| Introduction |
10 Incarnation of Lord VISHNU (DASHA AVTAAR)
As God was wondering what was to be done, he noticed Sage Satyavrata, who was doing penance subsisting on water alone, making the ritual offering of water of God. God immediately assumed the form of a Fish. As satyavrata scooped water from the flowing river, he espied a tiny fish in the water he had scooped. When he tried to put it back into the river, the Fish entered the sage not to do so as it would be eaten up by the big fishes in the river. Satyavrata took pity and took it into his KAMANDALU and went back to his hermitage. Overnight, the Fish grew too big to be in the Kamandalu. The next morning when the sage looked it up, the Fish requested him to remove him to a larger vessel. Satyavarta did so but soon the fish became too big for the larger vessel also. Addressing the Sage, the Fish said that he should protect him and find a suitable living space for it. Satyavarta then emptied the vessel into a large pond near the hermitage along with the Fish. But, in no time the Fish grew as large as the pond and filled it. Then the Fish exhorted the Sage to take it to a large and deep lake. Although Satyavarta took it to several lakes, one larger than the other, the Fish kept growing and bigger and bigger. It went on asking for larger and larger living space. Sathyavarata got vexed and decided to put it into the ocean. While he reached the ocean, the Fish addressed him thus: "oh Sage, do not put me into the ocean, I am sure to be swallowed by the gigantic creature there." Satyavarta became suspicious now. He was despairing to know how a fish could in a day grow so big as the largest lake and still find it not big enough for it to live there. In a flash, he realised that it was Lord Vishnu in the form of Fish. Satyavrata immediately prostrated before the Fish and prayed to be told why God had appeared in the form of Fish. The Lord told his devotee, "Just a week from now, the ocean will rise and inundate the entire Universe for the dissolution of creation. At that time you will see a spacious boat approaching you. Do collect all the seeds, plants and animals required for the next spell of creation and get into the boat and await me. Take VASUKI, the kind of Serpents, also with you. The SAPTHA RISHIS (seven Sages) will also be with you". The Fish left for fulfilling its mission. Hayagriva saw the gigantic fish approaching him and was overtaken by fear. He held the VEDAS tightly in his mouth. But soon the Divine Fish slew him and recovered the VEDAS and restored them to BRAHMA for him to resume the function of CREATION at the appropriate time. As foretold by the DIVINE FISH, PRALAYA (deluge) set in and on the turbulent waters, a boat appeared. Sage Satyavrata, the Saptha Rishis and all the living creatures found haven in the boat. The Fish in the colour of gold and now with a horn came by and ordered that the boat be tied to its horn using VASUKI as a rope. While the boat floated safely on the rising and enveloping waters, VISHNU taught the Rishis the highest form of Truth. This collection of truth has come to us in the form of MATSYA PURANA. Lord VISHNU in this manner saved his True Devotees from dissolution so as to hand down divine knowledge and saved the VEDAS from destruction so as ensure CREATION after the DISSOLUTION. In the aftermath of a curse by Sage Durvasa, Devas and and their king, INDRA, had become inglorious and powerless. It was as though they had been abandoned by Gods. They remained engulfed in darkness. Their eternal foes, ASURAS, were quick to seize the opportunity and conquer the emaciated Devas. Indra was dethroned and driven out along with his subjects. Feeling helpless and utterly humiliated, they went to BRAHMA, the Creator, and sought his help, explaining their predicament. Brahma took them to the abode of VISHNU, since it is the latter who preserves the order of the universe. Indra and Devas surrendered to VISHNU and prayed for their redemption. Lord VISHNU told them that the only way out for them was to secure the NECTAR of IMMORTALITY: and for that, they would have to strive immensely and (a) cast all kinds of plants, herbs, grassed and creepers into the Ocean of Milk, and (b) churn the ocean using Mount MANDARA as a churn-staff and VASUKI, the king of the serpents, as the rope for turning it. But how to shift the Mount, was the big question. VISHNU suggested that they make peace with their cousins and enemies and enlist their cooperation and help, and achieve their purpose. At the same time HE cautioned them not to covet any of the things that come out of the ocean and not to get angry even if those things were forcibly taken posession of by the ASURAS. HE assured them, however, that he would see to it that the ASURAS did not enjoy any portion of the NECTAR, no matter how much they toiled. While BRAHMA returned to his own abode, INDRA and the Devas made their journey to the court of Bali, king of the ASURAS. On seeing INDRA and the Devas approaching them, King Bali's followers were furious and about to attack and capture them. However, Bali counselled patience suggesting that they might after all be coming with a proposal which might benefit the Asuras as well. Accordingly, King Bali received Indra and the Devas with due honours. INDRA told the King why they had come to him and requested him to extend his help for the venture from which all of them could benefit. Bali and his Chiefs agreed to the proposal. Asuras and Devas made peace between themselves. Indra and Bali rallied their forces and began the task of lifting Mount Mandara. Uprooting the mount, they set out carrying it to the seashore. Even before they had carried it halfway, the forces found themselves unable to carry it any longer; and soon the mount came crashing on them. Large numbers of Devas and Asuras lay dead under it. Indra was heartbroken. While he was still thinking of appealing to Lord Vishnu, God appeared on the spot on his Vahana - Garuda - and by His mere glance revived the dead; and placing Mount Mandara on Garuda's back, He flew to the seashore, where the Devas and Asuras too followed. After the mount was safely brought down, Lord Vishnu asked Garuda to withdraw from the scene, lest VASUKI should keep himself away for fear of his natural enemy ( Garuda ). When he saw that Garuda was no longer there, VASUKI, arrived on the scene obeying the summons of VISHNU. The Lord assured the Serpent King that he too would get a share of the Nectar and that the rugged surface of the mount would not hurt him. Vasuki, in tune with his role, allowed himself to be wound around MANDARA as the churning rope. Devas and Asuras were very joyous and began churning the ocean with Mandara and Vasuki in place. But their joy was shortlived. Mount Mandara had no support and so sank into the ocean within a shortwhile. The mightiest of Devas and Asuras could not hold it. There was only one who could do it and it was Lord Vishnu. Assuming the form of a huge Tortoise(KURMA), the Lord plunged into the ocean and came up with the mountain on his back. The Lord had come to their rescue again. The Devas and Asuras lost no time to get back to their job of churning. However much they churned nothing came out of their efforts. They became weary and depressed. Lord intervened once more and did the churning too. With the churning in full steam, the concentrate of the impurities of the ocean threw up the deadly poison, HALAHALA. The poisonous fumes choked the Devas and Asuras. Not knowing what to do, Devas ran to Lord SHIVA collected it in his palm and swallowed it. As soon as the poison was removed, the Devas and Asuras resumed churning. As they churned and churned many precious things came to the surface but not the Nectar. Suddenly a being emerged with a jar in his arms. It was Dhanwantari with the jar of the nectar of IMMORTALLITY. The Asuras were quick to surmise that it was Nectar in the jar. They rushed towards Dhanwantari and snatched the jar from him and started quarrelling for getting the Nectar first. Devas watched the Asuras each one of whom was trying to grab the nectar for himself before everyone else. They were annoyed but kept their cool remembering the Lord's warning that they should not covet any precious thing coming out of the ocean or become angry over anything. Lord Vishnu appeared before them and approved their conduct and told them that He will charm the Asuras with the powers and secure the nectar from them. The Asuras already stood divided over partaking the Nectar. They now noticed a woman, who was the most beautiful that they had ever seen, approaching them. They were all struck by the dazzling beauty of the woman and they turned to enjoying the unrivalled beauty of the form, the limbs, the features and what not, of this enchanting figure. They didn't however know that it was none other than Lord Vishnu who had descended before them in that bewitching form, in the form of MOHINI and He had a purpose in assuming the form. In a state of infatuation, the Asuras gifted the Jar of Nectar to this beautiful woman and prayed to her to distribute it among them and bring peace and amity among themselves. Mohini condescended to do it but on condition that they would not question her actions, whatever they might be. The Asuras, not knowing who she was and totally under the spell of her charm, readily agreed to her condition. "Go bathe and assemble yourselves in one row with your cousins, the Devas in another row." ordered Mohini. When they were all assembled in two separate rows, Mohini began serving the Nectar to the Devas first. The Asuras were uneasy but chose to keep quiet as they had promised not to question her actions. By the time the last of the Devas in their row had been served, Mohini had made sure that there was no Nectar left to be served to the Asuras. Nectar of immortality would only cause untold harm and destruction, if granted to aggressive and unscrupulous beings like the Asuras. Then to the amazement of Asuras, Lord Vishnu assumed his own form and the Asuras realised that it was Vishnu who had appeared before them as Mohini. They demanded of Vishnu their share of Nectar; but they got only a smile from him in return. Mounting GARUDA, Lord Vishnu flew away from them. The Asuras felt cheated and immediately started attacking the Devas. With God on their side and with the Nectar inside, the Devas had regained their original splendour and strength and they were able to conquer the Asuras, who had to flee before the might of Devas. On the advice of Lord BRAHMA, conveyed through Sage Narada, INDRA called off the hostilities and returned to his realms with the Devas. The Lord thus did revive and restore the lost glory of those who were righteous and who sought refuge in him; and subdue those who were aggressive an unrighteous and who didn't repose faith in him. Lord VISHNU in this manner saved his True Devotees from dissolution so as to hand down divine knowledge and saved the VEDAS from destruction so as ensure CREATION after the DISSOLUTION.
Varaha Avtaar With a terrifying mighty roar, the Boar leaped into the air, pierced the clouds and came down diving into the ocean. It raced to the bottom of the ocean in search of the Earth. Searching tirelessly, it found Mother Earth at the other end of the ocean-bed. Digging his tusk into the ocean-bed, the Boar lifted BHOOMIDEVI on to it; and proceeded to rise to the surface. An ASURA by name HIRANYAKSHA had become mighty and powerful after a rigourous penence to BRAHMA from whom he had obtained boons. He went about challenging, threatening and conquering the Devas. Unable to face him, Devas had to go into hiding. Hiranyakasha, goaded by the arrogance of power, was spoiling for fight. He went up to VARUNA, lord of the waters and Guardian of Hydrosphere, and in pretended humility, implored him for a fight. Varuna knew that he was not equal to the Asura in prowess and the Asura was only mocking at him by acting humble. He controlled his anger and replied the Asura, " I am too old to fight and I have given up fighting. Not all can be equal to you. Only Lord Vishnu will be a match for you. Please go to him and engage him in fight." Coming across Sage Narada the Asura learnt that Vishnu was rising to the surface from the ocean-bed carrying BHOOMADEVI on his tusk - in the form of a boar - immediately he charged into the ocean and spotted the Lord in the act of rescuing the earth. "Hey beast, leave Bhoomadevi alone and come and fight me" shouted the Asura, chasing the animal. The Lord ignored his taunts as he had to, first of all, take BHOOMADEVI out of the ocean and put her to safety. As soon as He reached the surface of the ocean, the Lord placed her gently on it and blessed her. "May you fit into the Divine order" blessed the Lord. He now turned to Hiranyaksha and responded to his call for a fight. Hiranyaksha became furious and attacked the animal. The boar cleverly warded off his attack and counter-attacked with a mace. They were thus engaged in a furious fight, when Brahma appeared on the scene. "Twilight is approaching and in an hour he will become more powerfull and formidable. So, slay him quickly and rid us all of his menace" Brahma exhorted the boar. Hearing what Brahma told the animal, Hiranyaksha, in a fit of fury, hurled his mace at the animal. The animal caught hold of the mace as if it were a toy. Hiranyaksha now started hitting the animal on its chest with his powerful fists. The Boar in turn hit the Asura behind his ears. Hiranyaksha reeled and fell down dead. Brahma and Devas praised the Lord and sang His eternal glory. In NARASIMHA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as a semi-man,semi-lion in this world. The king of demons(asuras), Hiranyakasyapa, wanted to become immortal and wanted to remain young forever. To this end, he meditated for Lord Brahma and because of his severe penance, the gods were frightened and asked Brahma to pacify the king. Brahma was impressed by his austerity and granted him a wish. HiranyaKasyapa wished that he be neither killed by a man or beast, nor in daylight or at night and neither inside or outside a building. Having obtained the wish he considered himself the supreme God and frobade all worship of gods by anyone. But his son Prahlada, was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. This enraged Hiranyakasyapa very much. He ordered numerous ways to kill Prahlada including asking his sister Holika to sit with Prahlada in the fire. But everytime Prahlada escaped unhurt. Enraged, once he asked Prahlad to show him the Lord Vishnu. Prahlad said, "He is everywhere". Further enraged, Hiranyakasyapa knocked down a pillar, and asked if Lord was present there. Lord Vishnu then emerged as a half lion, half man from the pillar which was neither inside the house nor outside, and the time was evening, neither night nor day. He then killed Hiranyakasyapa thus saving the life of his devotee Prahlad So goes the story of Hiranyakasyapa and the NARASIMHA avatar. In VAMANA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as a dwarf priest in this world. BALI, the grandson of Prahlada was a very valorous and mighty asura. By his penance and might, he conquered the whole world. Indra and other gods fearing that he and asuras would conquer all the three worlds, went to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu was then born as a dwarf Vamana in the household of a brahmana(priest). He went to Bali on growing up and asked for alms. Bali was delighted to offer him anything he requested even though his priest warned him that it was Lord Vishnu Vamana then requested for the amount of land that could come under his three feet. Bali gracefully agreed. Lord Vishnu then grew in size and covered the earth and heaven in two stride. And due to lack of space, he put his third leg on Bali himself and crushed Bali to the nether or the Patala loka(underground world), thus helping the Gods out. In PARASURAMA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as a brahmana(priest) in this world. He was brought in this world to avenge all kshatriyas who had become arrogant and were suppressing the brahmans in the world. He was born to Jamadagni and Renuka, and belonged to the Brighu clan. Parashurama was always carrying an axe presented to him by Lord Shiva of whom he was an ardent devotee. Kartavirya a powerful king, once went to Jamadagni's home when he was out, and after a meal, stole the Kamadhenu cow, which was supposed to give endless quantity of milk. Jamadgni was enraged and he went and killed the king and brought Kamadhenu back. On hearing this the son of the king came back and killed Jamdagni. Parasurama was enraged at this and went and avenged the death of his father by killing all kshatriyas in 21 battles. His story is story of the supremacy of brahmans over the kshatriyas. In KRISHNA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as KRISHNA , the central character in the epic MAHABHARATA. In this biggest epic of Indian mythology a myriad of topics are covered, including war, love, brotherhood, politics etc. It is essentially the story of two warring groups of cousin brothers, the PANDAVAs and the KAURAVAs. As a part of the Mahabahrata, during the war KRISHNA, gives a long discourse to his disciple ARJUNA, collectively termed as Bhagvad-Gita. Krishna, during his child-hood was responsible for the killing of Kansa. Krishna is also considered to be an ultimate playboy who was resonsible for charming all gopikaas(cowherdesses) around him. Unlike Ramayana, Mahabharata deals with more down to earth issues like politics, human nature, human weaknesses, and does not attempt to idealise the characters as in RAMAYANA.
In BUDDHA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as BUDDHA, the ascetic prince
who renounced the throne to lead the world on the path of peace. He is the
founder of the BUDDHIST religion prominent across the world. In certain sects of
Hinduism, he is considered to be a divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He was
born the crown prince of the Kapilavastu to Suddhodana and Maya. He was named
Siddhartha, meaning "All thing fulfilled" by the king. But his mother died soon
after his birth but Prajapati, the sister of Maya, brought Siddhartha up.
KALKI is the last of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. |
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