Dashavatara: the Astonishing 10 Incarnations of Bhagwan Vishnu
Dashavatara – an introduction:
Dashavatara embodies the ten avatars of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu, a pivotal deity within the Hindu Tridev. These manifestations, assuming diverse forms, cyclically emerge to harmonize the universe’s equilibrium. In times where righteousness faces peril from malevolence and obscurity endeavors to quench luminescence, Dashavatara materializes, safeguarding devotees.
- Matsya (Fish): Vishnu incarnated as a fish to safeguard the sacred Vedas during a deluge.
- Kurma (Tortoise): Vishnu transformed into a tortoise, aiding in churning the ocean of milk to secure the elixir of immortality.
- Varaha (Boar): Vishnu donned the form of a boar to salvage the earth from submersion, thwarting an evil entity.
- Narasimha (Half-man, half-lion): Vishnu emerged as a hybrid creature to shield devotee Prahlada from malevolent father Hiranyakashipu.
- Vamana (Young Brahmin): Vishnu took on a young Brahmin guise, beguiling the demon king Bali to rescue the world from tyranny.
- Parasurama (Brahmin with an axe): Vishnu appeared as a warrior with an axe, purging the world of despotic and conceited monarchs.
- Rama (King of Ayodhya): Vishnu incarnated as Prince Rama, vanquishing demon king Ravana and reinstating cosmic order.
- Krishna (King of Dwaraka): Vishnu manifested as Bhagwan Shri Krishna, imparting lessons of love, duty, and devotion.
- Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama): Vishnu incarnated as Buddha, enlightening people about self-realization and liberation from suffering.
- Kalki (The Destroyer): Vishnu will materialize as Kalki in the Kali Yuga’s culmination, eradicating malevolence and restoring cosmic harmony.
Dashavatara and Grahas:
The Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra (BPHS), the quintessential work of Vedic Astrology, in Chapter 2, Verses 5-7, delineates a roster of Nine celestial bodies and their respective Dashavatara. Although Maharishi Parashara omits mention of Kalki, prevailing scholarly consensus suggests Kalki’s alignment with the Ascendant (Lagna) in horoscopic analysis. The ensuing table splendidly highlights the grandeur of Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatara harmonized with each planetary influence::
| Sr | Graha | Avatar |
| 1 | Sun | Ram |
| 2 | Moon | Krishna |
| 3 | Mars | Narsimha |
| 4 | Mercury | Buddha |
| 5 | Jupiter | Vamana |
| 6 | Venus | Parshurama |
| 7 | Saturn | Kurma |
| 8 | Rahu | Varaha |
| 9 | Ketu | Matsya |
Should adverse consequences arise amidst the Mahadasha or Antardasha of a celestial body owing to its feebleness within your astrological blueprint, seeking solace through devotion is advised. To illustrate, encountering challenges during the Moon’s Dasha or grappling with the blemished or inauspicious Moon in your chart prompts an invocation to Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of Krishna for respite.
Matsya:
प्रलयपयोधिजले धृतवानसि वेदम् ।
विहितवहित्रचरित्रमखेदम् ।।
केशव धृतमीनशरीर जय जगदीश हरे ।।1।।
Kesava, the divine ruler, the embodiment of Lord Hari in the form of a fish! All honor to You! Your gracious intervention as a colossal fish served as a protective vessel for the Vedas, rescuing them from the tumultuous sea of destruction.
The Matsya narrative, a saga drawn from Hindu lore, chronicles the inaugural avatar within Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s Dashavatara, the universe’s safeguarding deity.
As the legend goes, an immense deluge loomed, threatening global annihilation. To avert catastrophe, Bhagwan Shri Vishnu assumed the guise of Matsya, a colossal fish, and alerted the righteous ruler Manu about the impending cataclysm.
Matsya counseled Manu to construct a vast vessel, assembling life’s seeds, seven sages, and a representative creature from each species to endure the flood’s ravages. Following Matsya’s guidance, Manu, along with survivors, found refuge aboard the boat, navigated by Matsya amid turbulent waters.
As the floodwaters receded, Matsya charged Manu with safeguarding life’s essence and imparted lessons on dharma, and righteousness. Additionally, Matsya divulged Vedic mysteries and cosmic insights to Manu, thereby establishing the bedrock of human wisdom.
Ultimately, upon reaching land, Matsya unveiled his true identity as Bhagwan Shri Vishnu, showered blessings upon Manu, and ascended back to his celestial realm.
The Matsya tale from Dashavatara symbolizes life’s cyclical rhythms and underscores the significance of upholding knowledge and virtue amid moments of adversity.
Kurma:
क्षितिरतिविपुलतरे तव तिष्ठति पृष्ठे ।
धरणिधरणकिणचक्रगरिष्ठे ।।
केशव धृतकच्छपरूप जय जगदीश हरे ।।2।।
Kesava, the supreme ruler of all, Hari incarnate as a divine tortoise! All reverence to You! Your incarnation as a magnificent tortoise sees the mighty Mandara Mountain as the pivot upon Your colossal back, used to churn the ocean of milk. This noble act has left a grand and revered scar-like impression on Your back, marking it with unparalleled glory.
The Kurma saga, an enchanting Hindu legend, recounts the second avatar within Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s Dashavatara, the universe’s guardian.
The tale unfolds when deities and demons unite to churn the ocean of milk, aspiring to attain the nectar of eternal life. Yet, the endeavor’s stability was compromised, necessitating support for the churning mountain. Herein, Bhagwan Shri Vishnu assumed the form of a Kurma, a steadfast tortoise, offering his back as support.
Amidst the churning, the ocean yielded treasures, including the coveted nectar of immortality. Nonetheless, the demons, participants in the venture, sought to seize the nectar. Bhagwan Shri Vishnu metamorphosed into Mohini, a captivating woman, beguiling the demons into relinquishing the nectar to the deities.
Kurma’s Dashavatara narrative underscores the significance of steadfastness and backing, whether in the ocean of milk or life’s challenges. Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s Kurma embodiment also embodies patience and resilience, mirroring the tortoise’s ability to endure adversity and persevere through daunting times.
Varaha:
वसति दशनशिखरे धरणी तव लग्ना ।
शशिनि कलंकलेव निमग्ना ।।
केशव धृतसूकररूप जय जगदीश हरे ।।3।।
Kesava, the divine ruler of all, Hari in the form of a boar! All praise to You! The earth, once submerged in the depths of the Garbhodaka Ocean at the universe’s base, now rests steadfastly upon the tip of Your tusk, akin to a mark upon the moon.
The Varaha saga, a captivating Hindu myth, narrates the third avatar within Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s Dashavatara, the cosmic conservator.
The tale unfurls as the earth lay submerged beneath the ocean’s expanse, ensnared by the demon Hiranyaksha who had purloined the Vedas, plunging them into the depths. Bhagwan Shri Vishnu, in the form of a colossal boar called Varaha, descended into the ocean’s abyss to reclaim the Vedas and reinstate the earth’s rightful position.
In fierce combat, Varaha vanquished Hiranyaksha and liberated the earth from its aqueous prison. With his tusks, he raised the earth and restored it to its primordial celestial location.
Varaha’s Dashavatara narrative epitomizes the notions of rescue and rejuvenation, embodying the significance of safeguarding knowledge and maintaining cosmic equilibrium.
Narsimha:
तव करकमलवरे नखमद्भुतश्रृंगम् ।
दलितहिरण्यकशिपुतनुभृंगम् ।।
केशव धृतनरहरिरूप जय जगदीश हरे ।।4।।
Kesava, the divine ruler, Hari in the form of half-man, half-lion! All admiration to You! Just as effortlessly as one can crush a wasp between their fingernails, the body of the demon Hiranyakasipu, resembling a wasp, has been torn asunder by the exquisite pointed nails on Your lovely lotus hands.
The Narasimha narrative, an enthralling Hindu legend, unveils the fourth avatar among Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s Dashavatara, the cosmic guardian.
In this tale, the demon king Hiranyakashipu, consumed by arrogance, proclaimed himself a deity. A boon rendered him impervious to humans, animals, and gods. Prahlada, his son, devoted to Bhagwan Shri Vishnu, refused to revere his father as divine.
Furious at Prahlada’s devotion, Hiranyakashipu attempted various means to eliminate him, but each endeavor failed. He then challenged Prahlada to manifest Bhagwan Shri Vishnu and summon him to the palace.
Prahlada responded that Bhagwan Shri Vishnu resided everywhere, even within the palace pillars. Hiranyakashipu struck a pillar with his mace, and from it emerged Bhagwan Shri Vishnu in the form of Narasimha, half-human, and half-lion.
Narasimha seized Hiranyakashipu, placed him on his lap, and rended him with his claws. This act transpired at twilight, neither day nor night, at the palace threshold, neither indoors nor outdoors. Thus, the conditions of the boon were met, rendering Hiranyakashipu neither human, animal, nor deity.
Narasimha’s Dashavatara saga encapsulates the triumph of virtue over malevolence and the potency of devotion to quell arrogance and oppression.
Vamana:
छलयसि विक्रमणे बलिमद्भुतवामन ।
पदनखनीरजनितजनपावन ।।
केशव धृतवामनरूप जय जगदीश हरे ।।5।।
Kesava, the divine ruler, Hari in the form of a dwarf-brahmana! All reverence to You! Oh magnificent dwarf, through your colossal strides, you outwit King Bali, and by the sacred waters of the Ganges flowing from the nails of your lotus feet, you grant salvation to all living beings within this world.
The Vamana chronicle, a captivating Hindu tale, recounts the fifth avatar within Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s Dashavatara, the cosmic conservator.
In this legend, the demon king Bali wielded immense power, asserting dominion over the three realms – heaven, earth, and the netherworld. Bhagwan Shri Vishnu, adopting the form of a young Brahmin named Vamana, manifested before Bali during an elaborate ritual aimed at solidifying his supremacy.
Vamana sought a modest gift: a mere three paces of land. Bali, viewing the request as inconsequential, granted it. Astonishingly, Vamana expanded in stature. With the first step, he covered the earth, and with the second, he veiled the skies. Recognizing Vamana as none other than Bhagwan Shri Vishnu, Bali, in deference, offered his head for Vamana’s third stride.
Vamana placed his foot upon Bali’s head, propelling the demon king into the netherworld. Yet, Bhagwan Shri Vishnu was gratified by Bali’s devotion and bestowed upon him the boon to reign over the underworld.
The Vamana Dashavatara narrative embodies the notions of humility and devotion, and underscores the significance of equilibrium within the cosmic power structure.
Parashurama:
क्षत्रियरुधिरमये जगदपगतपापम् ।
स्नपयसि पयसि शमितभवतापम् ।।
केशव धृतभृगुपतिरूप जय जगदीश हरे ।।6।।
Kesava, the divine ruler, Hari incarnated as Bhrigupati [Parasurama]! All honor to You! At Kurukshetra, you inundate the earth in the rivers of blood flowing from the bodies of the demon-like warriors you have vanquished. Through your actions, the world’s sins are cleansed, granting relief to people from the scorching flames of material existence.
The Parashurama saga, an entrancing Hindu narrative, unveils the sixth avatar amidst Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s Dashavatara, the universal preserver.
As the tale goes, Parashurama was born to sage Jamadagni and Renuka. His name denoted his axe prowess, “Parashu,” a gift from Bhagwan Shri Shiva.
Parashurama’s valor and warrior acumen were renowned, alongside his unwavering devotion to Shiva and his commitment to defending the virtuous.
Once, King Kartavirya Arjuna and his army visited Jamadagni’s hermitage, seeking hospitality. Despite their treatment, Arjuna remained dissatisfied and pilfered the ashram’s solitary sustenance – a cow. Provoked, Parashurama slew the king and his retinue.
Subsequently, Kartavirya Arjuna’s sons avenged their father’s death by killing Parashurama’s father. Vowing retribution, Parashurama vowed to eliminate every Kshatriya, or warrior, from the earth. Waging a campaign, he slew innumerable kings and warriors, purging the world of their oppression and arrogance.
However, his violence weighed on his conscience, prompting his transition from warriorhood to sagehood. He relinquished his axe for Vedic studies and championed dharma or righteousness.
Rama:
वितरसि दिक्षु रणे दिक्पतिकमनीयम् ।
दशमुखमौलिबलिं रमणीयम् ।।
केशव धृतरघुपतिवेष जय जगदीश हरे ।।7।।
Kesava, the divine ruler, Hari incarnated as Ramacandra! All praises to You! In the fierce battle of Lanka, you obliterate the ten-headed demon Ravana, presenting his heads as a gratifying tribute to the leading deities of the ten directions, led by Indra. This act fulfilled the long-held desire of these deities who had been greatly troubled by the tyranny of this monstrous being.
The Rama saga, an epic from ancient Indian lore, revolves around the virtuous prince Rama, an avatar of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s principal deities. Among the Dashavatara, Rama stands as the cherished and revered figure.
The narrative commences with Rama’s birth in Ayodhya, within the Kosala realm, born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya. Rama matures into an exemplary prince, adored by all, and ultimately weds Sita, the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila.
Yet, a sequence of events unfolds, causing Rama’s fourteen-year exile, during which he, Sita, and his brother Lakshmana reside in the wilderness. Herein, Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana and taken to his realm, Lanka.
Rama embarks on a quest to rescue Sita, aided by Hanuman and an army of monkeys and bears. Following a fierce confrontation, Rama vanquishes Ravana and liberates Sita, returning to Ayodhya with her. Rama ascends the throne, governing the realm with equity and compassion.
Nonetheless, Rama’s joy is brief, as doubts about Sita’s fidelity emerge among his subjects. Though Rama trusts Sita implicitly, his roles as both a husband and king lead him to make a painful decision for the greater good. Rama’s legacy of righteousness and devotion endures.
Rama’s sons, Lava and Kusha, raised by sage Valmiki in the forest, cross paths with their father years later. A reunion with Sita occurs, but she chooses to return to the earth. Grief-stricken, Rama returns to Ayodhya, ruling justly and devoutly. His reign, etched in memory as Ram Rajya, epitomizes an era of moral excellence and virtue.
Krishna:
वहसि वपुषि विशदे वसनं जलदाभम् ।
हलहतिभीतिमिलितयमुनाभम् ।।
केशव धृतहलधररूप जय जगदीश हरे ।।8।।
0 Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Balarama, the wielder of
the plow! All glories to You! On Your brilliant white body You wear garments the color of a fresh blue rain
cloud. These garments are colored like the beautiful dark hue of the River Yamuna, who feels great fear due to
the striking of Your plowshare.
The Krishna narrative, an enthralling Hindu legend, chronicles the eighth avatar among Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s Dashavatara. Krishna’s avatar, held in parallel with Rama, stands as a celebrated and renowned figure. Both Rama and Krishna are venerated as the foremost Dashavatara, transcending Hindu devotees and captivating a global audience.
According to the legend, Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura. His birth foreshadowed the downfall of his maternal uncle, King Kansa, who ruled with tyranny. To safeguard Krishna from Kansa’s grasp, Vasudeva transported him to Gokul, where he was nurtured by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.
Krishna’s playful demeanor, affection for butter and curd, and mischievous pranks charmed all. His valor as a warrior stood unmatched. Often depicted with a flute, he enraptured beings around him with its melodies.
Krishna’s defining moment was the vanquishing of demon king Kansa, liberating the realm from his grasp. His love for Radha, a cowherd maiden, constitutes a divine tale.
Integral to the Mahabharata, Krishna guided the epic war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. He served as Arjuna’s charioteer and advisor, imparting profound wisdom through the Bhagavad Gita. This discourse delved into dharma, detachment, and devotion.
The Krishna Dashavatara narrative epitomizes devotion, love, and the fulfillment of duty. Krishna, as a protector and savior, shields his devotees from harm, eradicating looming malevolence.
Buddha:
निन्दसि यज्ञविधेरहह श्रुतिजातम् ।
सदयह्रदयदर्शितपशुधातम् ।।
केशव धृतबुद्धशरीर जय जगदीश हरे ।।9।।
O Kesava! O Ruler of the universe! O Lord Hari, who took the form of Buddha! All praise to You! Compassionate Buddha, you spoke out against the killing of innocent animals carried out in the name of Vedic sacrifices.
Bhagwan Vishnu assumed the Buddha avatar to advocate non-violence and reform a Dharma entangled in excessive rituals, inequality, and unfounded beliefs.
Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was born in Lumbini (now in Nepal) during the 5th century BCE. Raised royally by King Suddhodana and Queen Maya, he was sheltered from life’s hardships. But as a youth, Siddhartha’s curiosity drew him beyond the palace confines.
At 29, he relinquished opulence to seek enlightenment through asceticism. Immersed in various teachings and severe practices, he remained unsatisfied. Beneath a Bodhi tree, an epiphany struck. Siddhartha comprehended suffering’s inevitability and identified a middle path—between indulgence and austerity—to conquer suffering. He perceived the interconnectedness of existence and the transient nature of phenomena, attaining enlightenment as the Buddha.
Subsequently, the Buddha shared his revelations, founding the Sangha—a community of monks and nuns—to disseminate his teachings across India and beyond. He championed the Eightfold Path, advocating right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration as the route to happiness and liberation.
The Buddha’s teachings left an indelible mark on the world, fostering Buddhism into a global religion of significance.
Kalki:
म्लेच्छनिवहनिधने कलयसि करवालम् ।
धूमकेतुमिव किमपि करालम् ।।
केशव धृतकल्किशरीर जय जगदीश हरे ।।10।।
O Kesava! O Ruler of the universe! O Lord Hari, incarnated as Kalki! All glory to You! You emerge resembling a comet, wielding a fearsome sword destined to bring about the destruction of the wicked and barbaric individuals at the conclusion of the Kali-yuga.
In Hindu lore, Kalki stands as Bhagwan Shri Vishnu’s tenth and ultimate Dashavatara, the universe’s guardian and sustainer. Amidst this sequence, Kalki is prophesied to manifest at the culmination of the Kali Yuga—a phase marked by turmoil and obscurity—to reinstate harmony and righteousness.
Kalki’s saga commences with a prophecy that foreshadows the Kali Yuga’s culmination. Famine, disease, violence, and waning scripture adherence will besiege the world. Kalki’s birth is envisioned in Shambhala village, to a Brahmin lineage, bestowed with innate divinity and knowledge.
Upon maturation, Kalki mounts a white steed, brandishing a blazing sword, poised to vanquish malevolent dominion. Accompanied by the Saptarishis—the seven sages—this warrior assembly inaugurates an era of serenity and prosperity.
Kalki is also perceived as the universe’s destroyer, heralding the finale of the present cycle of creation, dissolution, and rebirth. This transition paves the way for a new cycle, restoring light and benevolence to the world.
Kalki’s Dashavatara narrative echoes the cyclic rhythm of existence and underscores the imperative of upholding virtue amidst periods of obscurity.
Conclusion:
श्रीजयदेवकवेरिदमुदितमुदारम् ।
श्रृणु सुखदं शुभदं भवसारम् ।।
केशव धृतदशविधरूप जय जगदीश हरे ।।11।।
O Kesava! O Ruler of the universe! O Lord Hari, who has taken on these ten diverse incarnations! All praise to You! Dear readers, lend your ears to this hymn by the poet Jayadeva, supremely excellent, granting joy and auspiciousness, shining as the finest amidst the darkness of this world.
Dashavatara, translating to “ten incarnations,” bears a profound import in Hinduism. It elucidates the ten embodiments of Lord Vishnu, the cosmic guardian, who manifests in diverse forms to reinstate universal equilibrium and shield it from malevolent influences.
Beyond its spiritual implications, Dashavatara bears cultural and societal significance, forming the core of numerous festivals and observances across India and beyond. The narratives chronicling each Dashavatara’s journey have transcended time, nurturing devotion and fostering spiritual evolution among adherents of Hinduism.
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हरि ॐ तत्सत्
FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dashavatara:
