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{{Short description|King in Hindu scriptures}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| affiliation = [[Daitya]], [[Asura]]
| image = Vamana_Bali_Shukra.jpg
| alt = Mahabali (Maveli)
| caption = Mahabali serves Vamana, while a suspicious Shukra tries to stop him. Painting from Mankot, Jammu and Kashmir, c. 1700-25
| parents = [[Virochana]] (father), Vishalakshi (mother)
| spouse = Vindhyavalli{{efn|also known as Ashrama<ref name="Dalal2010p229" />}}
| children = [[Banasura]], Ratanamala, and Vajrajwala
| member_of = [[Chiranjivi]]
}}
'''Mahabali''' ([[IAST]]: Mahābalī), also known as '''Bali''', '''Indrasenan,''' or '''Māveli''', is a [[daitya]] king featured in [[Hinduism]]. He is the grandson of [[Prahlada]], and a descendant of the sage [[Kashyapa]]. There are many versions of his legend, in ancient texts such as the ''Shatapatha Brahmana'', ''Ramayana'', ''Mahabharata'', and several ''Puranas''. According to [[Hindu texts|Hindu literature]], he was blessed to be Chirajeevi by the [[Vamana]] avatar of [[Vishnu]] and reigns in the sutaloka. <ref name="kanev5" /><ref>{{cite book|author=Nanditha Kirshna|title=Book of Vishnu|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIFFEJXx7L8C |year=2009|publisher= Penguin Books|isbn=978-81-8475-865-8|pages=58–59}}</ref><ref name="Narayan">{{Cite book|last=Narayan|first=R.K|title= The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic |work= Mahabali story|pages= 14–16|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jv-BdsLrX0wC |publisher= Penguin Classics|year=1977|isbn=978-0-14-018700-7}}</ref>

In Hinduism, Mahabali is considered one of the [[Chiranjivi]], a group of seven immortals. It is believed that he will become the King of [[Swarga|Svarga]] (heaven) in the next ''[[yuga]]''. In Kerala, King Mahabali is considered to be the noblest and most prosperous ruler, who transformed his kingdom into a heavenly place. His legend is a major part of the annual festival [[Onam]] in the state of [[Kerala]], and [[Balipratipada]] (the fourth day of Deepavali and first day of Kartika month) festival in [[North India]] and [[Tulunadu]].<ref name=kanev5/><ref name="Melton2011p634"/>

==Hinduism==
{{See also|Onam#Mahabali and Vamana}}
[[File:Vaman.jpg|thumb|[[Vamana]] avatar of Lord [[Vishnu]] stomps on Bali's head, and sends him to [[Patala]]]]
Mahabali is described in early Hindu texts as a benevolent and generous king. He ruled without discrimination, and his people were honest, healthy, and happy under his rule.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.madhurima.org/new_madhurima/webpages/AboutOnam.html|title = About Onam}}</ref> Mahabali also temporarily possessed the ''[[amrita]]'' (nectar of eternal life) obtained by the ''[[Asura|asuras]]''.<ref name="Hudson2008p163">{{cite book|author=D Dennis Hudson|title=The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IMCxbOezDi4C |year=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-970902-1|pages=163–174}}</ref> The amrita allowed his subjects to bring him back to life after his death in one of the wars between ''suras ([[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]])'' and ''asuras''.<ref name="Williams2008p73"/><ref name="Hudson2008p163"/> Mahabali was, thus, immune from death. After many wars, the invincible Bali had conquered heaven and earth. The ''suras'' (devas) approached Vishnu to save them from complete obliteration. Vishnu refused to join the war, or outright kill his own devotee Mahabali. To restore the natural order, he incarnated as the dwarf Brahmin avatar, [[Vamana]]. While Mahabali was performing the [[ashvamedha]] sacrifice to celebrate his victories and giving away gifts to everyone, Vamana approached him and requested "three steps of land".<ref name="Williams2008p73"/><ref name="Hudson2008p207">{{cite book|author=D Dennis Hudson|title=The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IMCxbOezDi4C |year=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-970902-1|pages=207–219}}</ref> Mahabali granted him this gift, despite warnings from [[Shukra]], who had realised Vamana's true identity. Vamana then metamorphosed into Vishnu's colossal trivikrama form, the first foot encompassing all of heaven in one step and the earth with the second foot. When rhetorically asked where he might take his promised third step, Mahabali accepted his fate and offered his own head. Some Hindu texts state that Mahabali was banished to ''patala'' (netherworld), some state he was dragged there by [[Garuda]], in others he entered heaven with the touch of Vishnu, while another version states he became ''Chiranjivi'' (immortal).<ref name="Williams2008p73">{{cite book|author=George M. Williams|title=Handbook of Hindu Mythology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7LOZfwCDpEC|year=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-533261-2|pages=73–74}}</ref> Others even have Bali admitted into [[Vaikunta]], which was an even higher place than the realm of the devas.<ref>{{cite book|author=George M. Williams|title=Handbook of Hindu Mythology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7LOZfwCDpEC|year=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-533261-2|pages=274}}</ref>

According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu granted Bali a boon whereby he could return back to his homeland once every year. The harvest festivals of [[Balipratipada]] and [[Onam]] are celebrated to mark his yearly homecoming.<ref name=kanev5>{{cite book|author=PV Kane|title=History of Dharmasastra, Volume 5 Part 1| url=https://archive.org/details/KhistoryOfDharmasastraancientAndMediaevalReligiousAndCivilLaw | publisher= Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute| year= 1958 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/KhistoryOfDharmasastraancientAndMediaevalReligiousAndCivilLaw/page/n214 201]–206}}</ref><ref name="Melton2011p634">{{cite book|author=Constance A Jones|editor=J. Gordon Melton|title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC |year=2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-205-0|pages=634, 900}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/74 74]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> Literature and inscriptions in Hindu temples suggest that these festivals, featuring colourful decorations, lighted lamps, gift giving, feasts and community events, have been popular in India for more than a millennium.<ref name=kanev5/><ref name=amkurup>{{cite journal| title= The Sociology of Onam| author= A.M. Kurup| year=1977| journal= Indian Anthropologist| volume=7| number=2| pages= 95–110| jstor= 41919319}}</ref> Bali is also featured in the [[Ramayana]] where [[Ravana]] tries to free him from Patala, but is unable to.<ref name="Williams2008p73"/>

Mahabhali had a wife named Vindhyavalli, who was also referred to as Ashrama. With her he had many sons, including the Shiva devotee [[Banasura|Bana]] (Banasura). It is believed that Vindhyavalli once saved Bana from the wrath of [[Krishna]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dalal|first=Roshen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&q=Vindhyavalli|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|date=2010|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|language=en}}</ref>

==Jainism==
King Mahabali is also found in the mythologies of [[Jainism]]. He is the sixth of nine [[Prativasudeva]]s (Prati-narayanas, anti-heroes).{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1999|p=288}} He is depicted as an evil king who schemed and attempted to rob Purusha's wife.{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1999|p=308}} He is defeated and killed by Purusha. In Jain mythology, the antagonists to Mahabali are the two sons born to King Mahasiva (Mahasiras): Ananda (the sixth Baladeva) and Purusapundarika (the sixth Vasudeva).{{sfn|von Glasenapp|1999|p=308}}

Mahabali is also mentioned in Jain inscriptions, where the patron compares the defeated evil opponents of the current king to Mahabali. For example, in the Girnar inscriptions of Gujarat dated to about 1231 CE (1288 Vikrama era), minister Vastupala of the [[Chaulukya dynasty]] is praised as a great king by Jains, and the inscriptions connect him to Mahabali because Vastupala gave much charity. Some excerpts from the inscriptions are:
: In olden times Mahabali was pressed down by the foot of Vishnu, the enemy of the demons, from the earth; now the same is done by the hand of Vastupala,...{{sfn|Burgess|1885|p=285}}
:O Vastupala, Mahabali has sent thee a message that he has been much pleased by hearing from Narada, who visits the three worlds, that though frequently solicited thou dost not extend thy anger to the needy,...{{sfn|Burgess|1885|p=291}}
: By the famous minister Vastupala watering the earth with nectarial charities, the pride of Mahabali and Kalpataru has been greatly lowered...{{sfn|Burgess|1885|p=292}}
: Let there be continuous salutation to holy Mahabali and Karna, whose charity though unseen has been the object of so much fame; consequently the people are worthy of worship, and the great minister Vastupala's charity which the people see with their eyes so great that even the world itself can scarcely contain it.{{sfn|Burgess|1885|p=294}}

Mahabali is a common name and found in other contexts. For example, in Jain history, Mahabali is the name of the son of Bahubali, who was given Bahubali's kingdom before Bahubali became a monk. {{sfn|Vijay K. Jain|2013|p=xi}}

==Buddhism==
Bali appears in several Buddhist sutras, such as the Dānapāramitā Sūtra, the Ratnamegha Sūtra, and the [[Lotus Sutra]]; where he is seen among the audience who listens to the Buddha's discourses.

The [[Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra]] features an extensive dialogue between Bali and the [[bodhisattva]] [[Avalokiteśvara]] that occurred during the life of the Buddha [[Viśvabhū]]. Bali relates his story of being imprisoned in the underworld by [[Nārāyaṇa]]. The asura king repents for his misdeeds and praises the qualities of Avalokiteśvara and the pure land [[Sukhāvatī]]. Avalokiteśvara bestows a prediction that Bali will someday become a fully awakended buddha named Śrī who will lead the asuras in the Dharma.

Bali offers Avalokiteśvara "strings of pearls worth a hundred thousand silver coins and diadems adorned with various jewels." Before leaving his abode, Avalokiteśvara gives a teaching about how humans must leave Jambudvīpa upon death and are subject to the punishments of King [[Yama]] in hell. He then tells Bali of the importance of cultivating merit in this life.{{sfn|Roberts|2013}}

==Veneration==
For several Hindus in Kerala, Mahabali is remembered fondly as a great and benevolent king.

In [[Tulunadu]], several people believe that Mahabali was an ancient king. They offer special puja during the fourth day of Deepavali, which they call, 'Bali Padyami'. They offer a special dish to the being on a plate prepared by bamboo tree sticks along with a lamp, and through the medium of a [[Tulu language|Tulu]] folklore song, request him to accept their offerings. People believe that on the fourth day of the festival, the king comes out of [[Patala]] for a day to see his kingdom.

The town of [[Mahabalipuram]] in Tamil Nadu is also associated with him.<ref name="Dalal2010p229">{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|publisher=Penguin|year=2010|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|pages=229–230}}</ref>

In [[Hinduism in Thailand]] and [[Tai folk religion]] call him is '''Chao Krung Bhali''' (เจ้ากรุงพาลี). He is regarded as chief of [[Bhummaso|deity serve as guardians of the earth]]. (พระภูมิเจ้าที่) [[Yokkaso|deity guardians of the trees]] (รุกขเทวดา) and [[Tutelary deity]]. (เทพารักษ์) which deity these types same match with [[Grāmadevatā ]] and [[Kuladevata]] in [[Hinduism]]., [[Murti|statue]] of his most important located in '''Ho kaew sal Phra bhum''' (หอแก้วศาลพระภูมิ) which is [[Spirit house]] for deity guardian of [[Grand Palace]] which is on the side of [[Grand Palace##Phra Thinang Chai Chumpol|Phra Thinang Chai Chumpol]] but located in the area of the Inner royal Court (accommodation of [[List of Thai royal consorts|Consort]] , concubine with daughter unmarried and woman attendant).,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.resource.lib.su.ac.th/rattanakosin/index.php/2014-10-27-08-52-05/2014-10-29-01-27-45/2015-10-15-04-25-28/2015-10-15-04-28-36?showall=&start=1 | title=พระที่นั่งในสวนศิวาลัย }}</ref> Him will receive special worship during the old Thai new year festival (เทศกาลตรุษไทย) according [[Lunar calendar]] (around the end of the month March to early April) before the [[Songkran (Thailand)|Songkran festival]]., by inviting [[Murti|statue]] of his with [[Cult image|statue]] other in [[Spirit house]] for deity guardian [[Grand Palace]]., Come to worship with [[Siam Devadhiraj]] which was regarded as the chairman of chief deity guardian of [[Grand Palace]].,which accompanying ceremony in [[Grand Palace##Phra Thinang Phaisan Thaksin|Phra Thinang Phaisan Thaksin]] annually by [[Monarchy of Thailand]] or agent of [[Monarchy of Thailand]].<ref>https://www.silpathai.net/%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A/ {{bare URL inline|date=April 2023}}</ref><ref>http://www.thaistudies.chula.ac.th/thaistudies/reference?id=12164 {{bare URL inline|date=April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://thaipra-siam.blogspot.com/2013/08/blog-post_22.html | title=ตำนานแห่งพระสยามเทวาธิราช }}</ref><ref>http://www.oknation.net/blog/print.php?id=317115 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830122541/http://www.oknation.net/blog/print.php?id=317115 |date=30 August 2022 }} {{bare URL inline|date=April 2023}}</ref> As for the [[Tai folk religion]] He was generally worshiped together with [[Bhummaso|deity serve as guardians of the earth]]., [[Yokkaso|deity guardians of the trees]] and [[Tutelary deity]]. by his famous [[Murti|statue]] and [[Spirit house]] of him located in '''San Chao Krung Bhali''' (ศาลเจ้ากรุงพาลี) in Noen Phra sud district in [[Mueang Rayong district]] [[Rayong province]] which has been praised by indigenous people to be [[Tutelary deity]] guardian of community.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.naewna.com/likesara/633798 | title=โจรแสบขับกระบะลักรูปปั้น 'องค์เจ้ากรุงพาลี' อายุกว่า 40 ปี เผยก่อนสร้างมีคนฝันเห็นยักษ์ | date=7 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.banmuang.co.th/news/crime/268608 | title=อุกอาจ! โจรบุกขโมยรูปปั้นองค์พระเจ้ากรุงพาลี ขนขึ้นกระบะหนีลอยนวล }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.ch7.com/detail/548632 | title=วอนคนร้ายส่งคืนรูปปั้นเจ้ากรุงพาลี สิ่งศักดิ์สิทธิ์ที่ชาวบ้านนับถือศรัทธา จ.ระยอง }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/320392 | title=ล่าหัวขโมยอุ้ม "พระพุทธรูปกรุงพาลี" เจ้าของวอนขอคืน เผยอยู่คู่อพาร์ทเม้นมากว่า40 ปี | date=7 February 2022 }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Vamana]]
*[[Onam]]
*[[Rakshasa]]
*[[Chiranjivi]]
*[[Balipratipada]]
*[[Virocana|Virochana]]
*[[Beli Mawr]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
* {{citation |last=Burgess |first=James |author-link=James Burgess (archaeologist) |title=Lists of the Antiquarian Remains in the Bombay Presidency: With an Appendix of Inscriptions from Gujarat |url=https://archive.org/details/listsantiquaria00burggoog/page/n306| year= 1885| publisher= Archaeological Survey of India }}
* {{citation |last=Jain |first=Vijay K. |title=Ācārya Nemichandra's Dravyasaṃgraha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g9CJ3jZpcqYC |date=2013 |quote={{PD-notice}} |publisher=Vikalp Printers |isbn=9788190363952 |ref={{sfnref|Vijay K. Jain|2013}} }}
* {{citation |last=von Glasenapp |first=Helmuth |author-link=Helmuth von Glasenapp |others=Shridhar B. Shrotri (trans.) |title=Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation |date=1999 |location = [[Delhi]] |publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WzEzXDk0v6sC |isbn=81-208-1376-6 |trans-title=Der Jainismus: Eine Indische Erlosungsreligion }}
* {{Citation | last1 =Roberts | first1 =Peter, Alan | last2 =Tulku | first2 =Yeshe | year =2013 | title =The Basket's Display | publisher =84000 | url=https://read.84000.co/translation/toh116.html }}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{S-start}}
{{succession box|
before=[[Virochana]] |
title= [[Daitya]]s|
years = unknown|
after=[[Banasura]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{HinduMythology}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chiranjivins]]
[[Category:Characters in the Bhagavata Purana]]
[[Category:Asura]]
[[Category:Daityas]]
[[Category:Salakapurusa]]

Mahabali - Revision history

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Ajay Kumar: Created a new article