Namaste, Hari Om, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Lord Vishnu's preserving, protecting powers have been manifested to the world in a variety of forms, called Avatars, in which one or more of his divine attributes were embodied in the shape of a human being or an animal or a human-animal combined form, possessing great and sometimes supernatural powers. All these Avatars of Vishnu appeared in the world either to correct some great evil or to effect some great good on earth. These avatars are ten in number, however, the Bhagwad Purana increases them to twenty two and adds further that are innumerable.- Great article from Hindunet.org:(Source).
Comment (by SimpleHinduBhai) In Hinduism many people say we have many Gods - Well I do agree with that, everyone needs to understand the reasoning behind such a comment of "many Gods". You are a person, lets say you are a Male, you could be called a Boy, Teenager, Man etc.. Since you are a male, to different people you hold various relationships and offer great support or help because of that aspect of the relationship. For example, You are a big brother, you lend protection and guidence to younger siblings. You are Mr. Financial Manager at your job, thus you lend professional advice on finance etc.. You are also a Son and have duties to perform to your parents, you could also be a husband which also entails different support functions for a household. As you can see you hold many relationships depending on your role or relation with the person. Your younger sibling would not approach you as Mr. Financial Manager for help, or your wife wouldnt look at you or approach you with a Son relationship etc.. Same for Bhagavan, it is one all merciful lord who looks after us all, but holds many divine names/relationships - in this way we can approach in the right manner for guidence. At the end of the day, we should never try to count or focus on seperation, "this aspect is better, that one is not etc".. If someone talks like this they are not "keeping it real" as they are covered in ignorance...The maha quote below explains everything in an easy and better manner;"There is no second God, nor a third, nor is even a fourth spoken of
There is no fifth God or a sixth nor is even a seventh mentioned.
There is no eighth God, nor a ninth. Nothing is spoken about a tenth even.
This unique power is in itself. That Lord is only one, the only omnipresent. It is one and the only one."
Atharva Veda 13.4.2 19-20
Lord Vishnu has many Avatars (Pronounced Av-TAr):
(source of the below Avatar meanings below)
Matsya (The fish) In the earliest yuga (era) of Sata-yuga, a king named Manu was performing severe penance for thousands of years. One day as he was performing ablutions with river water, a small fish came into his hands and just as he was about to throw the fish back into the river, the fish requested the king to save its life. Heeding its request, the king put the fish into a jar of water but the fish started growing and the jar was not big enough for it. Then the king threw it into the river, but it soon it outgrew the river and the king then threw it into Ganges and then into the ocean. The king realised that it was Lord Vishnu himself and then the lord made an appearance and made a special request to the king. It predicted that the world would come to an end by a huge flood in seven days and requested the king to build a huge boat and take the seven sages(hermits), seeds of all plants, one animal of each type and told him that he would appear as a fish to propel the boat to Mount Himavan for surviving the flood to the next yuga(eon). True to his word, after seven days
the Lord appeared and the king tied the boat to the fish by using the royal serpent Vasuki and the fish took all of them to Mt Himavan and kept them there till the flood was over and in the new era, the king started procreation a for the new era.
Kurma (The tortoise) Further to Pralaya- deluge at the beginning of the present Kalpa the Gods (devas) lost their immortality due to a curse by the short-tempered sage Durvasa.The sage had once presented a garland of flowers to Indra,king of gods, who carelessly gave it away to his elephant which trampled it. The Devas approached Vishnu for help. Vishnu then asked them to churn the ocean of milk after adding medicines into the ocean. Mt Mandara could be used a the churning stick he said. He requested them to ask them help of Asuras in lifting the mountain in exchange for offer of the share of nectar of immortality that would ensue from the churning. Both the devas and the asuras churned the ocean using the serpent Vasuki as the rope. At the start, playing a Machiavellian trick, Indra, king of the gods asked the asuras for the head end of vasuki. But asuras suspecting foul play, took the head end, only to be deceived as the poison from Vasuki was slowly weakening them. But as churning was proceeding the mountain was sinking and then Lord Vishnu took the form of the tortoise KURMA and kept the mountain afloat. As soon as the bowl of amrita, the nectar of immortality was out, the asuras grabbed it. Then Lord Vishnu took the form of an apsara, a beautiful maiden, and seduced the asuras into letting her distribute the nectar and also to abide by her order of distribution. As soon as the devas were served the maiden disappeared thus totally deceiving the asuras and making them totally weak.
Varaha (The boar) A demon Hiranyaksha, had prayed for Lord Brahma and got awarded a boon that no beast nor man nor god could kill him. But somehow from the list of beasts the name of boar was missing. This proved to be his lacunae. He then started a campaign of plunder across the worlds. He pushed the world to the Pataal loka, or the under of the sea. He stole the Vedas, the holy scriptures from the Lord Brahma, while he was asleep and performed huge atrocities.To retrieve the Vedas and to save the world the Lord Vishnu assumed the role of a boar and brought out the earth from the under of the ocean, using its two tusks. It then killed Hiranyaksha and retrieved the Vedas from the asura and brought it back to the safe custody of the Lord Brahma.
Narsinha/Nrusinha (The man-lion) In NARASIMHA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as a semi-man,semi-lion in this world. The king of demons(asuras), Hiranyakasyapu, wanted to become immortal and wanted to remain young forever. To this end, he meditated for Lord Brahma and because of his severe penance, the gods were frightened and asked Brahma to pacify the king. Brahma was impressed by his austerity and granted him a wish. Hiranyakasyapu wished that he be killed neither by a man or beast, nor in daylight or at night and neither inside or outside a building. Having obtained the wish he considered himself the supreme God and forbade all worship of gods by anyone. But his son Prahlada, was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. This enraged Hiranyakasyapu very much. He ordered numerous ways to kill Prahlada including asking his sister Holika to sit with Prahlada in the fire. But every time Prahlada escaped unhurt. Enraged, once he asked Prahlad to show him the Lord Vishnu. Prahlad said, "He is everywhere". Further enraged, Hiranyakasyapu knocked down a pillar, and asked if Lord was present there. Lord Vishnu then emerged as a half lion, half man from the pillar, and carried him under the arch of the doorway (neither indoors nor outdoors), and the time was evening (in the twilight), neither night nor day. He then killed Hiranyakasyapu with his claws by keeping him on his thighs (neither on earth nor in the sky) thus saving the life of his devotee Prahlada.
Vaman (The dwarf) BALI, the grandson of Prahlada was a very valorous and mighty asura. By his penance and might, he conquered the whole world. Indra and other gods fearing that he and the asuras would conquer all the three worlds, went to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu was then born as a dwarf Vamana in the household of a brahman priest. He went to Bali on growing up and asked for alms. Bali was delighted to offer him anything he requested even though his royal guru warned him that it was Lord Vishnu. Vamana then requested for the amount of land that could come under his three feet. Bali gracefully agreed. Lord Vishnu then grew in size and covered the earth and heaven in two stride. And due to lack of space, he put his third leg on Bali himself and crushed Bali to the nether or the Patala loka (underground world), thus helping the Gods out. (SimpleHinduBhai note: it is said in the Bhrama Purana, that after taking these two steps, water from a Bhramanas water pot fell onto Lord Vishnu's feet and this water fell to the earth thus brining Ganga Mata to earth (first going Through Lord Shiva's Lok).
Parshuram In PARASURAMA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as a brahman priest in this world. He was brought in this world to avenge all kshatriyas who had become arrogant and were suppressing the brahmans in the world. He was born with unusual physical power, and became better fighter than any Kshatriya.He was born to Jamadagni and Renuka, and belonged to the Brighu clan. Parashurama was always carrying an axe presented to him by Lord Shiva of whom he was an ardent devotee. Kartavirya a powerful king, once went to Jamadagni's home when he was out, and after a meal, stole the Kamadhenu cow, which was supposed to give endless quantity of milk. Jamadgni was enraged and he went and killed the king and brought Kamadhenu back. On hearing this the son of the king came back and killed Jamdagni. Parasurama was enraged at this and went and avenged the death of his father by killing all kshatriyas in 21 battles. His life is story of the supremacy of brahmans over the kshatriyas. (SimpleHinduBhai's note, in the Shiva Purana, it talks about this great incarnation in detail).
Rama It is the most important Avatar of Vishnu. Rama represents the peak of the historic incarnations, and by him it is defined the ideal character of Indian people.He is Vishnu descended upon earth to conquer all the Indian peninsula, included Sri Lanka, under the Bharata rule. Lord Rama is one of the most adored gods in India. He is always holding a bow and arrow indicating his readiness to destroy evils.His story forms the epic Ramayana. He is perfect in every aspect; the perfect man, the perfect husband, the perfect brother, the perfect king, etc. and the obedient son. Commonly he is pictured in a family style, with his wife Sita, and brother Lakshman.
Krishna In KRISHNA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as KRISHNA , the central character in the epic MAHABHARATA. In this biggest epic of Indian mythology a myriad of topics are covered, including war, love, brotherhood, politics etc. It is essentially the story of two warring groups of cousin brothers, the PANDAVAs and the KAURAVAs. As a part of the Mahabahrata, during the war KRISHNA, gives a long discourse to his disciple ARJUNA, collectively termed as Bhagvad-Gita. Krishna, during his child-hood was responsible for the killing of Kansa. Krishna is also considered to be an ultimate playboy who was resonsible for charming all gopikas (cowherdesses) around him. Unlike Ramayana, Mahabharata deals with more down to earth issues like politics, human nature, human weaknesses, and does not attempt to idealise the characters as in RAMAYANA. His departure marks the beginning of Kali yuga.
Buddha - In the Srimad Bhagavatam there is a list of the avataras, and there is mention of Lord Buddha's name. This Srimad Bhagavatam was written five thousand years ago, and it mentions different names for future times. It says that in the future the Lord would appear as Lord Buddha, his mother's name would be Anjana, and he would appear in Gaya. So Buddha appeared twenty six hundred years ago, and the Srimad Bhagavatam, which was written five thousand years ago, mentioned that in the future he would appear.
Kalki (Soon to come) It is believed that He will appear, riding his white horse and drawing a flaming sword, at the end of the Kali Yuga, the dark age through which we are now passing. His task will be to exterminate the evil and restore the Dharma. Thus will begin a new cycle, starting with the new Satya Yuga. (SimpleHinduBHai's note: It is also stated in other religions along this same aspect, white horse, sword etc..).
What is the reason for these Avatars? Answer is below from the Maha Bhagvad Gita;
"yada yada hi dharmasya,
glanir bhavati bharata,
abhyutthanam adharmasya,
tadatmanam srjamy aham" - Lord Krishna (Bhagavad Gita chp4)
(translation)"Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion--at that time I descend Myself. "
Also, click here for an indepth article regarding the meanings of the Avatars taken by Lord Vishnu.
Lord Vishnu is known by many names,
The four main attributes of lord Vishnu are as follows (source):
He holds a chakra in his upper right hand that is known to be the symbol of mind and has been named Sudarshan. The chakra has six spokes and it symbolizes the endless controlling of all the six seasons. Apart from this it is also a powerful weapon of Lord Vishnu that can cut off the heads of demons. Lord Vishnu also carries a lotus that represents the power of illusion. He holds this in his upper left arm. The lotus is also the sign of all the five elements of the universe. The lotus has been named Padma and it is the sign of purity as well.
In his lower left hand he carries a Shankh, which is also known as Panchjanya. It is the fountain from where the five elements of the universe are evolved. The five elements are fire, water, air, sky and earth. The lotus is also the sign of knowledge and it also represents the notion of individual existence.
And in his lower right hand he carries a mace or Gada that represents the force of the elements and from which the mental and physical powers are derived.
Click below for answers;
Whos is Garuda (Lord Vishnu's Vehicle)? and a good video on Garuda.
Bhajans Dedicated to Lord Vishnu:
Vishnu Sahasranaamam Stotram- Talks about the 10 avatars..
http://videos.bhaktisangeet.com/view/91/lord-vishnu-and-the-10-avatars
Shree Vishnu Pratah Smaranastotram -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XgyOXqjWTc
Shree Hari Vishnu Chalisa -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nb0Rohg2HI
Lord Vishnu Bhajan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy6RetDoaLw
Mantras for Lord Vishnu:
Vishnu Gayatri Mantra:
Om Narayanaya Vidhmahe
Vasudevaya Dheemahi
Thannoh Vishnuhu Prachodhayat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zw-EwyqGVE
shaanta-kaaram bhujaga-shayanam padma-naabham suresham
vishwa-dhaaram gagana-sadrisham megha-varanam shubhaangam.
lakshmi-kaantam kamala-nayanam yogi-bhi-dhyaana-agamyam
vande vishnum bhava-bhaya-haram sarva-lokaika-naatham.
LORD VISHNU
His Mantra is: Om Namo Narayanaya
Suklambharadharam visnum sasi varnam caturbhujam
Prasanna vadanam dhyayet sarvavighnopasantaye
Meditation On Sri Krishna
Vamshee vibhooshita karaan navaneeradaabhaat
Peetaambaraadaruna bimbaphalaa dharoshthaat;
Poornendusundara mukhaad aravinda netraat
Krishnaat param kimapi tattwam aham na jaane.
MEANING: I know not any other Reality than the lotus-eyed Krishna with hands adorned with flute, looking like a heavy-laden cloud in lustre, wearing a yellow silk garment, with His lower lip like a ruddy bimba fruit, and with face shining like the full moon.
Meditation On Sri Rama
Dhyaayedaajaanubaaham dhritasharadhanusham
baddhapadmaasanastham,
Peetam vaaso vasaanam navakamala dala spardhinetram
prasannam;
Vaamaankaaroodhaseetaa mukhakamala milal lochanam
neeradaabham,
Naanaalankaara deeptam dadhatamuru jataa mandalam
raamachandram.
MEANING: One should meditate on Sri Ramachandra, with hands reaching the knees, holding the bow and arrows, seated in the locked-up lotus posture, wearing a yellow garb, with eyes vying with the newly-blossomed lotus petals, with a pleasant gait, who has Sita seated on His left thigh, who is blue like the clouds, who is adorned with all kinds of ornaments and having a big circle of Jata on the head.
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' is a mantra of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. It means literally: "Prostration to Bhagavan Vasudeva." 'Surrender to Sri Vasudeva' is implied therein. Now, the prostration, salutation, is an external symbol of the internal union. When we do namaskara to a deity in the temple, to a friend or any person, we join both the palms and bend ourselves low. This namaskara, and the joining of the palms are indicative of the feeling of union of oneself with the other. "I and you are one" - that is prostration, that is namaskara. "Bhagavan Vasudeva, I am one with you" is a spirit of surrender, and here begins meditation on Bhagavan Vasudeva. When this mantra is chanted you have also created the requisite atmosphere in the mind for contemplation on Bhagavan Vasudeva, to begin meditation and to feel His presence. This rule applies to all other mantras, also.
(source: http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_90.html)
Jai Maha Vishnu ki Jai,
Hari Om, “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
Bhajans Dedicated to Lord Vishnu:
Vishnu Sahasranaamam Stotram- Talks about the 10 avatars..
http://videos.bhaktisangeet.com/view/91/lord-vishnu-and-the-10-avatars
Shree Vishnu Pratah Smaranastotram -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XgyOXqjWTc
Shree Hari Vishnu Chalisa -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nb0Rohg2HI
Lord Vishnu Bhajan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy6RetDoaLw
Mantras for Lord Vishnu:
Vishnu Gayatri Mantra:
Om Narayanaya Vidhmahe
Vasudevaya Dheemahi
Thannoh Vishnuhu Prachodhayat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zw-EwyqGVE
shaanta-kaaram bhujaga-shayanam padma-naabham suresham
vishwa-dhaaram gagana-sadrisham megha-varanam shubhaangam.
lakshmi-kaantam kamala-nayanam yogi-bhi-dhyaana-agamyam
vande vishnum bhava-bhaya-haram sarva-lokaika-naatham.
LORD VISHNU
His Mantra is: Om Namo Narayanaya
Suklambharadharam visnum sasi varnam caturbhujam
Prasanna vadanam dhyayet sarvavighnopasantaye
Meditation On Sri Krishna
Vamshee vibhooshita karaan navaneeradaabhaat
Peetaambaraadaruna bimbaphalaa dharoshthaat;
Poornendusundara mukhaad aravinda netraat
Krishnaat param kimapi tattwam aham na jaane.
MEANING: I know not any other Reality than the lotus-eyed Krishna with hands adorned with flute, looking like a heavy-laden cloud in lustre, wearing a yellow silk garment, with His lower lip like a ruddy bimba fruit, and with face shining like the full moon.
Meditation On Sri Rama
Dhyaayedaajaanubaaham dhritasharadhanusham
baddhapadmaasanastham,
Peetam vaaso vasaanam navakamala dala spardhinetram
prasannam;
Vaamaankaaroodhaseetaa mukhakamala milal lochanam
neeradaabham,
Naanaalankaara deeptam dadhatamuru jataa mandalam
raamachandram.
MEANING: One should meditate on Sri Ramachandra, with hands reaching the knees, holding the bow and arrows, seated in the locked-up lotus posture, wearing a yellow garb, with eyes vying with the newly-blossomed lotus petals, with a pleasant gait, who has Sita seated on His left thigh, who is blue like the clouds, who is adorned with all kinds of ornaments and having a big circle of Jata on the head.
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' is a mantra of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. It means literally: "Prostration to Bhagavan Vasudeva." 'Surrender to Sri Vasudeva' is implied therein. Now, the prostration, salutation, is an external symbol of the internal union. When we do namaskara to a deity in the temple, to a friend or any person, we join both the palms and bend ourselves low. This namaskara, and the joining of the palms are indicative of the feeling of union of oneself with the other. "I and you are one" - that is prostration, that is namaskara. "Bhagavan Vasudeva, I am one with you" is a spirit of surrender, and here begins meditation on Bhagavan Vasudeva. When this mantra is chanted you have also created the requisite atmosphere in the mind for contemplation on Bhagavan Vasudeva, to begin meditation and to feel His presence. This rule applies to all other mantras, also.
(source: http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_90.html)
Jai Maha Vishnu ki Jai,
Hari Om, “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
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