LORD VISHNU DASAVTARAM

[MANAV_NEHA]

Lord Vishnu being the protector of the Universe, comes down to the earth in some form or other to protect and save his devotees. The Lord says, that whenver there is an over abundance of evil on earth, He will take an avataram to restore the balance. In every one of his avatarams he conveys a valuable message. An asura, that is some form of evil is destroyed, restoring peace.   
Further, the Dasavatarams of Lord Vishnu follow the theory of evolution as understood by us today. There is a gradual development in the complexity of form taken by the Lord - fish in Matsyavataram, tortoise in Kurmavataram, boar in Varahavataram, half man half lion in Narasimhavataram, a dwarf in Vamanavataram, an angry man unable to control his anger in Parasuramavataram, the ideal human being in Ramavatram, friend, philosopher and guide ( Geethobadesam) in Krishnavataram. In Kalki avataram he is slated to destroy the world when evil becomes uncontrollable and thus establish the rule of dharma.     

Matsyavataram  
Kurmavataram   
Varahavataram    
Narasimhavataram    
Vamanavataram    
Parasuramavataram   
Ramavataram   
Krishnavataram   
Buddhaavataram   
Kalkiavataram (yet to come)

Jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

Matsyavataram
Maha Vishnu in the form of a fish

In this Avataram, Mahavishnu took the form of a fish to retrieve the vedas from the Asura Hayagreevan (head of a horse) and also to safeguard herbs and seeds at the end of one cycle of creation.   
Brahma at the end of his day's work of creation, was resting in Brahmalogam. The vedas were flowing out of his mouth. An asura called Hayagreevan stole the vedas from Brahma and disappeared in the ocean. Without the vedas, Brahma could not continue with his duty of creation and hence Lord Vishnu took the form of a fish to retrieve the vedas. 

Satyavridan was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, who did severe penance, surviving by drinking only water. One day as he was performing his rituals by the riverside, a tiny fish settled in his hands. As he was about to drop it back into the river, the fish spoke out to him asking for protection from the bigger fishes in the river. 

The king dropped the fish in his kamandalam (pot) and took it to his ashramam. The fish grew at a rapid pace and the king had to find bigger and bigger area of water for the fish to survive. When the king finally decided to leave it in the ocean, the fish again pleaded not to leave it at the mercy of sharks. 

At this, the king worshipped the fish, aware that he must be Lord Vishnu himself. Maha Vishnu, blessed and reassured Satyavridan asking him to collect rare herbs and seeds and load them all on a huge boat. The king did as ordered. He then tied the boat to the horn of the fish (Lord Vishnu in fish form) using the snake Vaasuki as a rope. The Saptharishis shed light and guided the boat through the darkness and flood. Lord Vishnu in his fish form guided the boat and once the flood had subsided brought it to shore.   

Brahma had risen from his rest and realised that the vedas were missing. He prayed to Lord Vishnu retrieve them. Lord Vishnu still in his fish form, found and fought with Hayagreevan and returned the vedas to Lord Brahma who continued with his work of creation.
 
 
jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

Kurmavataram
Maha Vishnu in the form of a tortoise

Lord Vishnu took the Kurmavataram to provide the Devas with Amirtham, which will give them everlasting life and bliss. He also took the form of a beautiful Mohini in the course of distributing the amirtham between the Devas and the Asuras.   
The Devas and Asuras were constantly at war and the Devas soon began to lose their upper hand. Further, Indran was weakened by a curse by sage Durvasar.   

The Devas prayed to Lord Vishnu who bade them to churn the ocean (Paarkadal) and obtain amirtham, which alone could provide everlasting life and happiness. He further asked them to involve the asuras also in the task.

Devas were shocked by this, but Lord Vishnu promised them that he will make sure that only the Devas get to drink the amirtham. 

The Devas and Asuras got together to churn the ocean. They used Mandramalai to churn the ocean. Vaasuki, the snake agreed to form the rope for churning, in return for some amirtham. They started churning with Lord Vishnu and the Devas on one side (tail end) and the asuras on the other side (head end). But soon, the Mandramalai started sinking due to its great weight. Lord Vishnu, took the form of a tortoise (Kurmam-tortoise) to form the base and to hold up the Mandramalai, preventing it from sinking. As they continued to churn the ocean, Vaasuki the snake began to tire and started spewing its poison. The Asuras who were on the head side of the snake, suffered the most and they ran away in fear. The Devas prayed to Lord Siva for help. Siva came and consumed all the poison. Goddess Parvati rushed and held his neck so that the poison would not spread to the whole of his body. Thus Siva became blue up to his throat and is also known by the namavali "Neelakandan" (neela-blue colour from poison, kandam-throat). 

Once again the Devas and Asuras resumed the churning, when several valuables began to emerge. Kamadhenu (the cow), the provider of all wishes was taken by the rishis to aid in their yagas and pooja. Uchaisiravasu (white horse) was taken by the Asura king Bali. Iravadam (white elephant) was taken by the Deva king Indra. Kowsthubham (red jewel stone) was worn by Lord Vishnu on his chest. The Paarijaadha tree that grants all wishes went to the Deva Logam. Several Apsaras emerged. Devi Lakshmi then emerged in all her glory and beauty, stunning all. She garlanded Lord Vishnu, who placed her in his heart. Vaaruni Devi appeared next and she was taken by the Asuras. After this, Danvantri Bhagavan arose with a golden pot of Amirtham.   

The Asuras greedily grabbed the Amirtham pot and vanished. In order to retrieve the Amirtha kalasam, Lord Vishnu took the form of a dazzling beauty (Mohini Avataram). The Asuras falling for her beauty, entrusted her with the job of distributing the Amirtham. Mohini started serving the Devas first. The Asuras waited their turn in vain. However, one Asura called Rahu realised that they were being cheated. He changed his form and took a place between Surya (sun) and Chandran (moon). On learning that Rahu had consumed Amirtham, Lord Vishnu cut off his head with his Sudarshana Chakra. Since Rahu had consumed Amirtham, the head and the body continued to live. Brahma fitted the body of a snake to the head of Rahu and the head of the snake to the body of Rahu. Thus Rahu and Ketu, the two grahams were formed. The Devas with the power of the Amirtham drove the Asuras away to the Paadhaala Logam. 
 
jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

Varahavataram
Maha Vishnu in the form of a wild boar

Brahma bade Swayambu Manu and Satharoobai ( Brahma's body split into two to form Swayambu and Satharoobai) to reach earth and further life on earth. But at the time the earth was deep under the ocean after floods.   
Brahma prayed to Lord Vishnu to retrieve the earth from the depth of the oceans (Paadaala Logam).   
As Brahma was in Dyaanam (meditation), a varaha (boar) the size of his thumb came forth from his nostrils. Very soon, this varaham grew to be larger than an elephant. It was Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Avataram and he traveled to the depths of the ocean and reached paadaala Logam. There he found the earth and lifted it by his long front teeth.   

Hiranyakshan, an asuran rushed forward and stopped Lord Vishnu. He had come in search of Lord Vishnu for he was told by Varuna and Narada Maharishi that Mahavishnu was the only match for his valour.

He ridiculed Vishnu on his form of a boar. A major fight ensued. Mahavishnu used his gada (mace) and his Chakrayudam (discus) to beat the asura. He finally hit him near his ear. The asura fell dead. The Devas worshipped, praised and thanked Lord Vishnu. 

Mahavishnu, the boar then brought the earth up. Brahma asked Swayambu Manu and Satharoobai to live on earth and propagate life on earth.
 
jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

Narasimhavataram
Maha Vishnu in the form of a half man half lion

The asura kings Hiranyakshan and Hiranyakasibu were brothers, who were causing untold misery to the sadhus, saints and to the God fearing. Lord Vishnu had killed Hiranyakshan in his Varaha Avataram. Hiranyakasibu vowed to avenge the death of his brother. He performed sever penance and became all powerful as he had asked for a boon that he should not face natural death. He cunningly thought of the most impossible combinations and asked that he could be killed by neither man or beast, neither inside nor outside, neither in the day time nor in the night, neither on land nor in air and that he killed by no weapon. 
This mighty asura had a son called Prahaladha, who turned out to be a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakasibu tried his utmost to convert the boy from his faith but failed miserably in all his attempts. He finally hardened his heart and decided to kill his own loving son, for showing reverence to his arch enemy Vishnu. He tried various methods such as dropping the child in the ocean, feeding him with poison, etc. but in vain. Every time Lord Vishnu rushed to save his devotee. The vexed asura asked his son where he could meet Lord Vishnu. Prahaladha replied that Lord Vishnu exists in every particle - from the minute dust to the huge pillar in the palace. On hearing this, the vexed Hiranyakasibu hit hard on the pillar with his gada, breaking it in two. Seated within was Lord Narasimha (Mahavishnu).

He was in the guise of half man, half lion, i.e., a man with the head and claws of a lion (neither man nor beast). Narasimhar took Hiranyakasibu to the front step (neither in nor out) and tore him apart with his sharp claws (no weapon) in the evening - Sandhyakalam (neither day or night).   

Even after killing Hiranyakasibu, the Lord's anger did not diminish. The universe could not bear the ugram (anger) of the Lord. Goddess Lakshmi was called to soothe him. But even she feared his roused form. Everybody requested Prahaladhan to cool down the Lord with his prayers. In his angry form he is called Ugra Narasimhar and once he had cooled down he was referred as Lakshmi Narasimhar. He is seen in yet another meditative posture, when he is called Yoga Narasimhar.
 
jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

Vamanavataram
Maha Vishnu in the form of a dwarf

Bali, the powerful asura king who was the great grandson of Hiranyakasibu had conquered the three worlds, but in spite of being an asura, he ruled his land and people with justice.   
Even though Bali was just, Indralogam had to be returned to the Devas, who felt humiliated at the loss of their kingdom. Lord Vishnu could not fight so virtuous a king, and therefore he took the guise of a Brahmin boy.   

Bali was performing a yagna and for the success of the yagna he had to provide anything that a brahmin seeks. Lord Vishnu in his Vamanavataram begged for just three feet of land. This request was considered funny, for three steps of Vamana's feet would measure upto a very small piece of land only. Bali humbly requested him to ask for something better which he would grant. But Vamana insisted on his three feet of land. 

To the astonishment of all present, Lord Vishnu as Vamana began to grow to a great height and with one step he covered the whole earth, with his second step he covered the entire sky and region above. With the entire universe covered, Bali had no more land to offer. He bowed down in front of the Lord & offered his head for the third step. Lord Vishnu had thus regained the power from the asura king. Being extremely pleased with the virtuosity of an asura king, he placed his foot on his head and sent him to rule over the lower regions.     

Vishnu is worshipped as Trivikramar or Ulagalanda Perumal. There are shrines to this avataram of Vishnu at Tirukkoyilur in South Arcot district (Trivikramar) and at Kanchi (Ulagalanda Perumal).
 
jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

Parasuramavataram
Maha Vishnu as an angered brahmin
out to destroy Kshatriya Vamsam

Parasurama avataram was to convey to the world, that one must always respect one's parents words and to show that an unjust clan cannot be permitted to rule. 
He was the last son of Jamadakni Rishi and Renuka Devi and was named Raman. Pleased with his severe thapas, Lord Siva gave him a weapon called Parasu. Raman thus came to be called Parasuraman. 

Kaarthaveeriyan, a vain king cunningly stole Jamadakni rishi's holy cow Kamadhenu.  Kamadhenu could grant any wish.  An angry Parasuraman fought with the king, killed him and brought back Kamadhenu & its baby to the ashram.  But his father was upset for he felt a brahmin has to be patient.  Parasurama went on a pilgrimage for a year to please his father & to atone his sins. 

Parasurama's mother had deep respect and devotion for her husband and worshipped him as her Lord. So pure was her devotion that each day she would go to the river bed and pick up a handful of sand and this would form into a pot. She would be able to fill water in this unfired pot and take it to her husband for his daily pooja.   

One such day, as she took up a handful of river sand, she saw the reflection of a handsome gandharva in the water and she looked up in admiration. This was a step down in her sincerity and she lost the ability to create a pot of the river sand. 

Sage Jamadakni realised through his Gnana Drishti of the happenings and ordered his sons to kill their mother. His sons refused to do so, claiming their mother was even greater than God to them. Parasurama immediately chopped off his mother's head to do his duty to his father. Rishi Jamadkni was overjoyed by his obedience and was willing to grant him any boon. Parasuraman asked for the life of his mother and brothers and also that they have no memory of the happenings. Jamadakni rishi granted him his wishes.   

(There is a belief that it is only Renuka Devi who is worshipped as Mariamman. In the temples for MariAmman, the moola vigraham is only the head placed on a pedestal.) 

Kaarthaveeriyan's sons were meanwhile lusting for revenge.  One day, when sage Jamadakni was alone in the ashram with his wife, they chopped off his head.  Parasurama then decided that such bad blood should not be allowed to run in the ruling class and completely destroyed the kshatriya clan.  (Since Parasurama was an avataram, we must assume here that he destroyed the evil kings.)  Moolagan was one of the kings who escaped Parasurama's wrath and Dasharatha, father of Lord Rama was his descendant. 

(The kshatriya clan that followed - Moolagan-Dasarathan-Alabadi-Theerkapadu-Raghu-Ajan-Dasarathan-Lord Rama)
 
 
jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

Ramavataram
Maha Vishnu - the ideal human being

A Raja called Moolagan was saved from Parasurama and thus he was responsible for the continuance of the Kshatriya Vamsam. His descendant Raghu was a king of great valour. He had a son called Ajan. Ajan's son was Dasaratha.   
Dasarathan's wives Kosalai, kaikeyi and Sumithirai gave birth to Rama, Lakshmana, Baratha and Shatrugunan. They grew up learning all the arts and enjoying great love and care.   

At this stage, sage Viswamitrar asked Dasaratha's help in slaying the demons who were giving him hindrance in his yagnas. Sage Visvamitra asked for Rama to accompany him to the forest to fight the demons, refusing the assistance of the huge army of soldiers that Dasaratha was ready to place at his disposal. Rama was too young and Dasaratha was agonised about sending his young son to fight against mighty demons.   

But at Sage Viswamitra's insistence, Rama and Lakshmana accompanied him to the forest and there stood guard and helped him in successful completion of his yagas, slaying Thadakai and all the demons who dared to interfere. The pleased Viswamitra took them to Mithilai, where Rama lifted the Siva Dhanusu which could not even be moved by anybody else and married Sita devi, daughter of King Janakar.   

They returned to Ayodhya and king Dasarathar wanted to crown Rama king. Rama's stepmother, Kaikeyi listening to the cruel advice of her servant Mandarai (Kooni), asked Dasaratha to grant her the two boons which he had granted her earlier during the war with Sambasuran. She asked that by one boon, Rama should be sent to the forests for 14 years and by the other boon for her son Barathan to be crowned king. Rama, ever obedient, gladly left to the forests accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmanan. On hearing this shocking news Dasarathan died of grief.   

In the forests, Rama gained a good friend Guhan, a tribal chieftain who helped him cross the Ganga. Rama built a parnasalai in Chitrakootam and lived happily in the peaceful surroundings.   

Barathan, who had been at his grandparents' place during the whole proceedings, was extremely aggrieved to hear of his mother's doings. He reached the forest and pleaded with Rama to return to the kingdom and become king. But Rama refused to disobey his father's and mother's wishes. Thus Baratha returned to rule the kingdom on behalf of Rama, placing Rama's padukais (wooden sandals) on the throne. Rama reached the Dandakarunyam forest area and lived happily there. Surpanakai, sister of Ravanan, the asura king of Lanka, saw and fell in love with Rama. She begged Rama to marry her. Lakshmana angered, cut off her nose. Surpanakai rushed to complain to her brother Ravana and advised him to abduct and marry the beautiful Sita. 

 On Ravana's request Mareechan, his uncle took the form of a golden deer and roamed the forests near Sita's Parnasalai. One day Sita saw and fell in love with the golden deer and asked Rama to get it for her. Rama went behind the deer leaving Lakshmana behind with Sita. As Rama's arrow pierced it, Mareechan cunningly cried out to Lakshmana for help in Rama's voice. Hearing this, Sita ordered Lakshmana to rush to his brother's aid. While Sita was alone, Ravana in the guise of a sadhu came begging for alms. He grabbed Sita and flew off in his Pushpaka Vimana. Enroute Jadayu, the king of the birds fought valiantly with Ravana, but was hurt badly. He informed Rama and Lakshmana, who had come in search of Sita. 

Rama set off in search of Sita. On the way he met Sabari, his arch devotee. He then met Sukreeva, the vanara (monkey) king, his minister Hanuman and Vali's son Angadhan. They agreed to help Rama rescue Sita. The mighty Hanuman flew across the ocean to reassure Sita that Rama was coming to rescue her. He gave her Rama's ring. Sita was overjoyed, blessed Hanuman and gave him her Choodamani (an ornament that adorned Sita's head) to give to Rama. Hanuman as a messenger conveyed Rama's wishes for Ravana to release Sita. Ravana laughed and insulted Hanuman. To teach Ravana a lesson and to prove the might of Rama, Hanuman set fire to the Ashokavanam and got back to Rama. They soon built a bridge of rocks across the ocean and reached Lanka. Vibeeshanan, Ravana's brother realising the might of Rama and ashamed of Ravana's misdeeds advised Ravana to release Sita. Ravana refused and prepared for war. The mighty army of Ravana was destroyed. Kumbakarna, Ravana's brother was killed. Indrajit, Ravana's son was killed next. Finally, Ravana himself came to fight with Rama. Rama killled him with his Ramabaanam. Vibeeshanan was crowned the king of Lanka. Rama thanked all his friends for their valuable help and returned to Ayodhya. Barathan welcomed him with great joy. Rama was crowned king and he ruled justly for a long time. 
 
jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

Krishnavataram
friend, philosopher and guide

Ugrasenan ruled Mathura. He had a daughter called Devaki who was married to Vasudevar. Devaki's brother Kamsan was driving the chariot with the newly wed couple. An asariri (divine voice) called out that the eighth child of Devaki would kill Kamsan. The outraged Kamsan rushed to kill Devaki, but Vasudevar pleaded, that since the trouble was from Devaki's children, he would hand over all her children to Kamsan. Kamsan put Devaki, Vasudevar and Ugrasenan in prison. Kamsan mercilessly killed six of Devaki's children. Devaki was pregnant for the seventh time and this time it was Adisesha's amsam in her womb. Lord Vishnu arranged for this child to be transferred to the womb of Rohini, another wife of Vasudevar, who lived in Aayarpaadi. Rohini gave birth to a beautiful and powerful child who was named Balarama. Kamsan assumed that Devaki had lost her seventh child.   
The eighth child was Lord Krishna. When Krishna was born Vasudevar, carried the child by God's grace from the locked prison through rain and floods to the house of Nandagopar and Yasodha in Aayarpaadi. On the way, Aadiseshan covered the basket, protecting the child Krishna from the ravages of nature. Vasudeva left Krishna beside Yasodha and carried away her new born child (Parameswari, the maya child) to the prison.   

Kamsan, on hearing the birth of Krishna rushed to the prison, grabbed the child and tried to kill the child. The child however, rose up to the skies and ridiculed kamsan, that his arch enemy was still alive elsewhere and vanished.   

Krishna as a child
 
In Aayarpaadi, everybody was thrilled and overjoyed. There were great celebrations. Krishna grew up enjoying the love and affection showered by all. Kamsan started sending asuras in search of Krishna. Even as a child, Krishna killed several asuras such as Boodaki, Thirunavardhan, Denukan, Bagan, Sagadasuran, and several others. He revealed to his mother Yasodha, the entire universe within his tiny open mouth. The mighty Kaalinga (snake) was subdued by him. He controlled the snake and danced on its head. He gave protection to the people of Gokulam for over a week from the heavy rains caused by Indra, by lifting the Govardana giri (mountain) and holding it as an umbrella. He killed Kamsan of Mathura. The Gopikas were thrilled by his venu gaanam (flute).   

Krishna married Rukmini. (Rukmini's brother Rukmi wanted her to marry his friend Sisubaalan. Krishna lifted Rukmini on to his chariot, swiftly reached Dwaraka and married Rukmini).   

The day that Krishna killed Naragasuran is celbrated as Deepavali. In the episode of obtaining the Syamantakamani, he married Jambavati, Jambavan's daughter and Satyabama Satrajit's daughter. 

(Krishna's sister Subadra was married to Arjuna. Their son Abhimanyu married Vatsala, Balarama's daughter). 

The pancha Pandavas were cheated of their kingdom by Duryodhana, his brothers and Duryodhana's uncle Sakuni. With Krishna by thier side, the Pandavas ultimately defeated the Gauravas and got back their kingdom. (In the war field Krishna advised Arjuna to do his duty only and not to worry about the consequences, when Arjuna worried over killing his relatives.) Geethopadesam to Arjuna by Lord Krishna is truly a way of living to be followed by all human beings. 
 
   
jai sai ram

[MANAV_NEHA]

BUDDHA Avataram

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.

Buddha was saddened by death of living creatures, since his childhood days and used to question: "Alas! Do all living creatures kill each other?". He wasn't happy with any answers that were provided to him and he decided to find out the meaning and the absolute truth and he left his wife and child to a hermit's life in the forest and one day, became the enlightened one. His preachings spawned off the religion of Buddhism now popular across the whole world. 




Kalkiavataram.........

As soon as Lord Krishna left for Vaikuntham, Kali had entered our world. People will tend to follow all adharma paths and act selfish and greedy. Kalkiavataram on a white horse will take place when evil becomes unbearable on earth. 

jai sai ram