Avatar 100368 225905681 2008-07-15T23:17:41Z AndersBot 6986250 robot Adding: [[ms:Avatar]] {{otheruses}} [[Image:Avatars.jpg|thumb|250px|The ten avatars of [[Vishnu]], (Clockwise, from Left upper corner) [[Matsya]], [[Kurma]], [[Varaha]], [[Vamana]], [[Krishna]], [[Kalki]], [[Gautama Buddha in Hinduism|Buddha]], [[Parshurama]], [[Rama]] and [[Narasimha]], (in centre) Krishna]] '''Avatara''' ({{lang-sa|अवतार}}, [[IAST]] {{IAST|''Avatāra''}}) in [[Hinduism|Hindu]] philosophy is the 'descent' or [[incarnation]] of a divine being ([[Deva (Hinduism)|deva]]) or the Supreme Being ([[God]]) onto planet [[Earth]]. The Sanskrit word {{IAST2|''avatāra''}} literally means "descent" (''avatarati'') and usually implies a deliberate descent into lower realms of existence for special purposes. The term is used primarily in Hinduism for incarnations of [[Vishnu]] whom [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava Hindus]] (one of the largest braches of Hinduism)<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/adh_branches.html#Hinduism Major Branches - Hinduism] from adherents.com</ref> worship as the supreme God and it is considered to be a distinctive feature of [[Vaishnavism]]. While [[Shiva]] and [[Ganesha]] are also described as descending in the form of avatars, with the [[Ganesha Purana]] and the [[Mudgala Purana]] detailing Ganesha's avatars specifically, the avatars of Vishnu carry a greater theological weight than those of [[Shiva]] or [[Ganesha]] and upon examination relevant passages are directly imitative of the Vaishnava avatara lists.<ref>Matchett, Freda, ''Krsna, Lord or Avatara? the relationship between Krsna and Visnu: in the context of the Avatara myth as presented by the Harivamsa, the Visnupurana and the Bhagavatapurana'', Routledge, 2000</ref> ==Avatars of Vishnu== [[Image:Matsya painting.jpg|thumb|[[Matsya]], first avatar of [[Vishnu]]]] The most traditional form of Avatar within Hinduism are the incarnations of [[Vishnu]], the preserver or sustainer aspect of God within the Hindu Trinity or [[Trimurti]]. ===Dasavatara: Ten Avatars of Vishnu in the Garuda Purana=== {{main|Dashavatara of Vishnu}} The ten most famous incarnations of Vishnu are collectively known as the 'Dasavatara' ('dasa' in [[Sanskrit]] means ten). This list is included in the [[Garuda Purana]] (1.86.10-11) and denotes those avatars most prominent in terms of their influence on human society.<ref>Garuda Purana (1.86.10-11)</ref> The first four are said to have appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]] (the first of the four [[Yuga]]s or ages in the time cycle described within Hinduism). The next three avatars appeared in the [[Treta Yuga]], the eighth incarnation in the [[Dwapara Yuga]] and the ninth in the [[Kali Yuga]]. The tenth is predicted to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga in some 427,000 years time.<ref> [http://www.vedabase.net/bg/8/17/en1 B-Gita 8.17] "And finally in Kali-yuga (the yuga we have now been experiencing over the past 5,000 years) there is an abundance of strife, ignorance, irreligion and vice, true virtue being practically nonexistent, and this yuga lasts 432,000 years. In Kali-yuga vice increases to such a point that at the termination of the yuga the Supreme Lord Himself appears as the Kalki avatara" </ref> # [[Matsya]], the [[fish]], appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]]. # [[Kurma]], the [[tortoise]], appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]]. # [[Varaha]], the [[boar]], appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]]. # [[Narasimha]], the half-man/half-[[lion]] appeared in the [[Satya Yuga]]. # [[Vamana]], the [[dwarf]], appeared in the [[Treta Yuga]]. # [[Parashurama]], Rama with the axe, appeared in the [[Treta Yuga]]. # [[Rama]], Ramachandra, the prince and king of Ayodhya, appeared in the [[Treta Yuga]]. # [[Krishna]] (meaning 'dark coloured' or 'all attractive') appeared in the [[Dwapara Yuga]] along with his brother [[Balarama]]. According to the [[Bhagavata Purana]] Balarama is said to have appeared in the [[Dwapara Yuga]] (along with Krishna) as an incarnation of [[Shesha|Ananta Shesha]]. He is also counted as an avatar of Vishnu by the majority of [[Vaishnava]] movements and is included as the ninth Dasavatara in some versions of the list which contain no reference to Buddha. # [[Gautama Buddha in Hinduism|Gautama Buddha]] (meaning 'the enlightened one') appeared in the [[Kali Yuga]] (specifically as [[Siddhartha Gautama]]). # [[Kalki]] ("Eternity", or "time", or "The Destroyer of foulness"), who is expected to appear at the end of [[Kali Yuga]], the time period in which we currently exist, which will end in the year <nowiki>428899 CE</nowiki>. In some versions the 9th avatar is [[Balarama]] (elder brother of Krishna). === Avatars of Vishnu in the Bhagavata Purana=== [[Image:Varaha.jpg|right|thumb|Deity form of [[Varaha]] from [[Khajuraho]], 12th C AD]] [[Image:Gurudevdutt.jpg|thumb|[[Dattatreya]]]] Twenty-two avatars of Vishnu are listed numerically in the first Canto of the [[Bhagavata Purana]] as follows:<ref> [http://srimadbhagavatam.com/1/3/en1 Bhag-P 1.3] Canto 1, Chapter 3 </ref> # [[Four Kumaras|Catursana]] [SB 1.3.6] (''The Four Sons of Brahma'') # [[Varaha]] [SB 1.3.7] (''The boar'') # [[Narada]] [SB 1.3.8] (''The Traveling Sage'') # [[Nara-Narayana]] [SB 1.3.9] (''The Twins'') # [[Kapila]] [SB 1.3.10] (''The Philosopher'') # [[Dattatreya]] [SB 1.3.11] (''Combined Avatar of The [[Trimurti]]'') # [[Yajna]] [SB 1.3.12] (''Vishnu temporarily taking the role of [[Indra]]'') # [[Rsabha|Rishabha]] [SB 1.3.13] (''Father of [[Bharata (emperor)|King Bharata]]'') # [[Prithu]] [SB 1.3.14] (''King who made earth Beautiful and Attractive'') # [[Matsya]] [SB 1.3.15] (''The Fish'') # [[Kurma]] [SB 1.3.16] (''The Tortoise'') # [[Dhanvantari]] [SB 1.3.17] (''Father of [[Ayurveda]]'') # [[Mohini]] [SB 1.3.17] (''Beautiful/Charming Woman'') # [[Narasimha]] [SB 1.3.18] (''The Man-Lion'') # [[Vamana]] [SB 1.3.19] (''The Dwarf'') # [[Parasurama]] [SB 1.3.20] (''The Rama with an Axe'') # [[Vyasa]] [SB 1.3.21] (''Compiler of the [[Vedas]]'') # [[Rama]] [SB 1.3.22] (''The King of [[Ayodhya]]'') # [[Balarama]] [SB 1.3.23] (''Krishna's Elder Brother'') # [[Krishna]] [SB 1.3.23] (''The Cowherd'') # [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] [SB 1.3.24] (''The Deluder'') # [[Kalki]] [SB 1.3.25] (''The Destroyer'') Besides these, another three avatars are described later on in the text as follows: # [[Prshnigarbha]] [SB 10.3.41] (''Born to Prshni'') # [[Hayagriva]] [SB 2.7.11] (''The Horse'') # [[Hamsa]] [SB 11.13.19] (''The Swan'') After [[Kalki]] avatar] is described in the Bhagavata Purana it is declared that the avatars of Vishnu are 'Innumerable.'<ref>[http://srimadbhagavatam.com/1/3/26/en1 Bhag-P 1.3.26]</ref> However the above list of twenty-five avatars are generally taken as those of greatest significance. According to [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism|Gaudiya Vaishnava]] interpretation of a verse in the latter texts of the Bhagavata Purana,<ref>[http://srimadbhagavatam.com/11/5/32/en1 Bhag-P 11.5.32] "In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself." </ref> and a number of texts from the [[Mahabharata]] and other [[Puranic]] scriptures,<ref> [http://veda.harekrsna.cz/encyclopedia/caitanya.htm Vedic Encyclopedia] "Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu predicted" </ref> [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] is also listed as an avatar and is worshiped as such by followers of the tradition. In this connection Chaitanya is often referred to as the ''Golden Avatar''. ==Other kinds of Avatars within Vaishnavism== {{Hinduism}} Although it is usual to speak of Vishnu as the source of the avataras, within the [[Vaishnavism]] branch of Hinduism Vishnu is only one divine being that manifests in form. In that tradition [[Narayana]], [[Vasudeva]] and [[Krishna]] are also seen as names denoting divine aspects which take avataric form.<ref>Matchett, Freda, ''Krsna, Lord or Avatara? the relationship between Krsna and Visnu: in the context of the Avatara myth as presented by the Harivamsa, the Visnupurana and the Bhagavatapurana'', Routledge, 2000</ref> In addition there are other senses and shades of meaning of the term avatar within Hinduism. === Purusha avatars === Purusha avatars are sometimes described as the original avatars of Vishnu or Krishna within the Universe:<ref>[http://www.indiadivine.org/hinduism/articles/86/1/Avatar---Categories-of-Incarnations/ Avatar - Categories of Incarnations]</ref><ref>[http://www.gaudiya.com/index.php?topic=theology gaudiya.com - theology]</ref> * [[Vasudeva]] * [[Shesha|Sankarshan]] * [[Pradyumna]] * [[Aniruddha]] === Guna avatars === {{main|Trimurti}} The personalities of the [[Trimurti]] (Hindu trinity) are also sometimes referred to as ''Guna avatars'', because of their roles of controlling the three modes ([[guna]]s) of nature,<ref>[http://www.gaudiya.com/index.php?topic=theology gaudiya.com - theology]</ref> even though they have not descended upon an earthly planet in the general sense of the term 'avatar'. * [[Vishnu]] - As controller of the mode of goodness ([[sattva]]) * [[Brahma]] - Controller of the mode of passion and desire ([[rajas]]) * [[Shiva]] - Controller of the mode of ignorance ([[tamas]]) === Manvantara avatars === Manvantara avatars are beings responsible for creating progeny throughout the Universe, said to be unlimited in number. <ref>Avatar - Categories of Incarnations, by Atmatattva Das, 06/17/2005 [http://www.indiadivine.org/hinduism/articles/86/1/Avatar---Categories-of-Incarnations/]</ref> They do not take birth. === Shaktyavesa and Avesa avatars=== Avataric incarnations are classified as two kinds * direct (''sakshat'') * indirect (''avesa''). When Vishnu himself descends, he is called ''sakshat'' or ''shaktyavesa-avatara'', a direct incarnation of God. But when he does not incarnate directly, but indirectly empowers some living entity to represent him, that living entity is called an indirect or ''avesa'' avatar.<ref> [http://lordcaitanya.com/8/en1 Teachings of Lord Chaitanya - Avatars] </ref> There are said to be a great number of ''avesa'' avatars. Examples include [[Narada|Narada Muni]], [[Buddha as an Avatar of Vishnu|Shakyamuni Buddha]] and [[Parashurama]]. Parashurama is the only one of the traditional ten avatars that is not a direct descent of Vishnu. According to the [[Sri Vaishnavism]] sect of Hinduism, there are two types of primary or direct avatars, [[Purna avatar]]s and Amsarupavatars: # [[Purna avatars]] are those in which Vishnu takes form directly and all the qualities and powers of God are expressed, (e.g. [[Narasimha]], [[Rama]] and [[Krishna]]). <ref>[http://www.srivaishnavan.com/ans_iswara.html#67 Types of Avatars; answers to questions #67-70.]</ref> # Amsarupavatars are those in which Vishnu takes form directly but He is manifest in the person only partially. (e.g. First five avatars from [[Matsya]] to [[Vamana]]). The ''avesa'' or indirect avatars are generally not worshiped as the Supreme being. Only the direct, primary avatars are worshiped in this way. In practice, the direct avatars that are worshiped today are the Purna avatars of Narasimha, Rama and Krishna. Among most Vaishnava traditions, Krishna is considered to be the highest kind of Purna avatar. However, followers of [[Chaitanya]] (including [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness|ISKCON]]), [[Nimbarka]], and [[Vallabha Acharya]] differ philosophically from other Vaishnavites, such as [[Ramanujacharya]] and [[Madhva]], and consider Krishna to be the ultimate Godhead, not simply an avatar. In any event, all Hindus believe that there is no difference between worship of Vishnu and His avatars as it all leads to Him. According to [[Madhvacharya]] (chief proponent of [[Dvaita]] or dualistic school of Hindu philosophy), all avatars of Vishnu are alike in potency and every other quality. There is no gradation among them, and perceiving or claiming any differences among avatars is a cause of eternal damnation. (See Madhva's commentary on the Katha Upanishad, or his Mahabharata-Tatparya-Nirnaya.) == People who have been considered avatars outside the orthodox tradition of Hinduism == {{details|List of people who have been considered avatars}} Besides the avatars of Hinduism listed in the Puranas and Vedas, some other Indian people are considered to be avatars by themselves or by others. Some of these include: * [[Ramakrishna Paramahansa]] is considered avatar by brahmani or Yogeshwari who was his Guru, Ramakrishna himself reportedly proclaimed himself as avatar of [[rama]] and [[krishna]] when his prime disciple Narendra (later [[ swami vivekananda]]) has a doubt arising in his mind at his death bed.<ref>http://www.rkmsevashrama.org/holy_trinity.htm </ref> * [[Meher Baba]] ([[1894]]-[[1969]]) said he was the avatar of this age.<ref>Purdom, Charles B.: "The God-Man: The Life, Journeys & Work of Meher Baba with an Interpretation of His Silence & Spiritual Teaching", ''George Allen & Unwin'', London, 1962. p. 15</ref><ref>''Meher Prabhu: Lord Meher, The Biography of the Avatar of the Age, Meher Baba'', Manifestation, Inc. 1986, by Bhau Kalchuri, pp. 1349, 4973, 6018, 6051</ref> * [[Sathya Sai Baba]] (1926-present) claims and is believed by his devotees to be an avatar of [[Shiva]], [[Shakti]] and [[Krishna]].<ref>"The Revelation", Sathya Sai Speaks VI, 210-213, 17 May 1968</ref> * [[Mother Meera]] ([[1960]]-present) claims and is believed to be an Avatar of Adipara-[[Shakti]].<ref>Adilakshmi, "The Mother", page 4</ref> While many Hindus reject the idea of avatars outside of traditional Hinduism, some Hindus with a universalist outlook view the central figures of various non-Hindu religions as avatars. Some of these religious figures include: * [[Gautama Buddha in Hinduism|Gautama Buddha]] (563-483BC-543BC) the key figure in [[Buddhism]].<ref>Bhagavata Purana, Canto 1, Chapter 3 - SB 1.3.24. SB 1.3.28</ref><ref>Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (2:1-5/7)</ref> * [[Jesus]] (4 BC-36) whose teachings inspired [[Christianity]].<ref>''Meher Prabhu: Lord Meher, The Biography of the Avatar of the Age, Meher Baba'', Manifestation, Inc. 1986, by Bhau Kalchuri, p. 5054</ref> * [[Zoroaster]] (Zarathustra) the prophet of [[Zoroastrianism]].<ref>''Meher Prabhu: Lord Meher, The Biography of the Avatar of the Age, Meher Baba'', Manifestation, Inc. 1986, by Bhau Kalchuri, p. 223</ref> ==See also== {{wiktionary|avatar}} * [[Hindu deities]] * [[Svayam bhagavan]] * [[Gautama Buddha in Hinduism]] * [[List of people who have been considered avatars]] * [[Avatars in Mahabharata]] == References == {{reflist}} == External links == {{commonscat|Avatar}} * [http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/encyclopedia/avatars.htm Vedic Knowledge Online - Avataras as categorized within Gaudiya Vaishnavism] * [http://www.gaudiya.com/image/manifestations.gif Diagram showing the 'family tree' of different Avatars] * [http://www.gaudiya.com/index.php?topic=theology Description of different Avatar types] * [http://www.salagram.net/Dasavatara-page.htm Dasavatara stotra and the ten avataras] (salagram.net) * [http://www.srivaishnavam.com/stotras/dasavatharam_meaning.htm Avatars with meanings] (srivaishnavam.com) * [http://www.comparativereligion.com/avatars.html The divine incarnation in Hinduism and Christianity] article by Ernest Valea * [http://encyclopediaofauthentichinduism.org/articles/66_the_philosophy.htm Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism - Philosophy of the descension (avatar) of God] * [http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Religions/Avatars/Vishnu.html Avatars (Incarnations or Descents) of Vishnu] * [http://www.krishna.com/node/603 Krishna's avataras] (krishna.com) * [http://www.virtuescience.com/i-am-the-one-and-only.html Explores the claims made by various possible Avatars] {{VishnuAvatars}} {{Hinduism (compact)}} [[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]] [[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]] [[Category:Vaishnavism]] [[Category:Forms of Vishnu]] [[ar:أڤتار]] [[bg:Аватар]] [[da:Avatar]] [[de:Avatara]] [[et:Avataara]] [[el:Αβατάρ]] [[es:Avatar]] [[eo:Avataro]] [[fr:Avatar (hindouisme)]] [[gl:Avatar]] [[hi:अवतार]] [[id:Awatara]] [[it:Avatar (religione)]] [[he:אוואטר]] [[ka:ავატარა]] [[lt:Avataras]] [[hu:Avatár]] [[mk:Аватар]] [[ms:Avatar]] [[nl:Avatar (hindoeïsme)]] [[new:अवतारम् (तमिल संकिपा)]] [[ja:アヴァターラ]] [[no:Avatar]] [[nn:Avatar]] [[pl:Awatara]] [[pt:Avatar (Hinduísmo)]] [[ro:Avatar]] [[ru:Аватара]] [[simple:Avatara]] [[sk:Avatára]] [[sr:Аватар]] [[fi:Avatar (hindulaisuus)]] [[sv:Avatar]] [[ta:அவதாரம்]] [[th:อวตาร]] [[tr:Avatar]] [[uk:Аватар]] [[ur:اوتار]] [[zh:化身]]