Vamana

Charanamrit, or Padodaka, is the sacred water and Panchamrit that has washed the deity's feet during Abhishekam. Received with both hands, it is held to cleanse sin and remove spiritual ailments.

Diwali is a five-day season at the Kartika new moon (October-November). This sets out the days, the Padma Purana and al-Biruni, and which stories are later.

Kerala's grandest festival marks the yearly homecoming of King Mahabali, the generous asura ruler whom Vishnu as Vamana sent below, yet let return each year.

Bhakti is the path of liberation through unconditioned love and surrender to the Divine, unfolding through nine classical limbs and five devotional moods.

Vamana's three paces and King Bali's kept promise as the Bhagavata Purana tells it, and how Kerala's Onam tradition tells Mahabali's yearly return.

King Mahidhwaja, murdered and trapped as a restless spirit, is freed when Sage Dhaumya dedicates his Apara Ekadashi merit to the king's liberation.