AVATARS OF VISHNU (Incarnations of Vishnu) There are millions of incarnating Vishnus. (Bhairo M. 5, p. 1156) Under the Will of the Lord, ten incarnations (of Vishnu) were created. (Maru M. l, f,. 1037) Krishan (It connotes Vishnu here) is always busy in incarnating himself; whom should then the world follow? (Wadhans M. 3, p. 559) The number of Avatars of Vishnu have not always remained the same.
In Mahabharata, the following ten, in order have been mentioned:
1. The Hansa (Swan)
2. Kachh or Kurma (Tortoise)
3. Machh or Matsya (Fish)
4. Varaha (Boar)
5. Narsingh (Man-Lion)
6. Vamana (DwarQ
7. Parashurama
8. Rama
9. Satvata
10. Kaiki
In Bhagavata Purana, twenty-two have been described, including Prithu, Dhanwantari and Kapila.
In the Dasam Granth, the Sikh Scripture, there is mention of twenty-four incarnations; but generally ten are mentioned : Four of Satyuga (or Krityayuga) viz. Matsya (Fish), Kurma (Tortoise), Varaha (Boar) and Narsingh (Man-lion); Three of Treta Yuga viz. Vamana (Dwarf), Parashurama and Rama; One of Dwapara Yuga i.e. Krishna and Two of Kaliyuga viz. Buddha and the forthcoming Kalki.
Guru Granth Sahib rejects the worship of gods and their incarnations, because they are all the created beings and also prone to death. It lays emphasis on the worship of the Transcendental Brahman (Nirguna), Who is Immortal and Infinite.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh, Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
The concept of the Dasavatara, or the ten avatars of Vishnu, is a cornerstone of Hindu mythology. These avatars represent the manifestations of Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu trinity, who descends to the mortal realm whenever dharma (righteousness) is in decline and adharma (unrighteousness) is on the rise. Each avatar serves a unique purpose in restoring cosmic balance.
Here’s a brief exploration of the ten primary avatars:
1. Matsya (The Fish) Vishnu took the form of a fish to save the sacred texts (Vedas) and the sages during a great deluge, ensuring the continuity of knowledge.
2. Kurma (The Tortoise) As a tortoise, Vishnu supported Mount Mandara on his back during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita).
3. Varaha (The Boar) In this form, Vishnu rescued the Earth (personified as Bhudevi) from the demon Hiranyaksha, lifting it from the cosmic ocean.
4. Narasimha (The Man-Lion)To p rotect his devotee Prahlada, Vishnu appeared as a half-man, half-lion to slay the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who could not be killed by man or beast.
5. Vamana (The Dwarf) Vishnu incarnated as a dwarf Brahmin to humble the demon king Mahabali, reclaiming the heavens through his cleverness and divine power.
6. Parashurama (The Warrior with an Axe) As a Brahmin-warrior, Vishnu took this avatar to rid the world of corrupt and oppressive Kshatriya kings.
7. Rama (The Ideal King) In the form of Lord Rama, Vishnu exemplified the virtues of dharma, loyalty, and heroism, as depicted in the epic Ramayana. He defeated Ravana and restored peace.
8. Krishna (The Divine Statesman) Perhaps the most celebrated avatar, Krishna played pivotal roles in the Mahabharata and delivered the Bhagavad Gita. His life symbolizes love, wisdom, and strategic thinking.
9. Buddha (The Enlightened One) Some traditions include Gautama Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu, emphasizing compassion, non-violence, and enlightenment to guide humanity.
10. Kalki (The Future Warrior)Yet to appear, Kalki is prophesied to descend at the end of Kali Yuga (the current age) to destroy evil and usher in a new era of righteousness.
These avatars reflect the adaptive, compassionate, and protective nature of Vishnu, addressing the challenges of each era.
