Aartiyan, Bhakti Geet, Pooja Vidhi & Hindu Dharmic Gyaan Hindi Mein
Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatara (Ten Incarnations of lord vishnu)
“In every age, when evil rises, the Lord descends…”
Introduction
JAI SHRI KRISHNA ! As we know that Lord Shri Vishnu was not born by any womb he is self incarnated as we read the books related to Lord Shri Vishnu. The "Guru's" and the "Sages" who has written about "Lord Shri Vishnu" has mentioned in their "Upanishad's and Granth's". Their are various books are present by reading the books related to "Shri Vishnu" we can deeply know about him.1
What is Dashavatar?
“Dashavatar,” means the 10 avtars taken by “Lord Vishnu” to protect the earth and the humanity by destroying the evils, and he took these ten incarnations to destroy unrighteousness and establish righteousness.
Dashavtar, which means Ten Incarnations. As we go through our “Puranas” like “Shiva-Puran”, Vishnu-Puran”, the “Four-Vedas”, the “Upnishads”, in all these books we will find about “Lord Narayan” incarnations. Why is it required to take “Dashavatar” to Lord Narayan, and when and how has he taken the “Avatars”? The Story behind the Narayan Avatars and the purpose we will narrate one by one, but before we mention some details about Lord Narayan’s Avatar in short form-
To support Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
Varaha Avatar
Satya Yuga
To rescue Goddess Bhudevi (Earth) from the demon Hiranyaksha.
Narasimha Avatar
Satya Yuga
To protect his devotee Prahlad and destroy the demon Hiranyakashipu.
Vamana Avatar
Treta Yuga
To humble King Bali and teach the value of selfless giving.
Parshurama Avatar
Treta Yuga
To end deceit and arrogance, and establish truth (Satya).
Rama Avatar
Treta Yuga
To destroy Ravana and establish Dharma.
Krishna Avatar
Dwapara Yuga
To guide humanity through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Buddha Avatar
Dwapara Yuga
To spread Dharma through wisdom and compassion.
Kalki Avatar
Kali Yuga
Will appear at the end of Kali Yuga to destroy Adharma and restore Satya Yuga.
“Each avatar of Vishnu is not just a story, but a guiding light. By knowing the Dashavatara, we come closer to understanding the eternal play of Dharma.”
These are the famous avatars of “Lord Vishnu” which are known to the whole world. There are many more avatars present in this abode of the universe, as Lord Vishnu has taken an avatar alongside Lord Shiva, which is not mentioned in detail. Know More…
The avatars have incarnated not only once but several times. Know More…
Dashavatar is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, known by various names such as Narayan, Hari, Krishna, Gopala, and Gopal. However, out of these names, “Narayan, Krishna, and Vishnu” are the most familiar and recognizable. But who is “Lord Vishnu”? How is he this capable? Let’s move –
Who is Lord Vishnu?
He is the “Palan-Karta” of the universe. The universe is under “Shri Hari” and is absorbed under him. A single leaf can’t move without his permission. His powers are limitless, and He is eternal.
As we all know, this statement –
“Hari Anant Hari Katha Anatha “
Lord Vishnu is Eternal and his Story is Endless, Infinite & Limitless.
Lord Vishnu – According to “Shiv-Purana”.
In “Maha-Shiva-Puran”, it is mentioned that the “Lord Vishnu” has incarnated from the right hand of “Lord Shiva” and at the same time “Lord Brahma” was incarnated from the Navel of “Lord Vishnu”. “Lord Shiva” has given the authority of “Palan-Karta,” which means “The Protector” of this universe. Under his direction, his beloved devotee, “Lord Vishnu,” has taken this responsibility for the universe.
After Incarnation –
🕉️ Lord Shiva speaks to Lord Vishnu
“O my beloved Hari, You, who were born from the right side of my cosmic form, You are the protector of this vast universe, The guardian of dharma, The preserver of all that breathes and blooms. Today, I grant you this boon: May your hands always uphold righteousness, May your presence restore balance, And may your name bring peace to all beings.”
After hearing this from Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu became emotional, and then he looked at Lord Shiva with great compassion and said –
“O my Lord Shiva, You are the one who has brought me into being — You are my origin, and you are my worship. To serve you is my eternal duty, To obey your command is my highest purpose. Let me dwell always in your refuge, O Lord, Grant me this one blessing — That I may chant your sacred name without end. Let my breath recite only: ॐ..ॐ..ॐ.. Let my heart sing only one name — Only one name — To you, O Mahadeva, A million prostrations(साष्टांग प्रणाम), Endless salutations. Koti-koti naman to you, my Lord — Koti-koti naman.”
🌟 Lord Vishnu replies to Lord Shiva
From, here onwards Lord Vishnu becomes the “Protector” of this universe created by “Maa Jagdamba and Shiva”, and started residing in “Ksheera Sagara”, also known as the “Ocean of Milk“.
“Whenever dharma declines and adharma prevails, Lord Vishnu incarnates to restore cosmic balance. These divine descents are known as the ‘Dashavatara’ – the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, each unique, symbolic, and deeply meaningful.”
We all know that Lord Shiva holds snake on his neck, therefore he blessed Lord Vishnu with one. After entering to Ksheera Sagara, also known as the Ocean of Milk. Vasuki Ji appeared in his infinite-headed form and assumed a gigantic and fearsome form which Shri Hari first pacified with love and then Vasuki created his form as a “Shesha-Shayan” for Lord Vishnu in the same sea of milk on which Shri Hari took his seat.
In “Vishnu Puran” the sage has mentioned how the “Goddess Lakshmi” was incarnated by “Shri Hari”. After taking his seat on-to “Vasuki’s” from his inner will he created “Maa Lakshmi” from his “Vaam-Bhag” which means from his “Left Side” “Maa” was originated, after origin of “Maa Lakshmi” she saw “shri hari” first as soon as she opens her eyes and greeted him as “Pran-Nath”.
But How? Maa Lakshmi greeted Shri Hari as “Pran-Nath”. Here is the conversation –
Shri Hari – “O Devi, you who reside in my inner heart , I wish to call upon you with my willpower. I want to bring you forth and make you the most important presence in this world.”
Maa Lakshmi – “O Lord, I offer my greetings to you. If you allow, I would like to ask you a question before I appear.”
Shri Hari – “My respects to you as well, Devi. You have full permission to ask whatever is in your heart, without hesitation.”
Maa Lakshmi – “O Lord, who am I? And why do you want me to take birth?”
Shri Hari (smiling) – “O Devi, your name is Devi Lakshmi. I am not giving you birth — instead, with my wish, I am calling upon you to take a form and fulfil an important purpose in this world.”
Maa Lakshmi – “Thank you, my Lord, for helping me understand my true identity. And please forgive me for how I asked my question.”
Shri Hari – “No need to ask for forgiveness, Devi. In this world, you will appear as my divine consort — The whole world will worship us together as “Lakshmi-Narayan”. So now, without delay, please come.”
Maa Lakshmi – “As you command, “Pran-Nath.”
So, before appearing to this universe “Maa Lakshmi” has a small talk with “Lord Narayan” as she wants to know about herself and, Goddess Lakshmi also knew about that power which invoked her and brought her into this world.
By the above verse we can understand how "Maa Lakshmi" originated ! How she clears her doubt regarding her origin and how Shri Hari solves her all problems and bring "Goddess Lakshmi" to this beautiful Universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What are the 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu?
As we have mentioned in the above section, all the 10 major incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Who is the 11th Avatar of Lord Vishnu?
After the incarnation of “Shri Krishna,” Lord Vishnu decided that from now onwards, I would permanently reside under each mortal living being, whether it is a man, or animal, or any other species. Therefore, we can say that at present, there is no proper 11th Avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Who is the 9th avatar in Dashavatar?
According to the Puranas, Vedas, and the books written by our great sages, the 9th Avatar of Lord Vishnu is “Shri Buddha.” In this form, he spread the knowledge about “BHIKSHA” while chanting the “Buddham Sharanam Gachhami” slogan went from door to door and spread this slogan to the world.
Why is Krishna not in Dashavatar?
Shri Krishna is one of the avatars taken by Lord Narayan in the Dashavatar. It is mentioned in the above section that “Shri Krishna” is the 8th Avatar of Lord Vishnu. In Shri Krishna’s avatar, he has some different names like Gopala, Nandlala, Murliwala, Manohar etc.
Who is the angry avatar of Vishnu?
The angry avatar of Lord Vishnu is taken in “Satya-Yuga” to protect his beloved devotee to dispel the darkness in that yuga. It’s the 4th Avatar of Lord Vishnu, and we know him as “Lord Narasimha”, he is in the form of Half Man and Half Lion. You can see the latest movie based on his name, “Mahavatar Narsimha (2025)”
Whose avatar is Narayana?
Narayana is not an avatar; it’s the original form of all “Dashavatars” incarnated by “Lord Vishnu” in all yugas. All the incarnations, after completing their work, merge back into Narayan because he is their source. Everything is from him, and everything is in him.
Dashavatar folk dance belongs to which state?
Maharashtra The Dashavatar folk dance is a traditional performing art mainly from the Konkan region of Maharashtra and parts of Goa. It dramatizes the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu through colorful costumes, masks, music, and storytelling.
Dashavatar Mandir kahan-kahan hai?
Dashavatar Mandirs (temples) dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatar are found in several parts of India. Some notable ones include: 🛕 Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh) – One of the oldest known Hindu stone temples, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 🛕 Dashavatar Mandir, Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) – Popular in Konkan region where the folk tradition thrives. 🛕 Dashavatar Temple, Goa – Several temples in Goa are dedicated to the ten incarnations of Vishnu, especially in the South Goa region. 🛕 Dashavatar sculptures in Chennakesava Temple, Belur (Karnataka) – Though not a dedicated temple, the Dashavatar are beautifully carved. 🛕 Various Vishnu and Narayana temples across South India and Odisha also depict the Dashavatar either in sculpture or as part of regular worship.
Dashavatar is a traditional folk theatre form from which Indian states?
Maharashtra and Goa The Dashavatara folk theatre is especially prominent in Konkan Maharashtra (especially Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts) and coastal Goa, where it is performed during festivals and religious gatherings.