Vishnu, the Preserver God in Hinduism, is said to descend to Earth in various forms to restore balance and uphold dharma (righteousness) whenever needed. These divine appearances are known as Das Avatars, ten avatars with unique stories and purposes.
The first Avatar emerged during a devastating flood. Vishnu took the form of a giant fish to rescue King Satyavrat and guide him in saving humanity and restarting life on Earth.
When the gods and demons sought to churn the ocean for the elixir of immortality, Mount Mandar needed a base to rest upon. Vishnu transformed into Kurma, a colossal tortoise, providing a stable foundation for the churning.
The demon Hiranyaksha stole the Earth and hid it in the ocean. Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha, a powerful boar, and fiercely battled Hiranyaksha. Varaha rescued the Earth from the demon’s clutches, restoring balance.
Hiranyakashipu, Hiranyaksha’s brother, was a cruel and arrogant king. He possessed a boon that made him nearly unkillable. To vanquish him, Vishnu manifested as Narasimha, a fearsome creature neither fully man nor beast. Narasimha outsmarted the boon and defeated Hiranyakashipu.
Daityaraj Bali, a powerful grandson of Prahlad, seized control of the heavens. Vishnu appeared as Vamana, a charming dwarf, who tricked Bali into granting him three paces of land. With two enormous strides, Vamana reclaimed the heavens and underworld for the gods.
To counter the tyranny of the Kshatriya king Kartavirya Arjuna, Vishnu incarnated as Parshuram, a mighty warrior known for his unwavering commitment to justice and his legendary axe.
In Treta Yuga, the demon king Ravana terrorized the world. Vishnu incarnated as Rama, the righteous prince of Ayodhya. Rama’s courage, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to his wife Sita are legendary. He led a valiant fight against Ravana, ultimately defeating the demon and restoring peace.
During Dwapara Yuga, a time of moral decline, Vishnu appeared as Krishna. Born into a royal family but raised by foster parents, Krishna displayed his divinity from a young age. He played a pivotal role in the Mahabharata war, guiding his friend Arjuna through the epic battle with his profound wisdom, the Bhagavad Gita.
Some Hindu texts depict Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, as an incarnation of Vishnu. Here, Vishnu is seen promoting non-violence and challenging the dominance of Vedic rituals. Buddha’s teachings on the path to enlightenment resonated deeply and continue to influence millions worldwide.
The scriptures prophesy the arrival of Kalki, the final Avatar, at the end of Kali Yuga, the age of darkness. Kalki, envisioned riding a white horse, will vanquish evil forces and usher in a new golden age, Satya Yuga, marked by peace and righteousness.
These ten Avatars of Vishnu represent the divine’s continuous presence in the world. Vishnu’s cyclical descents signify his enduring commitment to protecting the virtuous and restoring order whenever necessary, offering hope for a brighter future.
Lord Vishnu Chalisa
Vishnu Ji Ki Aarti
Maa Lakshmi Chalisa
Mahalakshmi Chalisa
Laxmi Aarti Lyrics English
Aarti Lakshmi Ji Ki