In Hinduism, Lord Vishnu is the protector and preserver of the universe. He firmly follows the principle of dharma (righteousness). Lord Vishnu has various avatars or incarnations. Each avatar has a different story, but the objective behind each avatar is the same. Lord Vishnu takes different avatars to restore cosmic order whenever it is disrupted. In this article, we will go through all the Lord Vishnu avatars in order. These avatars are very significant in modern times for the lessons they impart to humanity.
10 Lord Vishnu Avatars in Order
Let’s take a look at the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu in order. These avatars are collectively known as Dashavatara.
1. Lord Vishnu’s first avatar in order: Matsya (The Fish)
According to ancient scriptures, Lord Vishnu took first avatar to save earth from a great disaster intended to cleanse the earth of its vicious beings. Vishnu took the form of a fish and forewarned sage Manu about the impending flood.
Matsya guided sage Manu to build a huge boat and collect all important animals and seeds. Thus Manu, guided by Matsya, preserved life and sacred scriptures. This highlights the importance of knowledge and righteousness.
The Matsya avatar shows themes of protection and divine intervention during times of chaos. This story teaches us to adhere to dharma and protect the balance of the nature.
2. Second Avatar: Kurma (The Tortoise)
Lord Vishnu took second avatar as Kurma. Vishnu took the form of a tortoise to support Mount Mandara which was being used as a churning rod during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). This event was crucial for obtaining the elixir of immortality (Amrit), and restoring balance in the cosmos.
3. Varaha Avatar (The Boar)
The third Lord Vishnu avatar in order is Varaha, the boar. He took this incarnation to rescue the Earth (goddess Bhudevi) from the demon Hiranyaksha. Varaha lifted the Earth from the cosmic ocean and saved her from Hiranyaksha.
Varaha avatar reminds us of our duty to take care of the Earth and uphold righteousness in our actions.
4. Narasimha (The Man-Lion)
Narasimha is the fourth Lord Vishnu avatar in order. It is a fierce avatar which Lord Vishnu took to save his devotee, Prahlada from the demon king Hiranyakash.
Hiranyakash had a boon that he could neither be killed by a man nor by an animal. Thus, god took form of half-man and half-lion. Narasimha tore apart the demon, demonstrating that true devotion and righteousness will always triumph against evil.
5. Vamana (The Dwarf)
In his fifth avatar, God appeared as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. Lord Vishnu took this incarnation to confront the demon king Bali, who had gained power over the three worlds. Bali had grown arrogant over his possessions. Vamana is the fifth Lord Vishnu avatar in order.
Vamana asked for three paces of land from king Bali. He then expanded to encompass the universe in three steps and thus restored balancein the universe.
6. Parashurama (The Warrior with an Axe)
Parshuram, also known as Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Parashurama represents the fusion of classical Brahmin and Kshatriya virtues and emphasizes the need for justice. He is depicted as a Brahmin warrior wielding his iconic axe (Parashu). His name is also found in Vishnu Ashtothram.
Parshuram was born to Sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. His reference is often found in significant texts like Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Parshuram is known for his mission to restore dharma(righteousness). He eliminated corrupt Kshatriya rulers and restored dharma. His legacy encourages individuals to inculculate his qualities in their lives, striving for a balance between knowledge and action.
7. Rama (The Prince of Ayodhya)
Lord Rama doesn’t need an introduction in India. Lord Rama is the seventh Lord Vishnu avatar in order. He is the hero of the epic Ramayana. To this day, examples of Lord Rama are given as an ideal son, king and husband. His story teaches us the values of duty, honour, and devotion.Â
The festival of Ram Navami celebrates his birth, and the festival of Dussehra commemorates his victory over Ravana.
8. Krishna (The Divine Cowherd)
It is said, Krishna is for the future. People will start resonating more and more with Krishna in Kaliyuga. Krishna is the most celebrated avatar of Lord Vishnu. The eighth Lord Vishnu avatar in order, Krishna teaches us deep truth of life in the Bhagavad Gita. His playful exploits convey profound spiritual principles.
9. Buddha (The Enlightened One)
Some traditions include Gautama Buddha as the ninth Lord Vishnu avatar in order. Buddha teaches us non-violence and compassion. Buddha highlights the importance of seeking truth and wisdom. This avatar motivates us to seek the true nature of life.
Buddha’s real name was Siddhartha. He was born around the 5th century BCE in modern-day Nepal. He was born into a royal family and lived a life of luxury in a royal palace. However, at the age of 29, Siddhartha ventured outside the palace and encountered the realities of human suffering. He saw old age, sickness, and death and was deeply affected by these suffering. This sparked a deep quest within him, leading him to renounce his royal life in search of enlightenment.
For the next six years, Siddhartha roamed from place to place and practiced various meditations. He pushed his body to its limits in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. At the age of 35, while meditating under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, he achieved enlightenment. From that day, he was known as the Buddha, which means “the Awakened One.”
10. Kalki (The Future Warrior)
Kalki is the future incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is yet to be born. Kalki is prophesied future avatar who is expected to appear at the end of the current age, known as Kali Yuga. It’s said that Kalki will come on a white horse, coming to restore dharma and defeat evil when Kali Yuga will be at its peak.
It is said that in the Kali Yuga, virtue, righteousness, and morality will decline, and widespread corruption and suffering will occur. Then, Lord Vishnu will incarnate as Kalki to cleanse the world of evil and restore dharma.
The name “Kalki” is derived from the Sanskrit word “kalka,” which means “the destroyer of filth.” It is said that he was born to a Brahmin family in the village of Shambhala. He will ride a magnificent white horse. With his sword, he will vanquish those who oppose justice. He will lead humanity into a new, enlightened age.
Belief in the Kalki Avatar reminds us that even during the darkest of times, Lord Vishnu will restore balance in the universe. This motivates us to strive for dharma and maintain a sense of faith in the cosmic order.
The concept of Kalki Avatar also highlights the cyclical nature of time. The universe is believed to undergo constant cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. Each Yuga represents a phase in this cycle. With Kalki, a transition will take place from the chaotic Kali Yuga to a new age of enlightenment known as Satya Yuga.
Archaeological evidences depicting avatars of Vishnu in order
There are archaeological evidences depicting Lord Vishnu avatars in order. There are various sites in India which show the prevalence of Vishnu worship since ancient times.
Important finding include:
Temples and Sculptures
There are various ancient temples dedicated to Vishnu and his avatars. Incarnations such as Rama and Krishna, are often featured in intricate carvings and sculptures in old temples.
Notable sites include the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram and the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Both of these temples showcase representations of Vishnu in various incarnations. We will have a detailed look at the famous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu avatars in order later in this article.
The Gupta Period
Gupta period is often known for its advance art and culture. It has produced countless sculptures depicting Vishnu and his avatars.
The sculptures from Gupta period portray Vishnu with features like the conch and discus. The sculptures had intricate detailing and expressive features.
Scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata are easily found painted on the walls of the temples of this period. One famous example is the Dasavatara Temple in Deogarh which illustrates Vishnu’s ten avatars (Dashavatara) in a visually captivating manner.
Moreover, Gupta period has also produced notable cave temples. These include Ajanta and Ellora where images of Vishnu and his avatars are portrayed in beautiful paintings and carvings.
The Bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat
The temple complex of Angkor Wat is located in Cambodia. The iconic temple complex of Angkor Wat exhibits carvings related to Vishnu and his avatars, showcasing the spread of Hindu iconography beyond India.
Bronze Icons
The Chola dynasty is well-known for its elegant bronze sculptures of Vishnu and his avatars. Various bronze statues of this period, especially of Krishna are still preserved in museums.
Seals and Terracotta Figurines
Excavations in the Indus Valley Civilization have revealed seals and terracotta figurines that some researchers associate with early forms of Vishnu worship or Vishnu-like figures. This suggests a long history of Vishnu worship.
Inscriptions and Textual References
Inscriptions from various dynasties, like the Chalukyas and the Vijayanagara Empire often mention the construction of Vishnu temples. These temples were dedicated to different Lord Vishnu avatars in order.
Famous temples dedicated to different avatars of Vishnu
Since ancient times, there are numerous temples across India dedicated to the different avatars of Vishnu in order. Different temples have unique architectural styles and cultural significance. Here are some notable Lord Vishnu temples in India that are dedicate to his avatars.
Rama Temples:
Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya: It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. This site is very significant for Hindu devotees.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Rama. It is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and features stunning architecture.
Krishna Temples
ISKCON Temple, Mumbai: It is a modern temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It attracts thousands of devotees everyday with its vibrant atmosphere.
Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka: This ancient temple is dedicated to Krishna and his famous ancient city Dwarka.
Narasimha Temples
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Hampi:
This is a centuries old temple originally built in Vijayanagara Empire. It is dedicated to Lord Narasimha and is known for its intricate sculptures and historical significance.
Varaha Temple
Varaha Temple, Khajuraho: This temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features stunning carvings of Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu.
Vamana Temples
Vamana Temple, Kanchipuram: Vamana is the dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu. This temple showcases beautiful architecture characteristic of South Indian temple design.
Conclusion
The ten avatars of Lord Vishnu in order teaches us profound lessons. The ten Lord Vishnu avatars in order are: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. These avatars teaches us sacrifice, courage, love, and righteousness. Their stories remind us of the divine presence in the world and encourage us to follow the path of dharma in our own lives.
