Shri Vishnu
Incarnations (Avatars)
The word “Avatar”, a Sanskrit word means “descent”. In Sanatana
Dharma it means the Descent/Incarnation/Manifest/Appearance of
Lord/Supreme Being/Deity in an earthly embodiment.
The concept of Avatar in Sanatana Dharma mostly related to Lord Vishnu, one of The Trinity. Srimad Bhagavatam described the
innumerable Lord Vishnu’s Avatars, mostly The
Ten Incarnations (Dashavatara) are widely known. And among them Lord Shri Rama (related to Ramayana)
and Lord Shri Krishna (related to
Mahabharata) are widely worshiped Avatars
of Lord Vishnu. In Srimad
Bhagavatam, around 24 different Avatars of Lord Vishnu are discussed that were descended in different Yugas.
There is no reference of Avatar exists in Vedas. The Bhagavad Gita
discusses the subject matter associated with Avatar in textual format in Chapter 4 Slokas 5~9, where Lord Shri
Krishna Himself declared the role of taking Avatar.
Whenever
and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata,
and a predominant rise of irreligion — at that time I descend Myself. To
deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish
the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.
(Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verses 7~8)
Classifications of Avatars:
Avatar, incarnations
are broadly classified into two kinds. When Lord Vishnu Himself descends on earth, He is called Sakshaty-Avatara, and when He
indirectly empowers some living entity to represent Him, than that living
entity is called an Avesa-Avatara.
Examples:
Direct
(Sakshaty): Lord
Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Narasihma etc.
Indirect
(Avesa): Narada
Muni, Parashurama, VayasDeva etc.
Sakshaty
or Direct Avatars are further classified
into two more categories:
Purna
Avatar: Lord Visnhu
takes form directly and all the qualities and powers of God are expressed. (Lord
Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Narasimha)
Amsarup
Avatars:
Lord Vishnu takes form directly but
He is manifest in the person only partially (Matsya, Kurma, Varaha )
Lord Krishna is highest Purana Avatar.
Various Incarnations of Lord Vishnu as per Srimad
Bhagavatam:
The details of about 24 incarnations of
Lord Vishnu are mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam:
Canto 1: Chapter 3: Verses 1~25.
Adi
Purush Avatar
Lord Vishnu having desire to commence
creation, took first avatar, incarnation as the pre-eminent man (with all his
sixteen Kalas). The first incarnation is full of Super Natural Powers,
Indestructible Seed from which all other incarnations manifested. While lying
on Adi Sheesh (Seesh Naag), Lord Vishnu in state of Yoganidra (deep
meditation), manifested Lord Brahma from His navel, and then so on, The Creation
commenced from the organs of Lord Brahma.
The
Four Kumaras (ChaturSana)
The Four Kumaras are the first mind-born
(ManasPutra, born by wish) creation of Lord Brahma, who exemplifies the path of
devotion by being remain in the state of celibacy throughout their life. The
name of Four Kumaras are: Sanaka (Ancient), Sanatana (Eternal), Sanandana (Joyful),
and Sanatkumara (Ever Young). The Four Kumaras practiced the vow of Renunciation
(Sanyasa), Celibacy (BrahamCharaya) and signifies the importance of Penance.
They are well versed in the context of Vedas and they underwent severe
austerities for the realization of Absolute Truth.
Varaha
Avatar (The incarnation as Boar)
The demon Hiranyaksha abducted the
Mother Earth (bhumi devi) and took her to the Paatal Lok, deep under the ocean.
He also stole the Divine Vedas from Lord Brahma while he was in deep
meditation. The Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Varaha Avatar and rescued
the Mother Earth which had submerged in the ocean, and brought the Earth out by
lifting it on His Two Tusks from the ocean after killing the demon Hiranyaksha.
Lord Vishnu in Varaha Avatar also retrieved the Divine Vedas from the demon and
gave it back to Lord Brahma.
Sage
Narada Avatar
Devarishi Narada the best among
demigods, achieved liberation from all his Karmaic Actions mere by simple
Devotion. Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of Devarishi Narad signifies the
importance of Devotion. Devarshi Narad is depicted carrying the musical
instrument called Veena which he used to play, to glorify the name of Lord
Vishnu (Narayana) out of devotional love for Him. The Narada Bhakti Sutra is
attributed to Devarishi Narad. Devarshi Narad is both wise and mischievous, and
can be regarded as first Journalist as he was the prime source of information
among Demi-Gods.
(Note: Narada is considered as Sakshaty avatar,
partial manifestation of Lord Vishnu, who empowered him to enhance the
significance of Devotional Love).
Nara-Narayana
(Twin Sages) Avatar
The twin-brother incarnation of Lord
Vishnu on Earth to preserve the Dharma, Righteousness; the human soul Nara is
the eternal companion of Divine Narayana. Nara-Naryana performs several
penances at the holy spot of Badrinath. The two inseparable sages took avatar
on earth for the welfare of humankind. Arjuna and Krishna (from Mahabharta), are
referred reborn as Nara-Naryana.
Kapila
Avatar
The great sage born of the Kardama muni
and Devahuti; the objective of this incarnation was to compile the divine
knowledge that had been disappeared. Lord Kapila is the founder of Sankhya
philosophy (Duality of Prakriti and Purush). Lord Kapila gave discourse to his
mother Devahuti (first disciple) famous as Lord Kapil’s Teachings. Lord Kapila
is known for teaching a process of liberation known as Bhakti Yoga
Dattatreya
Avatar
The combined avatar of Trinity,
(Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva), born of Sage Atri and Devi Anusya; Lord Dattatreya has
24 Gurus, and he believed that in this world one can learn from each and every
thing, such as from Earth, Water, Ocean , Fire, Bird, etc. Lord Dattatreya gave
the Spiritual knowledge to King Prahlada and King Alarka.
Yagya
(Yajna) Avatar
The lord of fire sacrifices, born of
Prajapati and Akuti; Yajna rescued the Devgana (Celestial and Super Natural
Being). During the era of Svayambhuva Manvantran, having no qualified Indra for
the post of King of Swarga (Heaven), the Lord Vishnu Himself incarnated as
Yajna and held the post of Indra. The main teaching of Yajna avatar was based
on the values of helpfulness and protecting each other during the time of
crisis.
Rishabh
Avatar
Rishabh Dev was born to King Nabhi and
Marudevi (Daughter of Indra). Rishabh Dev attained the state of Paramhansa, as
ascetic of highest order who has controlled the anger. Also Rishabh Dev was
given the title of “Jin” which means “a Knower”. In this incarnation Lord
Vishnu showed the path of Perfection, which is followed by those who have fully
controlled their senses and who are honored by all orders of life. The utmost
important teaching to the mankind from Rishabh Dev is, “material possessions
cause envy and unhappiness”.
Prithu
Avatar
One the prayer of sages, the Lord Vishnu
incarnated as King Prithu on Earth, who cultivated the Earth Land to yield
various produces and for that reason the earth is so beautiful and attractive.
The mother Earth had become barren after
concealing all the vegetation within her, so to protect the humanity, Lord
Vishnu took incarnation as Prithu. Prithu is mainly associated with the legend
of his chasing the earth goddess, Prithvi, who fled in the form of a cow and
eventually agreed to yield her milk as the world's grain and vegetation. This
is considered that as a very supreme incarnation, because the earth has
remained full of vegetation's after that. The Sanskrit name Prithvi (Earth)
comes from Prithu.
Note: Prithu is born without any female
intervention. He is born of corpse of King Vena.
Matsya
Avatar ~ Fish Incarnation
At the earlier stage of Sat Yuga, Lord
Vishnu appeared in the form of fish, and predicted to the King Manu, that world
would come to an end by huge flood in seven days. Lord Vishnu in the form of
Matsya Avatar instructed the Lord Manu to build a huge boat and took Seven
Sages (SaptRishis), seeds of all plants, one animal type of each species etc.
Lord Vishnu further instructed that He Himself will appear as the form of fish
and will propel the boat to Mount Himavan to save them from flood. The
prediction comes true, after seven days huge flood come, and Lord Vishnu in the
form of Matsya Avatar protected those who were on the boat. Matsya Avatar is
associated with beginning of the world.
Kurma
(Kachchap) Avatar ~ Tortoise Incarnation
This incarnation is associated with the
very famous churning of the ocean (Saagar Manthan) story. While the Devas and Asuras
were churning the ocean for the nectar of immorality, the mountain Mandarachala
they were using began to sink in the soft ocean floor, so Lord Vishnu became a
turtle and rested the mountain on his back to keep the mountain afloat.
Dhanvantari
Avatar ~ Lord of Medicine
Lord Vishnu manifested in the avatar of
Dhanvantari from the Sagar Manthan, holding a vessel filled with important
Medicines (Herbs). Dhanvantari was the profounder of Medical Science
(AyurVeda). Dhanvantari emerged from Ocean of Milk (Sagar Manthan), holding
Medical Herbs in one hand, and pot containing the Amrita (Rejuvenating Nectar).
Mohini
Avatar ~ Enchanting Woman
This is the only female incarnation of
Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu incarnated as most enchanting woman, enchanted the
Asuras (Demons) by her beautiful appearance and trick-fully, she theft the
Amrita Vessel (Vessel of Nectar, outcome of the Sagar Manthan) from Asuras and
handed over Amrita to Devas. Devas after drinking Amrita Nectar, become immortal
and them were now more powerful than Asuras. Once again Devas were protected by
Lord Vishnu.
Narasimha
Avatar ~ Half Man – Half Lion
Lord Vishnu is Great Protect of His
Devoted Devotees. Bhagat Prahalad (son of Asura Hiranyakashipu), is great devotee
of Lord Vishnu since he was in womb of her mother. His father is great enemy
and envious of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu after getting boon from Lord Brahma
created havoc destruction on earth, declared himself as the most powerful God.
Again to protect the dharma and devotees, Lord Vishnu incarnated Himself as
Narsimha Avatar (Simha means Lion). Hiranyakashipu tried his level best to kill
his own son Prahalad, but as Lord Vishnu protect his devotees, Prahalad always
protected by the Lord Himself every time. Even Holika (sister of Hiranyakashipu)
did not cause any harm to Prahalad (Holi festival celebrated in this regard). After
getting tired from his son, Hiranyakashipu one day asked Prahalada to show him
where is his Vishnu; so to protect his devotees from his Demon father, Lord
Vishnu incarnated Himself as Narsimha (Half Lion ~ Half Man). Lord Narsimha
killed the Hiranyakashipu by tearing his body parts by his Nails. This
incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the manifestation of His diving anger, (if one do
any harm to His unalloyed devoted devotees).
Note:
Lord Vishnu took this appearance because, Hiranyakashipu had asked the Lord Brahma as
boon, that no man, no animal, no weapon, etc can kill him. Lord Vishnu in
Narsimha Avatar is (Half Man ~ Half Lion, used his Nails to kill the demon).
Also there is great story after killing of Hiranyakashipu. No one in the entire
cosmos pacifies the Lord Narsihma, except Prahalad such was His Divine Anger.)
Vaman
Avatar ~ As a Dwarf
Lord Vishnu descended on earth to restore
the authority of Indra over the heavens. Lord Vishnu was born of rishi Kashypa
and mother Aditi. King Bali (grandson of Prahalad) was generous man who engaged
in so many austerities and penances and had captured the entire three worlds. Bali
symbolizes the Pride (Ahankar). Although he is great devotee of Lord, but he
thought he can help anyone and can donate whatever one ask from him and
eventually he forgot that there is Almighty above him. So one day while Bali
was busy in performing Yagya, Lord Vishnu as Vaman ~ short Brahmin carrying
wooden umbrella came to Bali and asked him three steps of land. To which Bali
without any delay agreed, although he was warned by asura guru Shukracharya.
Vaman showed His true identity enlarged Himself to gigantic form; he stepped
from heaven to earth in first step, and from earth to netherworld with the
second step. There was no place in entire cosmos for third step. To fulfill his
promise Bali asked the Vaman to place third step over his head. Vaman placed
his third step over Bali’s head. The Bali realized his mistake. Lord Vishnu in
Vaman avatar regained the heaven for Indra. But being unbiased He gave
immortality to Bali for his Humility and named Bali as Maha Bali.
Note: MahaBali is one of the 12
Mahajanas.
ParshuRama
Avatar ~ Ram with Axe
Lord Vishnu took avatar as ParshuRama,
and annihilated the Kshatriya (administrative class of society), who became
ruthless, arrogant and exploited their subjects towards Brahmin (intelligent
class of society). ParshuRama killed all Kshatriya kings twenty one times and
donated the Earth to Brahmins. Althouth ParshuRama was born as Brahmin (to
Jamadagni and Renuka) but he has unusual physical power, became better fighter
then all Kshatriya. He belongs to Rishi Birghu Clan). He was student of Lord
Shiva, who gave him the axe which ParshuRama always carry with him. Lord Shiva
also taught him martial arts.
Kind Kartavirya, once went to
Jamadagni's home and stole the Kamadhenu cow, which was supposed to give
endless quantity of milk. Jamadgni was angered and brought Kamadhenu back after
killing the king. On hearing this, sons of the king came back and killed
Jamdagni. ParshuRama was angered (when he saw that his mother keep on hitting
his chest 21 times at the corpse of Jamadagni, and he promised his mother
Renuka that no Kshatriya will be alive now) and went and avenged the death of
his father by killing all Kshatriya in 21 battles and showed the Supremacy of Brahmins
over the Kshatriyas.
Note: ParshuRama is the founder of Kalaripayattu
(One of the ancient form of Fighting System)
Note: ParshuRama is the Guru of Bhishma,
Drona and Karan.
Note: ParshuRama is one of the Seven
Chiranjivi (immortals).
Vyas
Deva (Vedvyas) Avatar ~ Krishna Dvaipayana
Lord Vishnu took this Avtar, to compile
all Sanatana Dharma Sacred Scriptures in written format. Vedvyas was born of
Rishi Parashar and Satyavati. Vedvyas made the divisions of Vedas, and made
extensions of its branches. He also wrote eighteen MahaPuranas, including Shrimad
Bhagavatam. He dictated Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha, who penned down it, and hence
authorship of Vedas, Puranas and Mahabharata, goes to Vyasdeva. Vyasdeva is
great grandfather of Kaurav and Pandvas, and he is the father of Sukhdeva
Goswami (another great ascetic Sage), who is the narrator of Srimad Bhagavad
Puran to King Prakshit (grandchild of Arjuna).Note: VyasDeva is one of the
Seven Chiranjivi (immortals)
Shri
Rama Avatar
Lord Vishnu is second most famous
incarnation, Maryada Prishotama Rama; Perfect Man or Lord of Self-Control or
Lord of Virtue. His wife Sita is avatar of Mata Lakshmi and the embodiment of
perfect womanhood. Lord Rama was born of King Dasrath and Koshaliya. Lord Rama
is the hero of epic of Ramayana. He is more than just avatar. He is the Supreme
Being descended on Mother Earth to get rid of all Demons (Asuars, Raskshash
Clan headed by Kind Ravana). Lord Rama character shows what one need to do at
the time of crisis, and keeping Morality the Highest issue of one’s life. The
primary source of the life and journey of Rama is the epic Ramayana as composed
by the Rishi Valmiki.
Shri
BalRama Avatar
Note: BalRama is also regarded as
incarnation of Adi Sheesh Nang.
BalRama was born as elder brother of
Shri Krishna. BalRama and Shri Krishna both were brought up together from
childhood. They both together killed Demons sent to Mathura by King Kansa
(their maternal uncle). Balarama taught both Duryodhana and Bhima the art of
fighting with a mace. During the Mahabharta ware BalRama remained neutral did
not fight for anyone. He is also regarded as Haldar, the deity of Agriculture
and Fertility.
Note:
Vishnu then impregnated the womb of the Devaki with two parts of hair, one
black, one white. To ensure their safety, their essence was transferred before
birth to Rohini, who also desired a child. At birth, Krishna had a darker
complexion, while Balarama was born fair. The other name of Balarama is also
Sankarshana, meaning a spirit transferred between two wombs.
Shri
Krishna Appearance ~ Summum Bonum Absolute Personality of Godhead
Precisely the Lord Himself appears on
the Earth to fulfill His promise as mentioned (quoted) above from Bhagavad
Gita. Shri Krishna is the Sac-Cit-Ananda Swaroop of Ishwar. He is the reciter
of Bhagavad Gita. He is the Saarthi (Charioteer) of Arjuna in the Mahabharata
War. He is slayer of Kansa (His maternal uncle), Sisupal (His Cousin), and many
other demons. During infancy He killed Rakshas Putna. Shri Krishna is regarded
as Leela Dhar, performed Raas Leela with Gopis of Brindavan (especially with
Shrimati Radharani). Shri Krishna depicted Divine Dance on Kaaaliya Serpent. The
major scriptures discussing Shri Krishna's life story are the Mahabharata (also
Harivamsa), Shrimad Bhagavatam and Vishnu Puran.
Note: Shri Krishna's disappearance marks
the end of Dvapara Yuga and the start of Kali Yuga (present age).
Buddha
Avatar
Gautam Buddha (Enlightened One), was
born as prince of Kapilavastu to King Suddhodhana and Maya. His original name
was Siddhartha (Perfected Goal). After the disappearance of Shri Krishna, in
Kali Yuga, true devotion to Vedas was replaced by empty rituals, so Lord Vishnu
incarnated as Lord Buddha to rebuild the importance of Vedas with some
modification for less intelligent people. Nobody was providing the satisfied
answers to young Siddhartha questions regarding poverty, death, diseases etc.
Then one day he kept everyone behind including his wife and child, and went to
forest in the search of finding the Absolute Truth. When he came back he was
full of Enlightenment, in state of Nirvana. The prime cause of all suffering is
desire, one has to eradicate that, is one of the essence of Lord Buddha.
Kalki
Avatar
Note: I am not writing much on that,
details can be found in Kalki Puran
The future (would be) incarnation of
Lord Vishnu;
Evolutionary Interpretation (Ref: Wikipedia)
The famous order of Dashavatar (Ten Incarnation)
of Lord Vishnu symbolizes the modern
theory of Human Evolution.
Matsya
(fish): Satya Yuga
The first class of vertebrates; evolved
in water
Kurma
(turtle):
Satya Yuga
Amphibious (living in both water and
land)
Varaha
(boar): Satya Yuga
Wild Land Animal
Narasimha:
Treta Yuga
(half lion ~ half human) emergence of human thoughts & intelligence
in powerful wild nature)
Vamana (dwarf): Treta
Yuga
Short, Premature human beings
ParshuRama:
Treta Yuga
Early Humans Living in forests & using
weapons
Shri
Rama:
Treta Yuga
Humans living in community, beginning of
civil society
Shri
Krishna:
Dwapara Yuga
Humans practicing Politics & Advanced
societies
Buddha: Kali Yuga
Humans finding Enlightenment
Kalki: at the end of Kali Yuga
Advanced humans with great powers of
destructions
Most Important Verses from Srimad Bhagavatam:
All of the above mentioned incarnations
are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord,
but Lord Shri Krishna is the original Personality of Godhead. All of them
appear on planets whenever there is a disturbance created by the atheists. The
Lord incarnates to protect the theists. (Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1, Chapter 3, verses
28)
Whoever carefully recites the mysterious
appearances of the Lord, with devotion in the morning and in the evening, gets
relief form all miseries of life. (Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1, Chapter 3, verses
29)
References:
Shrimad Bhagavatam (Canto 1 Chapter 3)
Wikipedia
Google