Dashavatara

Description

The Dashavatara refers to the ten principal incarnations (avatars) of the Hindu god Vishnu, who is believed to descend in various forms to restore cosmic order (Dharma) whenever it is threatened by evil or imbalance.

1. Matsya (The Fish)
   Vishnu took the form of a giant fish to save the sacred scriptures (Vedas) and the ancient sage Manu from a great flood. He guided a boat carrying all living beings to safety.

2. Kurma (The Tortoise)
   Vishnu became a tortoise to support Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by gods and demons. His back became the base for the mountain used as a churning rod.

3. Varaha (The Boar)
   As a wild boar, Vishnu rescued the Earth goddess Bhudevi, who had sunk into the cosmic ocean. He fought and defeated the demon Hiranyaksha to lift the Earth out of the depths.

4. Narasimha (The Man-Lion)
   Vishnu appeared as a being who was half-man and half-lion to kill the demon Hiranyakashipu, who could not be killed by man or beast, inside or outside, day or night. Vishnu destroyed him at dusk, on a threshold, using his lion form.

5. Vamana (The Dwarf Brahmin)
   Vishnu incarnated as a dwarf priest who visited the demon king Bali. Asking for just three steps of land, he grew to cosmic size and covered the entire universe in two steps, then sent Bali to the underworld with the third.

6. Parashurama (The Warrior with an Axe)
   A fierce Brahmin warrior, Vishnu came as Parashurama to destroy corrupt and arrogant Kshatriya rulers who misused their power. He is also known for his devotion to justice and his role in restoring Dharma.

7. Rama (The Prince of Ayodhya)
   The hero of the Ramayana, Vishnu incarnated as the virtuous prince Rama. He defeated the demon king Ravana to rescue his wife Sita and uphold righteousness.

8. Krishna (The Divine Cowherd/Charioteer)
   In the Mahabharata, Vishnu incarnated as Krishna, known for his wisdom, charm, and mischief. He played a key role in the Kurukshetra war and delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.

9. Buddha (The Enlightened One)
   In some traditions, Vishnu incarnated as Gautama Buddha to teach compassion and non-violence, and to reform religious practices that had become overly ritualistic.

10. Kalki (The Future Warrior)
    Yet to appear, Kalki is the prophesied final avatar of Vishnu. He will ride a white horse and wield a blazing sword to destroy evil and restore righteousness at the end of the current age (Kali Yuga).