According to Hindu mythology, King Mahabali was a benevolent and just king who ruled Kerala. He was known for his wisdom and generosity. However, his growing power worried the gods, and Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana (a dwarf) and visited Mahabali. Mahabali offered him a boon, and Vamana asked for three paces of land. Vamana then covered the entire universe in three steps, pushing Mahabali to the netherworld. As a reward for his devotion and sacrifice, Mahabali was granted the boon to visit his people once a year during Onam.