Parsva Ekadashi

The glories of Parsva Ekadashi are described in the Padma Purana and other Vaishnava scriptures through the divine pastime of Lord Vamanadeva and Bali Maharaja.

Long ago, Bali Maharaja became one of the most powerful rulers in the universe. Through his strength, determination, and austerities, he conquered the heavenly planets and defeated the demigods. Although born in a family of demons, Bali possessed many noble qualities, including truthfulness, generosity, and devotion. Unable to reclaim their heavenly kingdom, the demigods approached Lord Vishnu and prayed for His protection. Hearing their prayers and desiring to bless His devotee Bali, Lord Vishnu appeared as the son of Aditi and Kashyapa Muni in the form of a beautiful dwarf Brahmana known as Lord Vamanadeva.

At that time, Bali Maharaja was performing a magnificent sacrifice attended by sages, Brahmanas, kings, and celestial beings. Having vowed never to refuse a request made by a Brahmana, Bali welcomed all guests with great respect. When Lord Vamanadeva entered the sacrificial arena, His divine effulgence illuminated the entire assembly. Bali Maharaja immediately stood up, offered obeisances, washed the Lord’s lotus feet, and welcomed Him with honor. The king then requested the young Brahmana to ask for anything he desired.

Lord Vamanadeva humbly replied:
“O King, I desire only three steps of land measured by My own footsteps.”

Surprised by such a modest request, Bali offered to give much more. However, Lord Vamanadeva remained firm in His request. At that moment, Bali’s spiritual master Sukracharya recognized that the dwarf Brahmana was actually Lord Vishnu Himself. He warned Bali not to fulfill the promise because the Lord intended to reclaim the heavenly planets.

But Bali Maharaja refused to break his word.
“Even if this is Lord Vishnu Himself, I cannot abandon truthfulness. A promise once given must be honored.”

After Bali formally granted the request, Lord Vamanadeva began expanding into His gigantic universal form known as Trivikrama. With His first step, He covered the entire Earth and all lower planetary systems. With His second step, He covered all the heavenly planets and the entire universe. Nothing remained for the Lord’s third step.

Lord Trivikrama then asked Bali:
“O King, where shall I place My third step?”

Realizing the Lord’s supreme position and overwhelmed with devotion, Bali Maharaja folded his hands and bowed his head.
“My Lord, I have nothing left to offer except myself. Kindly place Your third step upon my head.”

Pleased by Bali’s complete surrender, Lord Vishnu placed His lotus foot upon Bali’s head and blessed him abundantly. Rather than punishing him, the Lord granted Bali Maharaja residence in the divine kingdom of Sutala and promised to personally remain there as his eternal protector and companion. Because of Bali Maharaja’s humility, truthfulness, and complete surrender to the Lord, this pastime is remembered on Parsva Ekadashi, inspiring devotees to offer their hearts fully to Lord Vishnu.