Bali (11)--Notable Mortals Who Lived Through Most of the Four Eras

(This is an excerpt from my book “Four Eras of The Battling Gods & Mortals.” The book can be obtained from Amazon. The is also available at Kitab Ghar, Gaiety, Shimla. The Amazon link is given below):

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9390758173?ref=myi_title_dp

Opening Note : This write-up in installments, is intended to drive home the sole point, hitherto ignored by the historians with utter impunity, that Ramayan and Mahabharat periods were only couple of years apart, almost extending into each other. The study is based on the evidences from 18 Mahapuranas and 18 Uppuranas, along with other Ancient Indian scriptures. Here is the list of at least 106 notable personalities who were alive and present in these two epic periods and even beyond and prior to these periods.  I am confident that one day this truth will have to be accepted by savants of history and general public interested in the study of Ancient India.

Here is Mahabali Bali, one among 116 mortals, who found references in the texts of  Vedas, Ramayan, Mahabharat & Puranas.  A careful, meticulous and sincere study of these ancient literary composition reveals that most of such notables not merely find references in, but they actively interacted with the other people living through periods of Ramayan & Mahabharat.

 

11. Bali (Mahabali)—Bali was an emperor of the Asuras. He was the son of Virochan and the grandson of Prahlad.

Bali had a lead role in carrying Samudramanthan in Sat Yug/Krit Yug. Once Mahabali had stolen the wealth of Devindra. While he was carrying it to his house, it all fell in the ocean. Mahavishnu ordered Devatas (gods) to recover the lost wealth from the ocean. It was impossible to churn and sieve the ocean without the help of Mahabali. So the Devatas went to Mahabali and sought his help. Mahabali agreed to help them.[1]

He gave away his entire earthly possession to Vaaman, an avtar of Mahavishnu, which Vaaman measured in three strides.[2] The significance of cosmic measure by Vishnu in three strides is also mentioned and clarified in Rig Ved.[3]

Once Ravan visited Bali, who was under captivity in Patal, and said to him, "I have come to save you from the custody of Vishnu." Hearing this, Bali asked Ravan to fetch the two earrings of Hiranyakashipu, which were shining like blazing fire a little away from them. Ravan moved forward to take them, but fell unconscious. Bali caused him to recover and said: "These earrings were once worn by my great grandfather Hiranyakashipu. How could you, who are not even capable of lifting his earrings, save me from his slayer Vishnu! Vishnu is Almighty and All-powerful and Supreme ruler of everything." Hearing this, Ravan was filled with shame and returned.[4]

After Banasur declined the advice of Shiv, Bali persuaded his son to marry his daughter Usha with Anirudh, the grandson of Shri Krishan.[5] It is interesting to know that his another daughter Vrajjawala elder to Usha was the wife of Kumbhkaran. This marriage came forth due to the efforts of Ravan.[6]

He was alive even after Shri Krishan left for Vaikunth and Kali Yug began. Garg, Chayvan, Gaalav, Asit, Deval, Dhaumya and Uddalak etc. went to Patal lok to ask Bali and Prahlad, the two great worshippers of Vishnu, about the real existence of Vishnu after the death of Shri Krishan and commencement of the Kali Yug. Rishis were directed to visit Chakratirth at Dwarka, that emerged as holy tirth in Kali Yug.[7]

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[1] Matasya Puran, Adhyay 249, Shlok 1-82; Adhyay 250, Shlok 1-61; Adhyay 251, Shlok 1-36; Skand Puran, Gita Press, Gorakhpur, Maheswar Khand: Kedar Khand, Adhyay 5-6.

[2] Vaaman Puran, Adhyay 31.

[3] Rig Ved, Mandal 1, Sukt 22, Shlok 16-17.

[4] Valmiki Ramayan, Uttarkand, Prakshipt Sarg after Sarg 23.

Puranic Encyclopedia, Vettam Mani, see Bali (Mahabali).

[5] Brahmvaivart Puran, Shri Krishan Janam Khand, Adhyay 119.

[6] Valmiki Ramayan, Uttarkand, Sarg 12, Shlok 23-24.

[7] Skand Puran, Gita Press, Gorakhpur, Prabhas Khand: Dwarka Mahatamya, Adhyay 496-497.