Vamana is the Vishnu avatar who appears as a dwarf Brahmin in Hindu mythology.
The Vamana story centers on King Mahabali, a powerful and generous asura ruler. Vamana asks Mahabali for as much land as he can cover in three steps. After receiving permission, Vamana expands into a cosmic form: one step covers the earth, another covers the heavens, and Mahabali offers his own head for the remaining step.
This myth explains both Vamana’s association with the dwarf form and Mahabali’s continued honor in traditions connected with Kerala’s Onam festival. Interpretations differ: some portray Vamana’s act as restoring the gods’ cosmic order, while others emphasize Mahabali’s devotion, generosity, and humility.
Vamana is counted among Vishnu’s Dashavatara, or ten principal avatars, in many lists. He is distinct from Narasimha, the man-lion avatar, and Varaha, the boar avatar.