and asked King Bali for a few things. The demons' priest tried to stop Bali, saying, "No, there is no need to give anything right now. A Yajna is going on." But Bali did not listen to the priest, his wife, or his relatives. He got up straight away and went to the Brahmin, believing he couldn't proceed with the ritual without offering what a guest asked for.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Bali went to Narayana and asked, "What do you want?"
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Narayana replied, "I want three paces of land. Just three steps of space on the ground."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
King Bali laughed it off and said, "Alright, that's not a big deal. It shall be given."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Then, to crush King Bali's pride, the Vamana-form Narayana revealed His true cosmic power. What happened with the first step? Narayana assumed a gigantic, universal form. With His first step, He covered the entire Earth (Martya). With His second step, He covered Heaven (Swarga). Then, He produced a third foot from His navel and asked Bali, "Where should I place this foot?"
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Bali humbly bowed his head and said, "Place it on my head, right on my crown." King Bali then started chanting Narayana's name intensely. Narayana was highly pleased.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
At that moment, Prahlada arrived and requested Narayana to spare Bali. Narayana replied, "Yes, certainly. I will spare him; there is no problem. By placing my foot on his head, I will push him beneath the earth into the underworld, and he shall remain a Chiranjeevi (immortal). He will not die."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Accordingly, King Bali is still beneath the earth, alive by Narayana's blessing. Vishnu gifted him Rasatala (the underworld) for his residence and use.
Host:
Exactly. We might find these stories presented slightly differently across various Puranas, but the core essence remains the same. These are short stories, yet many of us don't know them.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, and we don't even try to learn or discuss them. This timeline spans across eras. King Bali originated in the Satya Yuga. Then the Vedic age began. Lord Ramachandra was born, and Bali existed during Ramachandra's time as well. Ramachandra's Guru was Parashurama, who also appeared in the Treta Yuga. Parashurama not only initiated Ramachandra but also trained him extensively in warfare so he could fight well. That is how things slowly progressed.
Host:
Exactly, exactly. So, everyone, you heard about the Vamana Avatar of Narayana from Gurudev in his own words. We will return later with the remaining Avatars. Now, as I request at the end of every episode, Gurudev, if you could please chant the Holy Name...
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Harer Nama Kevalam, Harer Nama Kevalam, Harer Nama Kevalam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva...
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the Kali Yuga, there is no salvation other than chanting the Holy Name. The Name is everything. So, chant the Lord's name as much as you can and move forward in life. There is no strict need for elaborate rituals or worship. Sri Krishna has repeatedly said that you don't need to do extensive rituals; just do one thing—chant the Name. Chant the Name. Krishna has said this over and over again.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Anyway, people are practicing it, and we are advising it too. Whether you view us as part of the Tantric community, as Brahmins, or as practitioners of the Vedas—whatever you want to call it—we advise people to do this one thing. Nothing else is strictly necessary. If someone wants to do more rituals, they can; there's no harm in it. But the ultimate truth we emphasize is: "Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva, Kalau Nastyeva Gatir Anyatha" (In Kali Yuga, there is no other way). There is no other way, my child.
Host:
Alright, everyone, please chant Harinam, stay healthy, and stay well. Pranam, Gurudev.