Madhubani Painting |
Vishnu is Sleeping posture (Mahabalipuram) |
Madhubani Painting |
Dashavataram Hasta |
Matsya : The first of the ten incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the Matsya avataram. All most all the ancient civilization talks about one big flood. Even the ancient Hindu texts talk about the big flood when Lord Vishnu came as a big fish to save the civilization. This is said to happened in the Satya Yuga. There are many stories associated with Matsya avatar of the supreme Lord. One of the story talks about the danavas (Hasyasura or the horse faced demon) stealing the 4 Vedas from Bhrama while he was meditating. The asuras decided to hide the Vedas deep under the ocean where no one can find them. Lord Vishnu came to rescue and took the form of a huge fish and rescued the holy texts from underneath the ocean.
Kurma Avataram |
Matsya Avataram |
Varaha Avataram |
Kurma : The second of the incarnation is the Kurma Avataram. The story goes that during the churning of great oceans Vishnu voluntarily came on earth as the great tortoise on whose back the Mandar mountain and Seshnaga was placed. This is said to happened in the Satya Yuga. The story of Kurma avatar depicts the selfless act on the part of anyone who can make a change in the society.
Varaha : Next came the Varaha or the Boar. This is the third avatar of Vishnu. Jaya and Bijaya the two dwarpals (guards of the gates) of Vishnupuram or Baikuntham took birth on earth due to the curse of Bhrama's sons. They were known as Hiranyasha and Hiranyakashap. Hiranyasha, the eldest of the demon brothers grew up to be a mighty warrior. His strength knew no bounds and he defeated the Gods one by one. He was in search of a mighty opponent and came to know from Narada that Vishnu is a mighty warrior and can match him in strength. He searched for Vishnu through out the Earth and Heaven but could not find him. In his rage he pocketed Earth and went to Patal Loka or Hell in search of his worthy challenger. Vishnu took the form of a boar and fought him and in turn killed him. Then he took the earth on his tusk (the two teeth) and restore it in its rightful place.
Narasimha Avataram |
Narhasimha : Narhasimha or the half man half beast came on earth during the Treta Yuga. This is said to be the most angry of the 10 avataram of Vishnu. In order to save his ardent devotee Prahlad, Vishnu took the form of great Narhasimha and killed Hiranyakashap, the demon king. After hearing the news of his brother's death by Vishnu's Varaha avatar Hiranyakashap took a oath to avenge his death. He did penance for years and years and got boon from Lord Bhrama that " he cannot die in the hands of any God, Human or Demon. No weapon can touch him nor will he die in sky or on earth". He ordered his men to kill every sage, Brahman and God who prayed to Vishnu. His own on Prahalad was an devotee of Vishnu and the mighty king ordered to kill his son on many occassions. In one of the court meetings in order to humiliate his son, the king ask if his (Prahlad's ) God is everywhere. The child said yes. The king asked if he was in the pillar of the room. to this the child say yes. The king in rage took his mighty Gaada (A weapon) and hit the pillar. From within came the half beast half human and killed Hiranyasha with its own hand and keeping the body on his waist, thus fulfilling the prophesy.
Vamana Avataram |
Parashurama : The sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu is Parashurama. Another incarnation of Vishnu who is feared among all sects is Parashurama. He is said to be born to Sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva.
Rama : Rama or Purushottam Rama as he is popularly known as is said to be the most just of the incarnations of Vishnu. He was born in the Surya vansham, a great dynasty that ruled the northern part of the sub continent. He is believed to have killed the Lankan king Ravana.
Balarama: He was born along with Krishna as his brother and is said to posses lots of strength. His weapon is the mighty Gada.
Krishna: The death of Krishna is said to mark the end of Dwapar Yuga. Krishna is the most charming of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The demon king Kansha was said to create chaos on earth. The lord took birth in the house of his sister as the eight son and killed Kansha in a battle one on one.
Buddha : One of the most peaceful incarnation is Buddha. He is said to spread love and kindness.
Kalki : The last of the avatars that the universe is yet to see. This is a prophesy that during the Kali Yuga chaos would reign and the greed and jealousy will take over the godly nature of humans. It is during this this that Kalki avatar would be born and restore peace on earth. He is suppose to be riding a white horse and would kill the evil and be store war on earth. His birth would mark the end of Kali Yuga and we will move to Dwapar Yuga. Many believe that Kalki avataram is already born. Some believe that the last two world wars were fought as per the prophesy.
Carvings of Vishnu on Garuda (Cambodia) |
Author's Note : We have received the request to publish more stories related to mythology. We are planning to come up with the stories and musicals (small dance drams) so that it would be easy for the teachers to teach more about our culture to the next generation. If you have any requests regarding the same please put in the comment section and we will try to do our best to cater to your needs.
Other Links
Introduction
Chatur Slokam --- BharatNatyam for Kids
Make Up, Ornaments & Dress (Part1) __Bharat Natyam
Angalakshana Part 1 - Anga Pratyanga & Upanga
Angalakshana Part 2 - Shiro Bhedam or Head Movements
Angalakshana Part 3 - Dhristi Bhedam or Eye Movements and Bhrukuti Bheda or Eye Brow Movement
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