Kerala 8 - King Mahabali

A glorious era When 'Mahabali' ruled And reigned as The king of Kerala! A benevolent king Who ruled with his heart, To give and bestow On his people, All that they desired Or aspired! He made his coconut land A beautiful country, With abundance of joy, And prosperity! King Mahabali made his people Happy, healthy and wealthy. His goodness, generosity And fame, Spread far and wide, Until it reached the ears of the celestials. Never knew That the heavenly beings Could become jealous of An earthly king. But that's exactly what happened! The celestials complained To Lord ‘Mahavishnu' Of King Mahabali's Extraordinary power And popularity. Mahavishnu disguised himself As a dwarf, Approached the king And requested him Just three steps of land! King Mahabali had never Refused anyone. He did not think twice, Instead, immediately Granted the dwarf his wish. The dwarf named Vamana Is the fifth incarnation of Mahavishnu. Vamana with his first step Covered the entire earth, With his second step, He covered the whole of heaven, The third step, he placed On the head of King Mahabali, And pushed him down into 'Patala' - The deepest hole of hell. King Mahabali was lifted from hell And taken to the highest abode Of ‘Vaikuntha' or Heaven! There he remained as the brightest star And a luminous Super Soul! Once a year, during the Onam festival, He visits Kerala attired royally, Holding a straw umbrella, And the Keralites welcome him Most heartily with great jubilance! A free verse