Swamiji speaks about the significance of the Onam festival. King Mahabali’s kingdom was considered to be most prosperous. He was a lavish giver. Vamana approached Mahabali in the form of a Brahmachari and asked for only three feet of earth from him. Mahabali tried to encourage the little Brahmachari to ask for more gifts, but Vamana was insistent that he wanted only the three feet of land.

Prosperity will not honor a man who has greed to possess. On the other hand, prosperity will come profusely where a man has no possessiveness, desire and greed. The only way to preserve prosperity is by giving.

When Mahabali agreed to give him three feet of land, the little boy started growing. He measured the Earth and the intermediate space, heaven, everything. As the third step, Mahabali asked Vamana to put his feet on his head.

Onam is not just a festivity but should be understood as a holy day when Mahabali gave everything he had. Swamiji gives a call to one and all, to give as much as one can, openly and generously. One must strive for the welfare of all. Onam gives us this message and also gives an opportunity to become austere in all festivities.

PR 25 Aug 2018