When He descended on earth as Vamana and took viswaroopam as Trivikrama, Bhagawan exemplified a quality of mercy that is unparalleled. Short in stature, but a colossus in tejas, clad like a Brahmachari and carrying the umbrella and the kamandalam, when He arrived at Mahabali’s yagasala, everyone was left dazzled. Vamana’s response is best described by Kamban: “Moovadimann undel arul.” …
Curious by its simplistic appeal, I ask the driver to accompany me. And he willingly offers to narrate stories from the yore, “One day, king Mahabali was performing his Upanayana, when Lord Vishnu as Vamana approached Mahabali for a grant. The Vamana asked for three-foot of land that he could transverse through; all of the king’s court burst out in …
