Difference between revisions of "Avatar" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Avatars.jpg|thumb|250px|The ten avatars of [[Lord Vishnu]], copyright [[Bhaktivedanta Book Trust|BBT]]]]
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In [[Hindu]] philosophy, an '''avatar''', '''avatara''' or '''avataram''' ({{lang-sa|अवतार}}, {{IAST1|avatāra}}), most commonly refers to the [[incarnation]] (bodily manifestation) of a higher being ([[Deva (Hinduism)|deva]]), or the Supreme Being ([[God]]) onto planet [[Earth]]. The [[Sanskrit]] word {{IAST2|''avatāra-''}} literally means "descent" (''avatarati'') and usually implies a deliberate descent into lower realms of existence for special purposes. The term is used primarily in [[Hinduism]], for incarnations of [[Vishnu]] whom many Hindus worship as God.
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The word has also been used by extension to refer to the incarnations of God in other religions, especially by adherents to [[Dharmic Religions|dharmic]] traditions when explaining figures such as [[Jesus]].
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==Dasavatara: The Ten Avatars of Vishnu==
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{{see|Vishnu}}
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The ten most famous incarnations of Vishnu are collectively known as the 'Dasavatara' ('dasa' in [[Sanskrit]] means ten). This list is included in the [[Garuda Purana]] (1.86.10-11) and denotes those avatars most prominent in terms of their influence on human society.
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The majority of avatars in this list of ten are categorised as 'lila-avatars' as will be discussed below.
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The first four are said to have appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]] (the first of the four [[Yuga]]s or ages in the time cycle described within Hinduism). The next three avatars appeared in the [[Treta Yuga]], the eighth incarnation in the [[Dwapara Yuga]] and the ninth in the [[Kali Yuga]]. The tenth is predicted to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga in some 427,000 years time.<ref> [http://www.vedabase.net/bg/8/17/en1  B-Gita 8.17] "And finally in Kali-yuga (the yuga we have now been experiencing over the past 5,000 years) there is an abundance of strife, ignorance, irreligion and vice, true virtue being practically nonexistent, and this yuga lasts 432,000 years. In Kali-yuga vice increases to such a point that at the termination of the yuga the Supreme Lord Himself appears as the Kalki avatara" </ref>
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# '''[[Matsya]]''', the [[fish]], appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]].
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# '''[[Kurma]]''', the [[tortoise]], appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]].
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# '''[[Varaha]]''', the [[boar]], appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]].
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# '''[[Narasimha]]''', the [[lion|half-man/half-lion]] appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]].
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# '''[[Vamana]]''', the [[dwarf]], appeared in the [[Treta Yuga]].
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# '''[[Parashurama]]''', Rama with the axe, appeared in the [[Treta Yuga]].
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# '''[[Rama]]''', Ramachandra, the prince and king of Ayodhya, appeared in the [[Treta Yuga]].
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# '''[[Krishna]]''' (meaning 'dark coloured' or 'all attractive') appeared in the [[Dwapara Yuga]] along with his brother '''[[Balarama]]'''. According to the [[Bhagavata Purana]] Balarama is said to have appeared in the [[Dwapara Yuga]] (along with Krishna) as an incarnation of [[Shesha|Ananta Shesha]]. He is also counted as an avatar Vishnu by the majority of [[Vaishnava]] movements and is included as the ninth Dasavatara in some versions of the list which contain no reference to Buddha.
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#'''[[Buddha as an Avatar of Vishnu|Buddha]]''' (meaning 'the enlightened one') appeared in the [[Kali Yuga]] (specifically as [[Siddhartha Gautama]]).
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# '''[[Kalki]]''' ("Eternity", or "time", or "The Destroyer of foulness"), who is expected to appear at the end of [[Kali Yuga]], the time period in which we currently exist, which will end in the year <nowiki>428899 C.E.</nowiki>.
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==Types of avatars==
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[[Image:Madhvacharya_avatars.jpg|frame|right|[[Avatars]] of [[Madhvacharya]]. From top (in order of occurrence): [[Hanuman]], [[Bhima]] and Shri Madhvacharya]]
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According to the Puranas countless numbers of avatars descend into our universe.<ref> [http://srimadbhagavatam.com/1/3/26/en1 Bhag-P 1.3.26] "O brahmanas, the incarnations of the Lord are innumerable, like rivulets flowing from inexhaustible sources of water" </ref> Theologically within [[Vaishnavism]] the many avatars have been categorised into a number of different types depending on their specific personality and role as described in scripture. Not all are recognised as 'full' or 'direct' incarnations of Vishnu. Some avatars are believed to be souls blessed with certain abilities of 'divine origin', although being a [[jiva]] themselves.
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'''Purusha avatars''': These are described as the original avatars of Vishnu within the universe:
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* [[Vasudeva]]
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* [[Shesha|Sankarshan]]
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* [[Pradyumna]]
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* [[Aniruddha]]
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'''Guna avatars''': The avatars in control of the three modes ([[guna]]s) of nature.
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{{main|Trimurthi}}
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* [[Brahma]] - Controller of the mode of passion and desire ([[rajas]])
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* [[Vishnu]] - As controller of the mode of goodness ([[sattva]])
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* [[Shiva]] - Controller of the mode of ignorance ([[tamas]])
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'''Lila avatars''': There are too many lila-avatars to list. [[Lila]] translates to 'pastime', and the lilavatars are those which descend at regular intervals throughout time to perform a particular series of events in order to instruct others in the paths of [[dharma]], [[bhakti]] or [[moksha]]. The Dasavatars and avatars from the Puranas (as below) are examples of this type.
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'''Manvantara avatars''': These are beings responsible for creating progency throughout the universe, said to be unlimited in number. ''For further information see: [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]].''
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'''Shaktyavesa avatars''': These are of two types - a direct avatar of Vishnu and a partial avatar of Vishnu's power, given to a specific living being. There are said to be a great number of avatars of this second type imparticular. An example would be [[Narada|Narada Muni]] or [[Buddha as an Avatar of Vishnu|Buddha]] The secondary avatar class is sometimes called Saktyamsavatar, Saktyaveshavatar or avesha avatar. Other secondary avatars, include [[Parashurama]] in which Vishnu does not directly descend. Parashurama is the only one of the traditional ten avatars that is not a direct descent of Vishnu. According to [[Srivaishnavism]], there are two types of secondary avatars: 1) Vishnu enters a soul with His form {{fact}}. (e.g., [[Parashurama]]) or 2) Vishnu does not enter a soul with His own form, but gives him extraordinary divine powers. (e.g., [[Veda Vyasa]].) The secondary avatar class besides being called shaktyavesa avatar is also called Saktyamsavatar,or avesha avatar.
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The secondary avatars are generally not worshipped as the Supreme being, only the direct, primary avatars are worshipped in this way. In practice, the direct avatars that are worshipped today are the Purna avatars of [[Narasimha]], [[Rama]] and [[Krishna]]. among most Vaishnava traditions, Krishna is considered to be the highest kind of Purna avatar. However, followers of [[Chaitanya]] (including [[ISKCON]]), [[Nimbarka]], [[Vallabhacharya]] differ philosophically from other Vaishnavites, such as [[Ramanuja]] and [[Madhva]] and consider Krishna to be the ultimate Godhead, and not simply an avatar. In any event, all Hindus believe that there is no difference between worship of Vishnu and His avatars as it all leads to Him.
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According to [[Madhvacharya]], all avatars of Vishnu are alike in potency and every other quality. There is no gradation among them, and perceiving or claiming any differences among avatars is a cause of eternal damnation.  (See Madhva's commentary on the Katha Upanishad, or his Mahabharata-Tatparya-Nirnaya.)
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According to [[Sri Vaishnavism|Srivaishnavite]] doctrine, there are two types of avatars, primary avatars and secondary avatars. The most common type of primary avatars are called [[Svarupavatars]], in which He manifests Himself in His [[Sat-cid-ananda]] form. In the primary avatars, such as Narasimha, Rama, Krishna], Vishnu directly descends. The Svarupavatars are subdivided into [[Amsarupavatars]] and [[Purna avatars]]. In Amsarupavatars, Vishnu is fully present in the body but He is manifest in the person only partially. Such avatars include the first five avatars from Matsya to Vamana except for Narasimha. Narasimha, Rama and Krishna, on the other hand, are types of Purna avatars, in which all the qualities and powers of the Lord are expressed. Narasimha and Rama are also additionally considered to be [[Lila avatars]].
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== The 25 Avatars of the Puranas ==
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[[Image:Varahadev.jpg|right|thumb|260px|Deity form of [[Varaha]], Khajuraho, 12th C AD]]
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The [[Puranas]] list twenty-five avatars of Vishnu. A description of these is found in the [[Bhagavata Purana]], Canto 1, Chapter 3 <ref> [http://srimadbhagavatam.com/1/3/en1 Bhag-P 1.3] Canto 1, Chapter 3 </ref> as follows:
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# [[Four Kumaras|Catursana]] (the four sons of Brahma)
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# [[Narada]] (the travelling sage)
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# [[Varaha]] (the boar)
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# [[Matsya]] (the fish)
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# [[Yajna]] (Vishnu temporarily taking the role of [[Indra]])
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# [[Nara-Narayana]] (the twins)
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# [[Kapila]] (the philosopher)
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# [[Dattatreya]] (combined avatar of the [[trimurthi]])
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# [[Hayagriva]] (the horse)
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# [[Hamsa (purana)|Hamsa]] (the swan)
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# [[Prsnigarbha]]
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# [[Rishabha]] (father of [[Bharata (emperor)|King Bharata]])
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# [[Prithu]]
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# [[Narasimha]] (the Man-Lion)
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# [[Kurma]] (the tortoise)
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# [[Dhanvantari]] (father of [[ayurveda]])
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# [[Mohini]] (beautiful woman)
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# [[Vamana]] (the dwarf)
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# [[Parasurama]] (the warrior)
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# [[Ramachandra]] (the king of [[Ayodhya]])
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# [[Vyasa]] (writer of the [[Vedas]])
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# [[Balarama]] (Krishna's elder brother)
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# [[Krishna]] (the cowherd)
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# [[Buddha as an Avatar of Vishnu|Buddha]] (the reformer)
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# [[Kalki]] (the destroyer)
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Based on a verse in the latter texts of the Bhagavata Purana<ref>[http://srimadbhagavatam.com/11/5/32/en1 Bhag-P 11.5.32] "In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself." </ref>, and a number of texts from the [[Mahabharata]] and other [[Puranic]] scriptures<ref> [http://veda.harekrsna.cz/encyclopedia/caitanya.htm Vedic Encyclopedia] "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu predicted" </ref>, [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] is also listed as an avatar and widely worshiped by followers of the [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism|Gaudiya Vaishnava]] tradition. In this connection Chaitanya is often referred to as the ''Golden Avatar''.
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== Symbolism ==
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Some groups claim that the ten avatars represent the evolution of life and of mankind on earth. Matsya, the fish, represents life in water. Kurma, the tortoise, represents the next stage, amphibianism. The third animal, the boar Varaha, symbolizes life on land. Narasimha, the Man-Lion, symbolizes the commencement development of mammals. Vamana, the dwarf, symbolizes this incomplete development of human. Then, Parashurama, the forest-dwelling hermit armed with an axe, connotes completion of the basic development of humankind. The King Rama signals man's ability to govern nations. Krishna, an expert in the sixty-four fields of science and art according to Hinduism, indicates man's advancement in culture and civilization. Balarama, whose weapon was a plough could stand for the development of agriculture. Buddha, the enlightened one, symbolizes social advancement of man.
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Note that the time of the avatars also has some significance: Thus, kings rule reached its ideal state in Treta Yuga with Rama Avatar and social justice and Dharma were protected in Dwapar Yuga with the avatar of Krishna. Thus the avatars represent the evolution of life and society with changing epoch from Krita Yuga to Kali yuga. The animal evolution and development connotations also bear striking resemblances to the modern scientific theory of [[Evolution]].
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The avatars described above are of Vishnu, which in a sense a symbol of the "current state" of the society. The wife of Vishnu is "Laxmi" the goddess of Wealth. The Wealth is generated by the society, and is required to keep it going. This is symbolized by keeping Laxmi at the feet of Vishnu and basically taking care of him. Brahma, the "Creator" god, is the god of Knowledge. He is supposed have created knowledge.
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The four Yugas are again the symbolically represented. The description of each Yuga is given as follows:
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* [[Satya Yuga]] is represented by a man carrying a small piece of pot (kamandalu).
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* [[Treta Yuga]] is represented by a man carrying a Cow and an Anchor.
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* [[Dvapara Yuga]] is represented by a man carrying a Bow and Parashu (Axe).
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* [[Kali Yuga]] is represented by a man who is ugly, without clothes and making offensive gestures holding in his hand his genitals (sex organ).
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If the above descriptions are seen carefully, one realizes that this also represents several technological advancements of the human society. In the first yuga there is a development of pottery, language and yagna (yadnya) rituals etc. The second yuga shows the mastering of agricultural techniques. The third yuga tells the development of weapons technology whereby the agricultural society (now staying in groups) and their generated wealth needs to be protected. The last yuga represents the complete anarchy of the values developed so far and is basically the last phase in the development of any society.
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== List of other people considered to be avatars ==
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{{details | List of people considered to be avatars}}
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Besides the avatars of Hinduism listed in the Puranas and Vedas, some other Indian Hindus are considered to be avatars by themselves or by others. Some of these include:
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* [[Hans Ji Maharaj]] (1900–1966) Declared that the Satguru is an avatar with the 64 [[kala]]s <ref>Gupta, Mahendra. ''Hans Puran'', (1969) New Delhi.</ref>
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* [[Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj]] ([[1922]]-[[Present (time)|present]]) is claimed to be an avatar of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by his followers. He is also known as 'Bhaktiyog-Ras-Avtar and 'Jagadgurottam' (Supreme among all previous Jagadgurus), these titles were given to him by Kashi Vidvat Parishat while declaring him 5th Jagadguru in last 2500 years and first in last 700 years (after [[Madhvacharya]]) on 14th January, 1957.
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* [[Mahavatar Babaji]] described by [[Paramahansa Yogananda]] in his ''[[wikisource:Autobiography of a Yogi|Autobiography of a Yogi]]'' as an Avatar.
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* [[Meher Baba]] ([[1894]]-[[1969]]) said he was the last avatar of the Kali Yuga or White Horse avatar.
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* [[Mother Meera]] ([[1960]]-present) claims and is believed to be an Avatar of Adipara-[[Shakti]]
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* [[Narayani Amma]] ([[1976]]-present) claimed as the real [[Narayani]] Avatar
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* [[Sathya Sai Baba]] (1926?-1929?-present) claims and is believed by his devotees to be an avatar of [[Shiva]], [[Shakti]] and [[Krishna]]. His followers say his advent was predicted in the book ''Bihar-al-anvar'' containing the preachings of [[Mohammad]], in the [[Bible]] - especially in the [[Book of Revelation]], in [[Hindu]] scriptures ([[Naadi]]), by Hindu saints like [[Sri Aurobindo]] (argued through an [http://www.kheper.net/topics/gurus/Sai_Baba_birthdate.html association of Sai Baba's birthdate with "the descent of the overmind"]) and several other ones [http://saibaba-aclearview.com/contents2.html] by Pope [[John XXIII]] as well as by the prophet [[Nostradamus]].
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* [[Shirdi Sai Baba]] (1838-1918) some of his followers believed him to be an avatar of [[Dattatreya]] and [[Shiva]]
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* [[Sri Ramakrishna]] (1836–1886) and [[Sri Sarada Devi]] (1853–1920). Ramakrishna is reported to have said to [[Swami Vivekananda]], "He who was Rama and Krishna is now, in this body, Ramakrishna."  Sarada Devi, who was married to Ramakrishna in a traditional Indian child marriage, is likewise considered by many to be an incarnation of Kali. This pairing of contemporaneous avatars is rare if not unique in Hindu history. Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Vivekananda are worshipped by devotees worldwide as a holy [[trinity]], the latter not as an avatar but as someone who is eternally free ''[[Siddha|nityasiddha]]'' or ''ishwarakoti'', born on earth to assist avatar in His mission, possessor of total enlightenment and liberation from his very birth.
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Some Hindus with a universalist outlook view the central figures of various non-Hindu religions as avatars. Many other Hindus reject the idea of avatars outside of traditional Hinduism. Some of these religious figures include:
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* [[Adi Da]] ([[1939]]-present) states he is the Avatar of " The Bright " incarnate, and uses the title [http://www.adidam.com/adi-da.htm Avatar Adi Da Samraj]
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* [[Bahá'u'lláh]] (1817–1892) the founder-prophet of the [[Bahá'í Faith]], believed to be [[Kalki]] Avatar.
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* [[Gautama Buddha]] (563-483B.C.E.-543B.C.E.) the key figure in [[Buddhism]]. See [[Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan]] and [[Vaishnava Theology]].
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* [[Jesus]] (4 B.C.E.-36) whose teachings inspired [[Christianity]]. <ref>[http://www.salagram.net/Jesus-Went-To-India.htm Jesus in India]</ref>
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* [[Mahavira]] (599 B.C.E.-527 B.C.E.) originator of the tenets of [[Jainism]].
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* [[Samael Aun Weor]] ([[1917]]-[[1977]]) claimed to be the real Kalki Avatar and Buddha [[Maitreya]].{{citation needed}}
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* [[Zoroaster]] (Zarathustra) the prophet of [[Zoroastrianism]].
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==Influence of Avatar Philosophy==
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=== Theosophy ===
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The avatar concept was adapted by orientalising Western occultism, specifically [[Theosophy]] and [[Neo-Theosophy]]. In a [http://www.theosophical.ca/Avataras.htm series of four lectures] delivered at the [[Theosophical Society Adyar|Theosophical Society at Adyar]], Madras, in December [[1899]], [[Annie Besant]], the president of the society, combines Theosophical concepts with classic Vaishvanite ideas. A decade later, her co-worker the [[clairvoyant]] [[Charles Webster Leadbeater]] would claim that his young protege [[Jiddu Krishnamurti]] was actually the avatar of a Cosmic Christ-like being called the [[Maitreya]]. The resulting Star of the East debacle almost destroyed the Theosophical Society.
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===The New Age===
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Many [[New Age]] teachings have been strongly influenced by Neo-Theosophical ideas (primarily through [[Alice Bailey]]), and feature a celestial hierarchy of [[ascended masters]]. At the head of the hierarchy is the same being, the Maitreya, that Leadbeater claimed to see in Krishnamurti. Some New Age teachings speak of the coming return of Christ, or the coming of the Maitreya, which will usher in a new cosmic Era. According to [[Benjamin Creme]], the Maitreya has already incarnated, and will soon reveal himself.
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== Criticism of contemporary avatars ==
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Many [[new religious movement]]s related to Hinduism (see [[Contemporary Hindu movements]]), some of which are viewed as [[cult]]s, have more contentious views, including a tendency in modern times to place their [[guru]] as [[ishta-deva]].
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[[Swami Tapasyananda]] of [[Ramakrishna Mission]], on commentating about this phenomenon, said:
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: ''The avatar doctrine has been excessively abused by many Hindus today and we have the strange phenomenon of every disciple of a sectarian Guru claiming him to be an avatar. Christianity has therefore limited the Divine Incarnation as a one-time phenomenon. The theory has strong points and equally strong defects but it surmounts the gross abuse of the doctrine indulged in by many Hindus.''
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Thus, if followers respect and revere the guru, it is only proper if they are using him as a conduit to God, and respect him as a teacher.
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However, Swami [[Sivananda]] has said that a guru can be likened to God if he himself has attained realization and is a link between the individual and [[the Absolute]]. Such a guru, according to his definition and interpretation, should have actually attained union with God, inspire devotion in others, and have a presence that purifies all.
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As early as the [[17th century|17<sup>th</sup> century]], the great Vaishnavite saint, [[Raghavendra Swami]], in his last speech before departing from the mortal world, warned about the dangers of fraudulent gurus by saying:
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: ''The search for knowledge is never easy. As the Upanishads say it is like walking on the razor's edge. But for those who have strong faith and put in sustained effort and have the blessings of Shi [[Hari]] and guru this is not difficult. Always keep away from people who merely perform miracles without following the [[shastras]] and yet call themselves God or guru. I have performed miracles, and so have great persons like [[Shrimadacharya]]. These are based on yoga siddhi and the shastras. There is no fraud or trickery at all. These miracles were performed only to show the greatness of God and the wonderful powers that one can attain with His grace. Right knowledge (jnana) is greater than any miracle. Without this no real miracle can take place. Any miracle performed without this right knowledge is only ''witchcraft''. No good will come to those who perform such miracles and also those who believe in them.''
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==See also==
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* [[Buddha as an Avatar of Vishnu]]
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== References ==
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* [http://www.srivaishnavam.com/stotras/dasavatharam_meaning.htm#PARASURAMA Meaning of Parashurama, an Avesha avatar.]
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* [http://www.srivaishnavan.com/ans_iswara.html#67 Types of Avatars; answers to questions #67-70.]
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* ''Bhakti Schools of Vedanta'', pg. 94, by Swami Tapasyananda, available at Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. available at India web site: http://www.sriramakrishnamath.org and US site: http://www.vedanta.org.
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<references />
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*: "Only he is the true teacher [''[[Satguru]]''] who can show what are the religious and social obligations [''[[dharma]]''], show God to you, and give you the Knowledge of the holy name [''sat nam'']. And he who can give you the Knowledge of this dharma is completely wise. Satguru is the one who has the perfect wisdom. And other than the Satguru no one has the perfect wisdom. Oh! People of the world! Only a perfect avatar with the sixty-four virtues [''[[kalae]]''] can reveal this Knowledge." Hans Ji Maharaj  (Bombay, March 1966)
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*Sri Aurobindo, ''Letters on Yoga<i/> and The Life Divine, [http://www.quantumyoga.org/Revolt%20Spirit%20vs%20Matter%20Life%20Divine.htm excerpts] pertaining to Krishna and Buddha and the evolution of consciousness and selections from Patrizia Norelli-Bachelet's <i>The Gnostic Circle'' and <i>Vishaal Newsletter<i/> regarding the contention that Sri Aurobindo is the 9th of the Hindu Line of Ten Avatars.
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== External links ==
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===General===
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* [http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/encyclopedia/avatars.htm Avataras as categorized within Gaudiya Vaishnavism]
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* [http://www.gaudiya.com/image/manifestations.gif Diagram showing the 'family tree' of different Avatars]
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* [http://www.gaudiya.com/index.php?topic=theology Description of different Avatar types]
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* [http://www.akumar.com/thesis Animation Project based on Vishnu's Ten Incarnations]
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* [http://www.salagram.net/Dasavatara-page.htm Dasavatara stotra and the ten avataras]
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* [http://srimadbhagavatam.org/music/text/dasavatara.html Śrî Das'āvatāra Stotra:] composed by Śrî Jayadeva Gosvāmî (inc. Audio file).
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* [http://www.avatara.org/ The Avatar site]
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* [http://www.saidarbar.org/dattatreya/saidatta.htm Avatars of Lord Guru Datt]
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* [http://www.srivaishnavam.com/stotras/dasavatharam_meaning.htm Avatars with meanings.]
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===Academic===
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* [http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Religions/Avatars/Vishnu.html Avatars (Incarnations or Descents) of Vishnu]
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* [http://www.srivaishnavam.com/stotras/dasavatharam_meaning.htm Dasavatar discussion with meanings]
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* [http://www.krishna.com/chinese/printarticles/Dasavataras.html Dasavataras] (krishna.com)
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* [http://www.virtuescience.com/i-am-the-one-and-only.html Explores the claims made by various possible Avatars]
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[[Category: Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category: Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category: Religion]]
 
[[Category: Religion]]
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Revision as of 03:03, 30 January 2007

The ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, copyright BBT

In Hindu philosophy, an avatar, avatara or avataram (Sanskrit: अवतार, Template:IAST1), most commonly refers to the incarnation (bodily manifestation) of a higher being (deva), or the Supreme Being (God) onto planet Earth. The Sanskrit word avatāra- literally means "descent" (avatarati) and usually implies a deliberate descent into lower realms of existence for special purposes. The term is used primarily in Hinduism, for incarnations of Vishnu whom many Hindus worship as God.

The word has also been used by extension to refer to the incarnations of God in other religions, especially by adherents to dharmic traditions when explaining figures such as Jesus.

Dasavatara: The Ten Avatars of Vishnu

Further information: Vishnu

The ten most famous incarnations of Vishnu are collectively known as the 'Dasavatara' ('dasa' in Sanskrit means ten). This list is included in the Garuda Purana (1.86.10-11) and denotes those avatars most prominent in terms of their influence on human society.

The majority of avatars in this list of ten are categorised as 'lila-avatars' as will be discussed below. The first four are said to have appeared in the Satya Yuga (the first of the four Yugas or ages in the time cycle described within Hinduism). The next three avatars appeared in the Treta Yuga, the eighth incarnation in the Dwapara Yuga and the ninth in the Kali Yuga. The tenth is predicted to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga in some 427,000 years time.[1]

  1. Matsya, the fish, appeared in the Satya Yuga.
  2. Kurma, the tortoise, appeared in the Satya Yuga.
  3. Varaha, the boar, appeared in the Satya Yuga.
  4. Narasimha, the half-man/half-lion appeared in the Satya Yuga.
  5. Vamana, the dwarf, appeared in the Treta Yuga.
  6. Parashurama, Rama with the axe, appeared in the Treta Yuga.
  7. Rama, Ramachandra, the prince and king of Ayodhya, appeared in the Treta Yuga.
  8. Krishna (meaning 'dark coloured' or 'all attractive') appeared in the Dwapara Yuga along with his brother Balarama. According to the Bhagavata Purana Balarama is said to have appeared in the Dwapara Yuga (along with Krishna) as an incarnation of Ananta Shesha. He is also counted as an avatar Vishnu by the majority of Vaishnava movements and is included as the ninth Dasavatara in some versions of the list which contain no reference to Buddha.
  9. Buddha (meaning 'the enlightened one') appeared in the Kali Yuga (specifically as Siddhartha Gautama).
  10. Kalki ("Eternity", or "time", or "The Destroyer of foulness"), who is expected to appear at the end of Kali Yuga, the time period in which we currently exist, which will end in the year 428899 C.E.

Types of avatars

File:Madhvacharya avatars.jpg
Avatars of Madhvacharya. From top (in order of occurrence): Hanuman, Bhima and Shri Madhvacharya

According to the Puranas countless numbers of avatars descend into our universe.[2] Theologically within Vaishnavism the many avatars have been categorised into a number of different types depending on their specific personality and role as described in scripture. Not all are recognised as 'full' or 'direct' incarnations of Vishnu. Some avatars are believed to be souls blessed with certain abilities of 'divine origin', although being a jiva themselves.

Purusha avatars: These are described as the original avatars of Vishnu within the universe:

  • Vasudeva
  • Sankarshan
  • Pradyumna
  • Aniruddha

Guna avatars: The avatars in control of the three modes (gunas) of nature.

  • Brahma - Controller of the mode of passion and desire (rajas)
  • Vishnu - As controller of the mode of goodness (sattva)
  • Shiva - Controller of the mode of ignorance (tamas)

Lila avatars: There are too many lila-avatars to list. Lila translates to 'pastime', and the lilavatars are those which descend at regular intervals throughout time to perform a particular series of events in order to instruct others in the paths of dharma, bhakti or moksha. The Dasavatars and avatars from the Puranas (as below) are examples of this type.

Manvantara avatars: These are beings responsible for creating progency throughout the universe, said to be unlimited in number. For further information see: Manu.

Shaktyavesa avatars: These are of two types - a direct avatar of Vishnu and a partial avatar of Vishnu's power, given to a specific living being. There are said to be a great number of avatars of this second type imparticular. An example would be Narada Muni or Buddha The secondary avatar class is sometimes called Saktyamsavatar, Saktyaveshavatar or avesha avatar. Other secondary avatars, include Parashurama in which Vishnu does not directly descend. Parashurama is the only one of the traditional ten avatars that is not a direct descent of Vishnu. According to Srivaishnavism, there are two types of secondary avatars: 1) Vishnu enters a soul with His form [citation needed]. (e.g., Parashurama) or 2) Vishnu does not enter a soul with His own form, but gives him extraordinary divine powers. (e.g., Veda Vyasa.) The secondary avatar class besides being called shaktyavesa avatar is also called Saktyamsavatar,or avesha avatar.

The secondary avatars are generally not worshipped as the Supreme being, only the direct, primary avatars are worshipped in this way. In practice, the direct avatars that are worshipped today are the Purna avatars of Narasimha, Rama and Krishna. among most Vaishnava traditions, Krishna is considered to be the highest kind of Purna avatar. However, followers of Chaitanya (including ISKCON), Nimbarka, Vallabhacharya differ philosophically from other Vaishnavites, such as Ramanuja and Madhva and consider Krishna to be the ultimate Godhead, and not simply an avatar. In any event, all Hindus believe that there is no difference between worship of Vishnu and His avatars as it all leads to Him.

According to Madhvacharya, all avatars of Vishnu are alike in potency and every other quality. There is no gradation among them, and perceiving or claiming any differences among avatars is a cause of eternal damnation. (See Madhva's commentary on the Katha Upanishad, or his Mahabharata-Tatparya-Nirnaya.)

According to Srivaishnavite doctrine, there are two types of avatars, primary avatars and secondary avatars. The most common type of primary avatars are called Svarupavatars, in which He manifests Himself in His Sat-cid-ananda form. In the primary avatars, such as Narasimha, Rama, Krishna], Vishnu directly descends. The Svarupavatars are subdivided into Amsarupavatars and Purna avatars. In Amsarupavatars, Vishnu is fully present in the body but He is manifest in the person only partially. Such avatars include the first five avatars from Matsya to Vamana except for Narasimha. Narasimha, Rama and Krishna, on the other hand, are types of Purna avatars, in which all the qualities and powers of the Lord are expressed. Narasimha and Rama are also additionally considered to be Lila avatars.

The 25 Avatars of the Puranas

Deity form of Varaha, Khajuraho, 12th C AD

The Puranas list twenty-five avatars of Vishnu. A description of these is found in the Bhagavata Purana, Canto 1, Chapter 3 [3] as follows:

  1. Catursana (the four sons of Brahma)
  2. Narada (the travelling sage)
  3. Varaha (the boar)
  4. Matsya (the fish)
  5. Yajna (Vishnu temporarily taking the role of Indra)
  6. Nara-Narayana (the twins)
  7. Kapila (the philosopher)
  8. Dattatreya (combined avatar of the trimurthi)
  9. Hayagriva (the horse)
  10. Hamsa (the swan)
  11. Prsnigarbha
  12. Rishabha (father of King Bharata)
  13. Prithu
  14. Narasimha (the Man-Lion)
  15. Kurma (the tortoise)
  16. Dhanvantari (father of ayurveda)
  17. Mohini (beautiful woman)
  18. Vamana (the dwarf)
  19. Parasurama (the warrior)
  20. Ramachandra (the king of Ayodhya)
  21. Vyasa (writer of the Vedas)
  22. Balarama (Krishna's elder brother)
  23. Krishna (the cowherd)
  24. Buddha (the reformer)
  25. Kalki (the destroyer)

Based on a verse in the latter texts of the Bhagavata Purana[4], and a number of texts from the Mahabharata and other Puranic scriptures[5], Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is also listed as an avatar and widely worshiped by followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. In this connection Chaitanya is often referred to as the Golden Avatar.

Symbolism

Some groups claim that the ten avatars represent the evolution of life and of mankind on earth. Matsya, the fish, represents life in water. Kurma, the tortoise, represents the next stage, amphibianism. The third animal, the boar Varaha, symbolizes life on land. Narasimha, the Man-Lion, symbolizes the commencement development of mammals. Vamana, the dwarf, symbolizes this incomplete development of human. Then, Parashurama, the forest-dwelling hermit armed with an axe, connotes completion of the basic development of humankind. The King Rama signals man's ability to govern nations. Krishna, an expert in the sixty-four fields of science and art according to Hinduism, indicates man's advancement in culture and civilization. Balarama, whose weapon was a plough could stand for the development of agriculture. Buddha, the enlightened one, symbolizes social advancement of man.

Note that the time of the avatars also has some significance: Thus, kings rule reached its ideal state in Treta Yuga with Rama Avatar and social justice and Dharma were protected in Dwapar Yuga with the avatar of Krishna. Thus the avatars represent the evolution of life and society with changing epoch from Krita Yuga to Kali yuga. The animal evolution and development connotations also bear striking resemblances to the modern scientific theory of Evolution.

The avatars described above are of Vishnu, which in a sense a symbol of the "current state" of the society. The wife of Vishnu is "Laxmi" the goddess of Wealth. The Wealth is generated by the society, and is required to keep it going. This is symbolized by keeping Laxmi at the feet of Vishnu and basically taking care of him. Brahma, the "Creator" god, is the god of Knowledge. He is supposed have created knowledge.

The four Yugas are again the symbolically represented. The description of each Yuga is given as follows:

  • Satya Yuga is represented by a man carrying a small piece of pot (kamandalu).
  • Treta Yuga is represented by a man carrying a Cow and an Anchor.
  • Dvapara Yuga is represented by a man carrying a Bow and Parashu (Axe).
  • Kali Yuga is represented by a man who is ugly, without clothes and making offensive gestures holding in his hand his genitals (sex organ).

If the above descriptions are seen carefully, one realizes that this also represents several technological advancements of the human society. In the first yuga there is a development of pottery, language and yagna (yadnya) rituals etc. The second yuga shows the mastering of agricultural techniques. The third yuga tells the development of weapons technology whereby the agricultural society (now staying in groups) and their generated wealth needs to be protected. The last yuga represents the complete anarchy of the values developed so far and is basically the last phase in the development of any society.

List of other people considered to be avatars

Besides the avatars of Hinduism listed in the Puranas and Vedas, some other Indian Hindus are considered to be avatars by themselves or by others. Some of these include:

  • Hans Ji Maharaj (1900–1966) Declared that the Satguru is an avatar with the 64 kalas [6]
  • Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj (1922-present) is claimed to be an avatar of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by his followers. He is also known as 'Bhaktiyog-Ras-Avtar and 'Jagadgurottam' (Supreme among all previous Jagadgurus), these titles were given to him by Kashi Vidvat Parishat while declaring him 5th Jagadguru in last 2500 years and first in last 700 years (after Madhvacharya) on 14th January, 1957.
  • Mahavatar Babaji described by Paramahansa Yogananda in his Autobiography of a Yogi as an Avatar.
  • Meher Baba (1894-1969) said he was the last avatar of the Kali Yuga or White Horse avatar.
  • Mother Meera (1960-present) claims and is believed to be an Avatar of Adipara-Shakti
  • Narayani Amma (1976-present) claimed as the real Narayani Avatar
  • Sathya Sai Baba (1926?-1929?-present) claims and is believed by his devotees to be an avatar of Shiva, Shakti and Krishna. His followers say his advent was predicted in the book Bihar-al-anvar containing the preachings of Mohammad, in the Bible - especially in the Book of Revelation, in Hindu scriptures (Naadi), by Hindu saints like Sri Aurobindo (argued through an association of Sai Baba's birthdate with "the descent of the overmind") and several other ones [1] by Pope John XXIII as well as by the prophet Nostradamus.
  • Shirdi Sai Baba (1838-1918) some of his followers believed him to be an avatar of Dattatreya and Shiva
  • Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886) and Sri Sarada Devi (1853–1920). Ramakrishna is reported to have said to Swami Vivekananda, "He who was Rama and Krishna is now, in this body, Ramakrishna." Sarada Devi, who was married to Ramakrishna in a traditional Indian child marriage, is likewise considered by many to be an incarnation of Kali. This pairing of contemporaneous avatars is rare if not unique in Hindu history. Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Vivekananda are worshipped by devotees worldwide as a holy trinity, the latter not as an avatar but as someone who is eternally free nityasiddha or ishwarakoti, born on earth to assist avatar in His mission, possessor of total enlightenment and liberation from his very birth.

Some Hindus with a universalist outlook view the central figures of various non-Hindu religions as avatars. Many other Hindus reject the idea of avatars outside of traditional Hinduism. Some of these religious figures include:

Influence of Avatar Philosophy

Theosophy

The avatar concept was adapted by orientalising Western occultism, specifically Theosophy and Neo-Theosophy. In a series of four lectures delivered at the Theosophical Society at Adyar, Madras, in December 1899, Annie Besant, the president of the society, combines Theosophical concepts with classic Vaishvanite ideas. A decade later, her co-worker the clairvoyant Charles Webster Leadbeater would claim that his young protege Jiddu Krishnamurti was actually the avatar of a Cosmic Christ-like being called the Maitreya. The resulting Star of the East debacle almost destroyed the Theosophical Society.

The New Age

Many New Age teachings have been strongly influenced by Neo-Theosophical ideas (primarily through Alice Bailey), and feature a celestial hierarchy of ascended masters. At the head of the hierarchy is the same being, the Maitreya, that Leadbeater claimed to see in Krishnamurti. Some New Age teachings speak of the coming return of Christ, or the coming of the Maitreya, which will usher in a new cosmic Era. According to Benjamin Creme, the Maitreya has already incarnated, and will soon reveal himself.

Criticism of contemporary avatars

Many new religious movements related to Hinduism (see Contemporary Hindu movements), some of which are viewed as cults, have more contentious views, including a tendency in modern times to place their guru as ishta-deva.

Swami Tapasyananda of Ramakrishna Mission, on commentating about this phenomenon, said:

The avatar doctrine has been excessively abused by many Hindus today and we have the strange phenomenon of every disciple of a sectarian Guru claiming him to be an avatar. Christianity has therefore limited the Divine Incarnation as a one-time phenomenon. The theory has strong points and equally strong defects but it surmounts the gross abuse of the doctrine indulged in by many Hindus.

Thus, if followers respect and revere the guru, it is only proper if they are using him as a conduit to God, and respect him as a teacher.

However, Swami Sivananda has said that a guru can be likened to God if he himself has attained realization and is a link between the individual and the Absolute. Such a guru, according to his definition and interpretation, should have actually attained union with God, inspire devotion in others, and have a presence that purifies all.

As early as the 17th century, the great Vaishnavite saint, Raghavendra Swami, in his last speech before departing from the mortal world, warned about the dangers of fraudulent gurus by saying:

The search for knowledge is never easy. As the Upanishads say it is like walking on the razor's edge. But for those who have strong faith and put in sustained effort and have the blessings of Shi Hari and guru this is not difficult. Always keep away from people who merely perform miracles without following the shastras and yet call themselves God or guru. I have performed miracles, and so have great persons like Shrimadacharya. These are based on yoga siddhi and the shastras. There is no fraud or trickery at all. These miracles were performed only to show the greatness of God and the wonderful powers that one can attain with His grace. Right knowledge (jnana) is greater than any miracle. Without this no real miracle can take place. Any miracle performed without this right knowledge is only witchcraft. No good will come to those who perform such miracles and also those who believe in them.

See also

  • Buddha as an Avatar of Vishnu

References
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  1. ↑ B-Gita 8.17 "And finally in Kali-yuga (the yuga we have now been experiencing over the past 5,000 years) there is an abundance of strife, ignorance, irreligion and vice, true virtue being practically nonexistent, and this yuga lasts 432,000 years. In Kali-yuga vice increases to such a point that at the termination of the yuga the Supreme Lord Himself appears as the Kalki avatara"
  2. ↑ Bhag-P 1.3.26 "O brahmanas, the incarnations of the Lord are innumerable, like rivulets flowing from inexhaustible sources of water"
  3. ↑ Bhag-P 1.3 Canto 1, Chapter 3
  4. ↑ Bhag-P 11.5.32 "In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself."
  5. ↑ Vedic Encyclopedia "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu predicted"
  6. ↑ Gupta, Mahendra. Hans Puran, (1969) New Delhi.
  7. ↑ Jesus in India
  • "Only he is the true teacher [Satguru] who can show what are the religious and social obligations [dharma], show God to you, and give you the Knowledge of the holy name [sat nam]. And he who can give you the Knowledge of this dharma is completely wise. Satguru is the one who has the perfect wisdom. And other than the Satguru no one has the perfect wisdom. Oh! People of the world! Only a perfect avatar with the sixty-four virtues [kalae] can reveal this Knowledge." Hans Ji Maharaj (Bombay, March 1966)
  • Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga and The Life Divine, excerpts pertaining to Krishna and Buddha and the evolution of consciousness and selections from Patrizia Norelli-Bachelet's The Gnostic Circle and Vishaal Newsletter regarding the contention that Sri Aurobindo is the 9th of the Hindu Line of Ten Avatars.

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