Ram Lalla has finally arrived in Ayodhya and is seen gracing the Ram Mandir in full glory. The Ram Lalla murti is beautifully carved by sculptor Arun Yogiraj and has truly made everyone’s heart swell with pride and spiritual sentiments. The idol is crafted using the black Shaligram stone and is engraved with minute carvings highlighting all the features of the 5-year-old Ram Lalla. It showcases the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu which we will discuss in detail in this blog.
1. Matsya - The Fish Friend
Once, during the Satya Yuga, a great flood submerged the world, putting all its lives under threat. At this time, the demon Hayagriva stole the Vedas (sacred Hindu scriptures) from Brahma and hid them somewhere in the depths of the ocean. Here’s when Lord Vishnu took the form of a fish to save the Vedas and rescue the world from this dilemma.
During this cosmic event, Lord Matsya advised the virtuous king Manu to build a massive boast and take along the seven sages (Saptarishis), seeds of all plants, and one pair of each species to preserve life from the impending flood.
As the floodwaters rose, Matsya pulled the boat through the deluge, ensuring the survival of life on Earth. The floodwaters eventually subsided, and lord Matsya guided the boat to safety in the Himalayan mountains.
The Matsya Avatar symbolizes protection, preservation, and the restoration of righteousness (dharma) during times of crisis.
2. Kurma - The Turtle Buddy
Kurma avatar is the second avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. The word Kurma means Turtle in Sanskrit. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu took this avatar to help the Devas and Asuras churn the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita).
The Devas and Asuras jointly decided to churn the ocean of milk to obtain Amrita, which would end their eternal conflict. However, they needed a pivot to support Mount Mandara which was chosen as the churning rod. Herein, Lord Vishnu stepped in and played the role of a pivot by supporting the mountain on his back. In addition to providing support for the churning, Kurma also acted as a protector, ensuring that the process could proceed without any disruption or imbalance.
As the churning of the ocean progressed, various divine beings and treasures emerged including the wish-fulfilling tree - Kalpavriksha, the divine cow - Kamdhenu, and the celestial elephant - Airavata.
Eventually, Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, emerged carrying the pot of Amrita which was then distributed among the devas by Lord Vishnu to restore their strength and vitality.
The Kurma Avatar symbolizes patience, perseverance, and sacrifice. It illustrates the importance of stability and balance in the cosmic order.
3. Varaha - The Big Boar Hero
In this incarnation, Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar (Varaha) to rescue Earth from the depths of the cosmic ocean.
The story begins with the demon king Hiranyaksha, who was the brother of another demon Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyaksha was creating havoc on the earth and its inhabitants. He was really powerful and had the audacity to challenge the gods themselves.
Hiranyaksha, in his arrogance, sank the earth into the depths of the cosmic ocean. He then challenged the gods to retrieve her if they could. In response to Hiranyaksha’s challenge and to restore the cosmic order, Lord Vishnu took the form of a Varaha (boar). He descended into the cosmic ocean and searched for the earth.
Varaha found the earth and engaged in a fierce battle with Hiranyaksha, who tried to prevent Varaha from rescuing the earth.
Despite Hiranyaksha’s might, Varaha eventually turned out to be victorious. He defeated the demon and lifted the earth out of the ocean with his tusks. The earth was restored to its rightful place in the universe, and balance was reinstated.
This incarnation signifies lord Vishnu’s compassion and willingness to undertake any form to protect the universe and its inhabitants.
4. Narasimha - The Half Lion, Half-Man
The Narasimha avatar is depicted as a half-man, half-lion form of Vishnu.
According to Hindu mythology, Narasimha Avatar came into existence to protect his devotee Prahlada and to restore cosmic order (Dharma) by defeating the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who was granted a boon of invincibility by Lord Brahma. This boon made Hiranyakashipu almost indestructible. He became arrogant and considered himself to be the ruler of the universe, demanding that everyone worship him instead of the gods.
However, Hiranyakashipu’s son, Prahlad, turned out to be an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Despite his father’s efforts to prevent him, Prahlada continued to worship Vishnu. Angered by his son’s devotion to Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu tortured Prahlada he remained true to his faith.
In response to Prahlad’s prayers, Lord Vishnu appeared in his Narasimha form. Narasimha emerged from a pillar in the form of half-man, half-lion. It was dusk, neither day nor night, and Narasimha was neither indoors nor outdoors. He caught Hiranyakashipu on his lap which was neither earth nor the sky, and tore him apart with his claws at the threshold of the palace. Thus, he circumvented the conditions of the boon.
The Narasimha avatar symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the triumph of devotion over arrogance, and the idea that god can come in unexpected forms. It also teaches that God can manifest in any form to protect his devotees and uphold righteousness.
5. Vamana - The Little Guy
Vamana is often depicted as a dwarf Brahmin boy. The story goes that the demon king Bali had become very powerful and had conquered the three worlds - Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. Even the gods were unable to defeat him. Seeking to restore balance to the universe and protect the divine order, Lord Vishnu decided to intervene.
Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana and approached Bali, who was known for his charity and generosity. Vamana appeared before Bali during one of his grand yajnas and asked for a boon. The humble Brahmin boy requested only as much land as he could cover in three steps.
Amused by the seemingly modest request, Bali granted it. However, as soon as Bali granted the wish, Vamana’s form expanded and grew to immense proportions. With his first step, Vamana covered the Earth. With his second step, he covered the heavens. With no space left for his third step, Bali realized that Vamana was none other than Lord Vishnu himself.
In a gesture of humility and devotion, Bali offered his own head for Vamana to place his third step. Pleased by Bali’s selflessness and devotion, Lord Vishnu granted Bali a boon to rule the underworld (Patala Loka) and promised to protect him. Bali’s act of surrender and devotion pleased Lord Vishnu and he was henceforth known as Mahabali, who is celebrated during the Onam festival in Kerala, India.
The Vamana avatar symbolizes the victory of humility and righteousness over pride and arrogance. It also teaches the lesson of devotion and surrender to the divine will. The story of Vamana is not just a mythological tale but holds profound spiritual and philosophical significance in Hinduism.
6. Parashurama - The Axe Warrior
Parashurama is one of Lord Vishnu’s ten avatars, who appeared in ancient times to uphold righteousness and restore balance in the world. He’s known for his courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Born to the sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka, Parashurama belonged to the Brahmin caste, but he was unlike any ordinary Brahmin. He was a fierce warrior, often seen with his signature weapon, an axe.
His mission was to rid the world of corrupt rulers and restore order.
One famous tale tells of his confrontation with King Kartavirya Arjuna, who had become immensely powerful due to a boon. When Kartavirya’s sons insulted Parashurama’s family by stealing their divine cow, Parashurama punished, ultimately slaying the king.
Parashurama also played a crucial role in the upbringing of Bhisma, the legendary warrior from the Mahabharata. He trained Bhisma in various martial arts and warfare skills, shaping him into the formidable warrior he became.
Even though Parashurama was known for his ferocity in battle, he was also a wise and compassionate teacher. He imparted knowledge and wisdom to many, including other avatars of Vishnu like Rama and Krishna.
In Hindu belief, Parashurama is considered one of the Chiranjivi, or immortals. It's said that he still resides on Mahendragiri, a mountain in India, where he continues his penance (tapasya).
7. Shri Ram - The Ideal King
Lord Rama was born to King Dashratha and Queen Kaushaly of Ayodhya, a kingdom in ancient India. He was the eldest of the four brothers, the others being Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. Rama belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty, known for its nobility and righteousness.
Rama’s life takes a significant turn when, due to a promise made to his stepmother Kaikeyi, he had to go into exile for fourteen years. Rama, accompanied by his devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana, spends years in the forests. During this exile, they encounter various sages, demons, and allies. One of the most famous episodes from this period is Rama’s defeat of the demon King Ravana and the rescue of Sita.
Lord Rama is often depicted as the epitome of righteousness (Dharma). He adheres strictly to his duties as a son, husband, and king, setting a standard for ethical conduct and moral uprightness.
Also Read 10 Key Facts about the Ramlala Murti
Rama is revered as the ideal king (Maryada Purushottama) and husband. His rule in Ayodhya is often depicted as a golden age of prosperity, justice, and peace. His unwavering devotion to his wife, Sita, and his commitment to truth and justice serve as an inspiration for millions.
After the completion of his exile, Rama returns to Ayodhya and is crowned as the king. This event, known as Rama’s coronation or Rama Rajya, symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over evil and the establishment of a just and prosperous reign.
Lord Rama’s story continues to be celebrated and revered through various religious festivals, such as Rama Navami, which marks his birthday, and Diwali. Temples dedicated to Rama, like the famous Rama Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, attract millions of pilgrims and devotees.
8. Shri Krishna - The Cowherd
The Shri Krishna avatar is one of the most celebrated incarnations of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna was born in Mathura to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki. His birth was foretold to bring an end to the tyrannical rule of his uncle, King Kansa. To protect baby Krishna from Kansa’s wrath, Vasudeva secretly transported him to Gokul and exchanged him with a baby girl, the daughter of Nanda and Yashoda.
Krishna’s childhood was filled with various legendary stories of his playful antics, such as stealing butter (Makhan Chor), playing pranks on the Gopis, and lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra.
Krishna played a crucial role in the epic Mahabharata, serving as the charioteer and advisor to Arjuna during the great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He guided Arjuna through moral dilemmas and ensured the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Krishna’s departure from the earthly realm, known as the “Mahaprasthan” or “Maha Samadhi”, marks the end of his physical presence on Earth. His departure is followed by the onset of the Kali Yuga, the last of the four ages described in Hindu cosmology.
9. Buddha - The Wise Teacher
In Hinduism, Lord Vishnu is considered one of the principal deities, often associated with preservation and maintaining cosmic order (Dharma). According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu is said to have incarnated in various forms of avatars whenever the world is threatened by evil forces or when dharma needs to be restored. One of the lesser-known avatars of Vishnu is Buddha.
The Buddha avatar of Vishnu is not widely recognized in mainstream Hinduism but is mentioned in some scriptures and texts. According to these accounts, Vishnu incarnated as Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, to guide humanity towards spiritual enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
In this avatar, Vishnu is believed to have taken on the form of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born into a royal family in ancient India. Siddhartha eventually renounced his princely status and embarked on a spiritual quest to understand the nature of suffering and find a path to liberation. After years of meditation and introspection, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, becoming the Buddha, or the Awakened One.
While the Buddha avatar is not as widely celebrated in Hinduism as some of Vishnu’s other avatars, it reflects the belief in the divine’s willingness to manifest in various forms to guide humanity towards spiritual growth.
10. Kalki - The Future Hero
One of the avatars that is yet to come to earth, according to Hindu scripture, is the Kalki avatar.
The Kalki avatar is prophesied to appear in the future, riding a white horse named Devadatta, wielding a flaming sword, and bringing an end to the present age of darkness and destruction known as Kali Yuga. Kali Yuga is considered the final of the four stages (Yugas) the world goes through as part of the cycle of time in Hindu cosmology.
The Kalki Purana, a scripture dedicated to Lord Kalki, describes him as a warrior and divine ruler who will establish righteousness and restore balance in the world. He is said to have been born in the village of Shambhala to parents named Vishnuyasha and Sumati, and he possesses great strength, wisdom, and compassion.
According to the prophecies, Kalki will defeat the forces of evil, including the demon Kali, and inaugurate a new era of peace and prosperity known as Satya Yuga, or the age of truth. His appearance marks the end of the current age and the beginning of a new cycle of time.
While there are various interpretations and beliefs regarding the Kalki avatar, the overall theme is that he will come to restore order and righteousness in the world, bringing an end to chaos and suffering.
Conclusion
These were all the 10 avatars that Lord Vishnu took whenever evil prevailed and goodness started to fade. Lord Vishnu’s avatars clearly remind us that divine duty can take any form and shape when it comes to restoring faith and humanity in the world.