Mahabali (महाबली), was a benevolent Asura King, and the grandson of Prahlada. The festival of Onam is celebrated in honor of this mighty king.Bali was born of Devamba to Veerochana, the son of Prahlada. He grew up under the tutelage of his grandfather who instilled in him a sense of righteousness and Bhakti. Bali succeeded his grandfather to become king of the Asuras. There was peace and prosperity everywhere during his reign. Bali, at the behest of his Guru Sukracharya decided to conduct the Ashwamedha Yagam. During the Yagam, Vishnu, in the guise of a small Brahmin boy (Vamana), asked for three paces of land. Bali, who had vowed not to refuse anyone,granted the wish, ignoring the warnings of his guru. Vamana measured all the worlds and the sky with two paces. Then, Bali offered himself for the third pace and was thus banished to Patala. However, impressed by Bali's unselfish devotion and unwavering "dharma", Vishnu granted him the permission to visit his subjects once every year.
