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Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 10 - Dashavataram Hasta

Madhubani Painting
Dashavataram  in Hinduism means the 10 incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the second of the Holy Trinity).  Vishnu is the preserver of the Universe and from time to time takes birth on Earth in Human forms to end the evil maintain the balance on earth. It is believed that Lord Vishnu comes on earth time and again to eradicate the evil and restore peace (Yada yada hi dharmasya || Glanir bhavati bharatha|| Abhur thana adharmastsya||).
Vishnu is Sleeping posture (Mahabalipuram)
Madhubani Painting
The word "Dasa" means Ten and "Avatar" means Incarnation. The order of the Dashavataram in true sense falls in line with the Darwin Theory of Evolution of creatures that talks about the birth of water creature first, then the amphibions and then the animals on land, next came the half human half animal, next were the small humans and so on. To be very honest the concept of existence of Dashavataram is found through out the length and breadth of the country however there are quite a few variations as per regions and religious believes. For example Lord Jagannatha of Puri is considered as one of the avatars. Similarly many people believe that the  Balarama is one of the avatars while the others believe that Buddha is one of the avatars. The concepts of reincarnation of the mighty lord to restore balance on earth is also common in Jainism and Buddhiism. There are specific and interesting stories related to each and every avatar.
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
However the most widely spread story of this incarnation talks about the ancestral king Manu who ruled in Southern India. One day while he was bathing in the river a small fish appealed to the mighty king for saving it from the bigger fishes in the river. Manu took the fish under his wings and provided shelter to it in his palace. It is said that within two days the fish grew in size so big that it had to be taken to the river. The fish was very happy with Manu and blessed him that during his time of peril it will help him. The fish also advised to built a boat and gather the seven sages and all types of grains for the great flood would sweep the entire civilization. Manu did as per its advice and keeping its promise the big fish rescued the King and the Sages take took them to the high mountains of the north. The story emphasizes the fact that the able must protect the week and in turn the week will grow into all strength so as to protect the society.
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
Vamana : Vamana means Dwarf. The fifth incarnation of Vishnu is the Vamana avataram.This is the story of the noble demon King of ancient south India called Mahabali. He did severe penance and pleased Lord Bhramha.  He always gave gifts to the Bhramanas and the other Gods to please them. He acquired his power through the right path. However King Indra of heaven was scared of his growing powers and requested Vishnu to do something about it. Vishnu took the avatar of Vamana  or a Dwarf. He dressed as a Brahman holding Kamandal (utensil used by sages to carry water) in one hand and Umbrella in the other hand.  In the court when his turn came to receive gifts, he was asked by the mighty king as to what he would like as an offering from the King. To this Vishnu replied that he will like to have land measuring his 3 feet. This amused the king immensely and he agreed. To everyone’s surprise Vishnu grew in size enough to engulf the cosmic world.  With one step he covered the entire earth, with the other he covered the entire heaven and stood in front of the king asking where he should keep his third feet. Mahabali was an extremely humble and offered his head for the Lord to step on.  The lord mentioned that Mahabali will have to leave earth for hell but because of his humbleness he can ask for a boon. King Mahabali asked the permission to visit earth for a day every year to see his land and the well being of his people. Vishnu granted him this boon. It is on this day that Onam is celebrated in entire Tamil Nadu.

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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