Vamana Jayanti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is observed on the Dwadashi Tithi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha. As per the Bhagwat Purana, Vamana was the fifth Avatar out of Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu and His first incarnation in the Treta Yuga. After the first four Avatars in the animal form, namely, Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar) and Narasimha (lion), Vamana was the first Avatar of Lord Vishnu in the human form. Vamana was born in Treta Yuga to Goddess Aditi and Rishi Kashyapa on the Dwadashi Tithi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha during Abhijit Muhurat when the Shravana Nakshatra was prevailing.
Vamana Jayanti is also known as Vamana Dwadashi.
Vamana Jayanti Puja Vidhi
On the day of Vamana Jayanti, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Vamana Avatar. On this day, Panchopachara or Shodashopachara Puja of golden or clay idol of Vamana is performed in the morning. Fast is also observed on Vamana Jayanti. After performing the Puja in the evening, Vamana Jayanti Vrat Katha is narrated and the fast is broken with Prasad. Donation of rice, curd and Mishri is also given on this day. The significance of Vamana Jayanti increases multiple times if it coincides with the Shravana Nakshatra.
The Birth of Lord Vamana
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vamana is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the first among the Dashavatara to appear in a human form, albeit as a dwarf.
His birth was a divine intervention to restore dharma and protect the universe from the tyranny of the demon king Mahabali.
Mahabali, the grandson of Prahlada and a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, was known for his generosity and righteousness. However, his growing power and dominance over the three worlds alarmed the Devas (gods), who sought the help of Lord Vishnu to reclaim their lost glory.
The Divine Plan
Lord Vishnu decided to incarnate as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, to subdue Mahabali without causing harm to his devotee. Born to Aditi and Kashyapa, Vamana’s appearance as a small, humble Brahmin boy was deceptive, hiding his immense divine power.
Encounter with Mahabali
During a grand yajna (sacrificial ritual) conducted by Mahabali, Vamana approached the demon king, seeking alms. Despite his advisors’ warnings, Mahabali, known for his benevolence, welcomed Vamana and offered him anything he desired.
Vamana requested a seemingly modest gift: three paces of land. Amused and unaware of Vamana’s true identity, Mahabali agreed. As soon as the promise was made, Vamana began to grow in size, expanding to a cosmic form.
With his first step, Vamana covered the entire earth. With his second step, he covered the heavens. Realizing there was no place left for his third step, Mahabali offered his own head as a resting place for the third step, thus surrendering his pride and power.
The Blessing and Immortality
Impressed by Mahabali’s humility and devotion, Vamana placed his third step on Mahabali’s head, pushing him down to Patala (the netherworld). However, as a boon, Lord Vishnu granted Mahabali the privilege of visiting his kingdom and people once a year, a festival celebrated as Onam in Kerala.
This story of Vamana and Mahabali is a profound lesson in humility, devotion, and the ultimate victory of dharma over adharma.
Vamana Jayanti is observed with various rituals and ceremonies that reflect the devotion and reverence towards Lord Vamana. These rituals vary across regions but generally include the following practices:

Fasting (Upavasa)
Devotees observe a day-long fast, abstaining from food and sometimes even water. This fast is broken only after performing the evening prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Vamana.
Morning Prayers
The day begins with a purifying bath, followed by the chanting of Vedic mantras and prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his Vamana avatar. Special prayers and hymns like the Vishnu Sahasranama and Vamana Stotra are recited.
Idol or Picture Worship
An idol or picture of Lord Vamana is placed on a clean altar. The idol is bathed (Abhishekam) with holy water, milk, and other sacred substances, symbolizing purification and reverence.
Offering of Flowers and Incense
Fresh flowers, incense sticks, and lamps (diyas) are offered to the deity. The fragrance of flowers and incense purifies the environment and invokes divine presence.
Offering Naivedya
Devotees prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes and offer them to Lord Vamana as Naivedya (sacred food). This offering is later distributed as Prasad among family members and devotees.
Vishnu Sahasranama Recitation
The recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama, a hymn comprising the thousand names of Lord Vishnu, is considered highly auspicious. This practice is believed to invoke divine blessings and protection.
Charity and Donations
Inspired by Mahabali’s generosity, devotees engage in charitable activities, donating food, clothes, and money to the needy. This act of charity is seen as a way to earn divine merit and blessings.