Lord Vishnu is the protector and preserver of the whole universe and beyond. Whenever the negative entities took over the universe, threatening humanity, lord Vishnu returned to Earth to protect his devotees and set a balance in the universe.
According to ancient mythology, we have known the nine incarnations (avatars) of Lord Vishnu across four Yugas. The tenth avatar is believed to be born at the end of Kali Yuga, when evil will prevail beyond control.
Vishnu Avatars Throughout The Yugas
Let us explore the amazing tales of each Vishnu avatar and take a deep insight into why his almighty was forced to eradicate evil with his power and divine grace.
1. Matsaya Avatar
Matsaya avatar was lord Vishnu’s first avatar on earth. Vishnu took the form of a Matsya, which means fish, to save mankind from the coming surge.
- It is believed that the first man named Vaivasvata Manu, and the seven sages knew about the upcoming tragedy that was threatening mankind.
- To preserve life on earth, Lord Vishnu, in the Matsya form, guided the sages to safety on a boat along with the animal species and plants.
- Mythology depicts the Matsya avatar as a giant fish and, in some ancient texts, as a part-human with the lower body of a fish.
- His Matsya avatar symbolises the importance of water as one of the essential elements to preserve life.
2. Kurma Avatar
Kurma is a Sanskrit name for the tortoise, lord Vishnu’s second incarnation on earth.
- At the time of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Vishnu took the form of a tortoise to provide a stable base for the churning rod.
- The main purpose of incarnating as a tortoise was to help the gods win against the Asuras and get the Amrit (elixir of life).
- This avatar is depicted as a giant tortoise. In this avatar, Vishnu symbolised strength and stability and how balance is necessary to preserve the universe.
Hence it is believed that placing the lord Vishnu statue in our spaces brings stability and balance into our lives.
3. Varaha Avatar
Varaha, or boar avatar, represents protection, bravery, and restoration. It was Vishnu’s third avatar, also called the rescuer of the earth.
- Lord Vishnu took this avatar to protect Bhudevi (the earth) from a demon called Hiranyaksha, who wanted to destroy her into the giant cosmic ocean.
- To protect the earth from the demon, Vishnu took the avatar of a giant boar to fight with the demon, using his massive tusks, he restored the earth back to its right place.
- With this avatar, Vishnu gave the message to humankind about the protection of Mother Earth.
4. Narasimha Avatar
Narasimha Avatar, also called the lion man or the destroyer of evil, represents the protection of his believers from all evil forces.
- According to legend, there was a Danava named Hiranyakashipu who had a divine blessing that no human or animal, either day or night, and neither inside nor outside, neither on earth, air or underwater, with no weapon, was able to kill him.
- Because of this blessing, he thought himself immortal, became arrogant and ordered everyone to stop worshipping lord Vishnu.
- However, his son, Prahlad, was the biggest devotee of lord Vishnu, and his father tried to kill him many times for this reason.
- To protect his disciple, Vishnu took the divine form of Narasimha, who was half man and half lion and killed Hiranyakashipu with his sharp nails at twilight on the brink of a courtyard.
5. Vamana Avatar
Vamana avatar, or dwarf incarnation, was Lord Vishnu’s fifth avatar. It was the first time Vishnu took the form of a human. He incarnated as a short man (a dwarf) who had a beautiful wooden umbrella and a water pot with him. He took this form to regain control of the Devas across heaven and earth.
- The legend says that there was an Asura king, Mahabali, also named Bali, who defeated Indra (the king of gods) and took over the three worlds.
- Although Bali was a great leader, the gods of the heavens were worried about his increasing influence. Hence, they asked Lord Vishnu to take back control of Bali.
- Hearing their prayers, Vishnu took birth as Vamana and visited the humble king Bali, known for granting everyone’s requests.
- Vaman asked for a piece of land covered with his three steps from Bali.
- When granted, Vamana took a massive form, covered all the earth and heaven, and forced Bali to rule the underground.
6. Parushurama Avatar
Parshurama was a sage warrior who took birth to end the corrupt rule of Kshatriya kings. This avatar of Vishnu represents discipline, justice and righteousness.
- To restore the balance on Earth, Parshurama fought 21 wars against corrupted kings on Earth.
- His weapon was a battle axe hence, he is known as the warrior with an axe.
- According to Hindu mythology, he was the first Brahmin who shared the kshatriya strengths and responsibilities of both castes.
- This avatar of Vishnu is believed to be immortal and serves his punishment for his sins on the Mahendragiri mountain to this day.
7. Rama Avatar
The seventh Avatar, Rama, is the most worshipped avatar of lord Vishnu. Rama was born in Ayodhya and represents dharma, righteousness, and the victory of good over evil.
- In the ancient Hindu texts, the tale of Rama is called Ramayana and depicts the courageous and brave journey of Rama as a great king.
- When his wife Sita was kidnapped by the Danava king Ravana, Rama led a massive army to fight with Ravana and rescue Sita.
- During his entire life, Rama lived by his virtues and righteousness, which symbolise honour, truth, and devotion.
- Keeping the Lord Rama brass statue in your home ensures peace and truthfulness and guides you towards a good path.
8. Buddha Avatar
Lord Vishnu’s Buddha avatar symbolises wisdom and enlightenment. He took this form to guide humanity toward the path of non-violence, self-realisation, and inner peace.
- Unlike Vishnu’s warrior avatars, Buddha promoted spiritual awakening instead of battles. His teachings led to the decline of ritualistic sacrifices and emphasised meditation and morality.
- Vishnu incarnated as Buddha to restore balance by discouraging ignorance and promoting righteousness. His philosophy laid the foundation for Buddhism, influencing millions worldwide with its message of peace and self-discipline.
- While some Hindu sects consider Balrama as an avatar of Shesh Naga, many believe him to be the direct incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- This avatar represents strength, protection and the bond between siblings.
9. Krishna Avatar
Lord Vishnu’s ninth avatar, Krishna, was born in the Dvapara yuga as the son of Devaki and Vasudev.
- One of the most beloved avatars of Lord Vishnu, Krishna was a charmer and a great leader.
- He was a significant character in the story of Mahabharata, where he delivered his teachings known as Bhagavad Gita.
- He taught the humankind about love, devotion, and duty.
- Placing the brass Vishnu statue in Krishna form brings wisdom and teaches his believers to choose the path of righteousness.
10. Kalki Avatar
Vishnu’s tenth avatar, Kalki, is believed to have been born in Kaliyug, when evil will spread beyond measure.
- According to mythology, this avatar will appear on a white horse with a blazing sword in hand to destroy evil forces and restore the balance of the universe.
- Lord Vishnu’s final avatar, Kalki, symbolises renewal and restoration of good over evil.
Conclusion
As the preserver and the protector of the universe, Lord Vishnu, in each avatar, represents a deep message to humankind. Whenever evil prevails on earth, he comes to protect humanity and restore balance. If you place the lord Vishnu statue in your home, he will bless the household with wisdom, prosperity, and peace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of the dashavatars of Vishnu?
Lord Vishnu incarnated in different eras in several forms to protect all life in the universe and restore the spiritual balance from time and again. Each avatar signifies a unique lesson to teach humankind to take the path of truth and wisdom.
2. Why should I place a Lord Vishnu statue in my home?
Placing the lord Vishnu statue at home brings prosperity, wisdom and positivity into the household. Lord Vishnu’s presence in the home encourages stability and balance, guiding us to live a truthful life.
3. What is the sequence of lord Vishnu’s 10 avatars?
The first four avatars of lord Vishnu were born during the Satya Yuga which were in animal forms. The next three avatars were born in Treta Yuga, two avatars during Dvapara Yuga, and the final avatar is believed to have been born in Kali Yuga.
4. Which type of Vishnu statue is best for home worship?
The brass Vishnu statue is believed to be the best for home worship. Brass idols hold spiritual significance and are known for their durability.
5. Where can I buy the authentic brass Vishnu statue?
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