Deepavali Reflections: King Bali and the Spirit of Righteousness

Deepavali at our house.

Deepavali in South India is celebrated over four vibrant days, each carrying deep cultural and spiritual meaning.

The first day is Neeru Thumbuva Habba, the ritual of water purification. We clean the vessels used for storing water, refill them with fresh water, and worship Ganga maatha , the divine embodiment of water.

Water being worshiped 

PC: Sridhar S (Konanakunte)

The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi or Narakasura Samhara, marks the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna—a reminder of light prevailing over darkness.

Narakasura samhaara.

The third day brings Deepavali Amavasya.

Almost a month before this we would have celebrated Mahalaya Amavasya (during Dasara time). That is somewhat akin to a spiritual reflection day like Halloween in the West. We would have remembered our ancestors and offer prayers for their souls.

However, this amaavasya transforms into Lakshmi Pooja, when households worship the goddess of wealth and abundance. Bursting of firecrackers in a big way that evening is the highlight.

Firecrackers - An essential part of Deepavali celebrations

PC: Sridhar S

The final day, Bali Padyami, is dedicated to the great King Balindra (Mahabali), the noble asura king who once ruled with justice and compassion. On this day, people remember his benevolent reign and welcome him back symbolically as he visits his subjects. Symbolic forts are made and King Balindra is welcomed.

The Ritual of the Immortals

One cherished childhood memory of mine revolves around the Ganga Abhyangana Snana, the sacred oil bath on Naraka Chaturdashi morning. My mother would place seven drops of castor oil on my forearm, reciting the names of the seven Chiranjeevis (immortals): Ashwatthama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Krupa, and Parashurama. She would then blend the drops and apply the oil on my head as a gesture of blessing. 

Even as a child, I found it fascinating that Bali & Vibhishana, asura kings—were among these immortals, invoked for their blessings and revered for their virtue.

Remembering King Balindra

On Bali Padyami, families in parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra create beautiful rangolis and construct tiny forts symbolising King Bali’s palace. I remember watching our Maharashtrian neighbor make these decorations and calling them “Bali Raja’s fort.” The belief is that the noble king visits his people on this day to see them happy and prosperous.

King Balindra welcomed and shown prosperity of his subjects

PC: Sridhar S

That always made me wonder—who exactly was King Bali? If he was good and virtuous, why was he banished from his kingdom? Wasn’t he an asura, and therefore, supposed to be a “villain”? The answers revealed a story far deeper than simple good versus evil.

 The Story of Mahabali Chakravarthy

Bali Chakravarthy (Mahabali or Maveli), the grandson of Prahlaada (yes, the same Bhakta Prahlaada, who comes in the Narasimha avataara period) was a mighty and righteous ruler. Though born into the asura lineage, he upheld truth, generosity, and justice beyond compare. His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and equality—no one suffered, no one lied, and no one went hungry.

When his empire expanded to the heavens, the devas feared losing their realm and sought Lord Vishnu’s intervention. Vishnu then incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and requested three steps of land during Bali’s grand yajña. When Bali wholeheartedly agreed, Vamana transformed into Trivikrama, the cosmic form, and covered heaven and earth in two strides. With nowhere left, Bali offered his own head for the third step. Act of offering his own head for Vamana’s third step is seen as the ultimate expression of surrender (ātmanivedanam or sharaNaagati) to achieve prapatti or salvation.

Impressed by this act of truth and surrender, Vishnu blessed him instead of punishing him. 
Bali was granted immortality and made ruler of  "Sutala" (different nether worlds like athala, suthala, paathaala), a world more splendid than heaven, with Vishnu himself guarding his gates. He was also given the boon to visit his people once each year—a day celebrated as Onam in Kerala and Bali Padyami elsewhere.

Why We Still Revere Bali

King Bali is remembered not for defiance but for his unwavering righteousness. His story highlights that dharma transcends labels of “deva” and “asura.” The lines of the Onam song “Maveli Nadu Vaneedum Kalam” capture his just and equitable reign—a golden era of virtue and harmony.

In essence, Mahabali was not punished for ambition but rewarded for selflessness and truth. His humility transformed what seemed like defeat into divine elevation.

A Reflection

Sometimes, what appears "negative" on the surface may be a step in the universe’s quest for "balance". As long as one walks the path of righteousness, every act—however misunderstood—becomes a doorway to higher grace. Just as King Bali’s seeming fall led to eternal glory, so too our trials may hold unseen blessings.