Throughout history, whenever darkness overshadowed light and chaos threatened to consume order, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, descended to Earth in various forms. These incarnations, known as the Dashavatara (Dash meaning ten, and avatars meaning incarnations), offer lessons about righteousness, courage, and the triumph of good over evil.
According to legends, the series of incarnations began during the Satya Yuga followed by the Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and the Kali-yuga.
In today’s blog, we will discuss the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu from different Yugas.
Satya Yuga
Satya Yuga, also known as the Golden Age or the Age of Truth, was a time when gods ruled over humanity. In this Yuga, Lord Vishu appeared in four avatars: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, and Narasimha.
1. Matsya Avatar
In ancient times, a great flood threatened to submerge the entire world which is when Lord Vishnu took the form of Matsya, a giant fish, to save life and knowledge.
The story begins with King Manu, a just and compassionate ruler, who one day found a tiny fish struggling in a river. The fish pleaded for help, and hence in order to save her, Manu placed it in a jar. What he saw next was astonishing – the fish just kept growing and growing. Considering the size of the fish, Manu moved it to a pond, then a lake, and eventually to the ocean.
Finally, the fish revealed itself as Lord Vishnu in the Matysa avatar and warned Manu about an impending flood and the demon Hayagriva who stole the vedas and hid them in the undersea. He instructed Manu to build a large ark and gather seeds, animals, and the seven sages (Saptarishis) to preserve life. When the flood arrived, Matsya guided the ark safely through the turbulent waters. The lord also battled with Hayagriva to save the Vedas and return them to Brahma.
Iconography: Matysa is depicted as a human-animal form with the upper half of a man and the lower half of a fish. This Avtar of Lord Vishnu is seen with four hands, with three holding a conch, a discus, a shell, and one positioned in the blessing (aashirvad mudra).
2. Kurma Avatar
Once, the gods and demons united to churn the ocean of milk in order to obtain amrita, the elixir of immortality. For this, they used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. However, they soon realized the mountain was sinking into the ocean. Herein, Lord Vishnu stepped in the form of Kurma, a giant tortoise, and supported the mountain on his sturdy back.
The churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, brought numerous treasures, including the nectar of immortality. However, when the nectar emerged, the demons tried to seize it. Hereupon, Vishnu intervened to protect the elixir, ensuring the gods received the nectar and maintained cosmic balance.
Iconography: Kurma is portrayed as a tortoise with a celestial halo. He is often shown supporting a mountain on his back during the churning of the ocean by gods and demons to get the nectar of immortality. His form symbolizes strength and stability
3. Varaha Avatar
A demon named Hiranyaksha had dragged the earth into the depths of the cosmic ocean, throwing the universe into chaos. To rescue the earth, Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha, a mighty boar. He descended into the ocean and confronted the demon in a fierce battle.
The two clashed for days and their fight shook the heavens. Eventually, Varaha lifted Hiranyaksha with his tusks and vanquished him. He then gently raised the earth, balanced it on his tusks, and restored it to its rightful place in the cosmos.
Iconography: Varaha, the boar avatar, is shown as a powerful boar-headed figure with a human body. He is depicted rescuing the earth (personified as the goddess Bhudevi), lifting it on his tusks from the cosmic ocean where it was submerged.
4. Narasimha Avatar
Hiranyakashipu, a mighty demon had gained a powerful boon from Lord Brahma that made him nearly invincible. He could not be killed by man or beast, indoors or outdoors, during day or night, on the ground or in the air. Filled with power, Hiranyakashipu declared himself the god and tormented those who worshipped Vishnu, including his own son, Prahlada.
However, Prahlada remained devoted to Vishnu despite his father’s wrath. Enraged with his son’s devotion and spirit, Hiranyakashipu challenged Prahlada to prove Vishnu’s presence. He struck a pillar, and from it emerged Narasimha, the half-lion, half-man form of Lord Vishnu. Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu during sunset, at the entrance of a courtyard, and on his lap, all of which bypassed the conditions of the boon granted to them.
Iconography: Narasimha has the body of a man and the head and claws of a lion. This Avtar of Lord Vishnu is often depicted ferociously ripping apart the demon - Hiranyakashipu to save his devotee, Prahlada, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Treta Yuga
Treta Yuga, the Silver Age or the Age of Mankind was when Vamana, Parashurama, and Rama avatars of Lord Vishnu were born.
5. Vamana: The Dwarf Avatar
King Bali was a generous yet ambitious ruler who conquered all three worlds. To curb his growing power and pride, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. Vamana approached Bali during a grand yagna and humbly asked for three steps of land as alms. Bali, known for his generosity, granted the request.
However, when it came to measuring the land, Vamana grew to a gigantic size. With his first step, he covered the earth; with the second, he spanned the heavens. With no place left for the third step, Bali offered his own head. Touched by Bali’s humility, Vishnu granted him the kingdom of the netherworld and immortality.
Iconography: Vamana is depicted as a short, dwarf-like figure, often carrying a parasol and a water pot. In his cosmic form, known as Trivikrama, he is shown expanding his size to measure the universe, with one foot on earth, the other in the heavens, and his hand raised to signify his claim over all creation.
6. Parashurama Avatar
Parashurama, the son of sage Jamadagni, was born to end the tyranny of oppressive rulers. His father was killed by a greedy king, and in his grief, Parashurama vowed to rid the world of corrupt warriors. Armed with a divine axe given by Lord Shiva, he decided to run a drive against these rulers.
Parashurama is also credited with creating the Konkan and Malabar coasts by throwing his axe into the sea. Despite his ferocity, he later devoted himself to penance and teaching.
The story of Parashurama emphasizes the need for justice and the importance of using power responsibly.
Iconography: Parashurama is portrayed as a sage-warrior carrying an axe (parashu), symbolizing his role as a. He is dressed as a hermit, often shown standing in a powerful posture with his axe ready to destroy corrupt rulers and restore dharma.
7. Rama Avatar
Lord Rama is the epitome of dharma or righteousness. Born as the prince of Ayodhya, his life took a turn when he was exiled to the forest for 14 years. During this time, his wife, Sita, was abducted by the demon king Ravana.
With the help of his loyal brother Lakshmana, the devoted Hanuman, and the Vanara army, Rama waged a war against Ravana. After a fierce battle, Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. His return to Ayodhya was celebrated as Diwali during which every nook and corner of the town was lit up with diyas (earthen lamps).
The tale of Rama inspires us to uphold integrity and face life’s challenges with courage and honor.
Iconography: Rama is a noble prince often depicted holding a bow and arrow, adorned with a crown and ornaments. He is often portrayed along with his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana, and devotee Hanuman. Rama is a revered symbol of ideal virtues like loyalty, bravery, and righteousness.
Dwapara Yuga
Dwapara Yuga was the Age of Energy where Lord Vishnu undertook the two avatars of Lord Krishna and Gautam Buddha.
8. Krishna Avatar
Lord Krishna’s life is a tale of wisdom, love, and heroism. As a child, he defeated many demons sent by his uncle Kamsa. As a youth, he charmed everyone in Vrindavan with his divine flute and playful antics. As an adult, he became a strategist and guide. In the Mahabharata, Krishna served as Arjuna’s charioteer and delivered the Bhagavad Gita, a profound discourse on duty, life, and spirituality.
Iconography: Krishna is depicted as a dark-skinned or blue figure, wearing a peacock feather and playing flute. He is usually portrayed in two primary forms: as the mischievous cowherd boy of Vrindavan or as the committed beloved of Radha Rani.
9. Buddha Avatar
In some traditions, Lord Buddha is considered Vishnu’s ninth avatar. Born as Prince Siddhartha, he lived a sheltered life until he encountered suffering in the form of old age, sickness, and death. Determined to find a solution, he rejected this royal life and meditated for years until he attained enlightenment.
Buddha’s teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and detachment have inspired millions. His story encourages us to seek inner peace and live harmoniously with others.
Iconography: Buddha is depicted sitting calmly in meditation under a Bodhi tree, with serene expressions on his face. He usually wears simple robes and has long earlobes, symbolizing wisdom and detachment from worldly affairs. His mudras (hand gestures) such as Abhaya (fearlessness) or dharmachakra (teaching) convey his message of peace and spiritual awakening.
Kali Yuga
Kaliyuga is the current era which is the shortest yugas in the Yuga cycle. It is believed that this yuga will see the arrival of the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu i.e. the Kalki avatar.
10. Kalki Avatar
Kalki, the final avatar, is yet to appear. It is said that Kalki will arrive at the end of the Kali Yuga, the current age of darkness and corruption. Riding a white horse and wielding a blazing sword, Kalki will destroy evil and restore righteousness.
This avatar symbolizes hope and the promise that no matter how dire the situation, justice will prevail, and a new era of peace will begin.
Iconography: Kalki is depicted as a mighty warrior riding a white horse and holding a glowing sword. This Avtar of Lord Vishnu is believed to appear in the future to destroy evil and bring back righteousness. This avatar stands for hope and the promise of a better world.
Takeaway
The stories of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu inspire us to lead lives of courage, faith, and righteousness. Each avatar serves as a reminder that goodness will always triumph over evil, and balance will be restored, no matter how chaotic the world may seem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Who is the 10th avatar of Vishnu?
A. The 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu is Kalki. Kalki is believed to be the future avatar, who will appear at the end of the current age (Kali Yuga) to restore righteousness and destroy evil. He is usually depicted riding a white horse and carrying a sword.
Q. Which god is in which Yuga?
A. In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu incarnates in different Yugas (ages) to restore cosmic order. Here's a breakdown:
- Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga): Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, and Narasimha avatar.
- Treta Yuga: In this yuga, Lord Vishnu took avatars as Vamana, Parashurama, and Rama.
- Dvapara Yuga: Dwapara Yuga witnessed the Krishna and Buddha avatars of Lord Vishnu.
- Kali Yuga: In Kaliyuga, Lord Vishnu will incarnate as Kalki in the future.
Q. Who is Lord Vishnu’s 7th avatar?
A. The 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu is Lord Rama, the hero of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. Rama is known for his unwavering commitment to dharma (righteousness) and his victory over the demon king Ravana.
Q. Who is Lord Vishnu?
A. Lord Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is considered the preserver and protector of the universe. He is part of the holy trinity of Hindu gods, known as the Trimurti, along with Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer). Vishnu is known for his divine qualities of compassion, mercy, and protection. He is often depicted as a blue-skinned, four-armed god holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus.
Q. What are the 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu?
A. The Dashavatara of Vishnu represents various forms that Vishnu takes to restore cosmic order. The 10 avatars are:
- Matsya
- Kurma
- Varaha
- Narasimha
- Vamana
- Parashurama
- Rama
- Krishna
- Buddha
- Kalki
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