The Avatars of Lord Narayana

[P.J.]

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The Avatars of Lord Narayana


(With the blessings of Sriman Narayana Wish to start new Threads about Each Avatar of Sri Narayana)






Hinduism allows for countless deities but usually acknowledges “the big three” (trimurti): Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver) and Shiva (the Destroyer). Since Brahma’s job is already done, hardly any attention is given to him. Among the millions of temples and shrines in India, only two (that I’ve heard of) are dedicated to the creator. In terms of popular worship Brahma is replaced by Devi (the goddess, Shakti). Shiva’s has a particular appeal and his job is to destroy the universe at the time of the great dissolution (pralaya). As the preserver of life and the universe, Narayana (Vishnu/Hari) enjoys the greatest appeal. He is most famous for his avataras; his direct intercessions for humanity’s sake. Vishnu’s couch and king of serpents, Adi Sesha is often incarnated along side Vishnu to act as a side-kick.








The word ‘avatara‘ comes from “to descend”. This refers to God coming down (descent) in the flesh (incarnation) into the world of men. Divine incarnation is a theme taken up around the world and obvious in the case of Jesus (“God made flesh”). Popularly, there are ten avatars (dasavataras) of Vishnu but many other legends exist (sometimes 22 avatars). Some disagreement arises over the identity of the ninth incarnation. Some say that it is the Buddha and that he led people away from the dharma; this is a widely held misconception, even among Indians. If we follow the legends recounted in the Harivamsa and Bhagavata Purana, the eight incarnation is Balarama and the ninth is Sri Krishna.

Narayana always manifests himself with purpose and always at a critical moment for humanity. In the Bhagavadgita, Krishna says: “Whenever and wherever there is a decline in dharma; whenever and wherever the dharma deviates from the path of righteousness to destruction and a predominant rise of unrighteousness— at that time I will incarnate and descend Myself again and again to save the humanity.” (IV:7). Sounds like a compassionate reason; rather like the familiar John 3:16.

Dr. Rukmani called to my attention that the avatars sequentially follow evolution; they ascend from simple to more complex incarnations. The first is a fish, followed by a tortoise and a boar; then a half-man/half-lion, a dwarf and finally humans. Dr. Rukmani also taught me the subtle difference between the human avatars: “Rama was ‘man as God’ and Krishna was ‘God as man'”.

The dasavataras are as follows:

1. Matsya (fish)
2. Kurma (tortoise)
3. Varaha (boar)
4. Narasimha (half-man/half-lion)
5. Vamana (dwarf)
6. Parashurama (Rama with axe)
7. Rama (Prince of Ayodhya)
8. Balarama (Krishna’s elder brother)
9. Sri Krishna (King of Dwaraka, cow-herd of Vrindavana, playful child)
10. Kalki (the future avatar)

Each of the ten incarnations offers us beautiful stories and often powerful lessons. Some have retained their appeal in legends of their own and helped to increase the vast wealth of Indian literature and imagination. There are even a number of asanas that are directly or indirectly inspired by the avatars and their stories (I once gave a three hour class based solely on those postures while telling the stories). I propose to write a series of posts recounting the adventures of Lord Narayana in the form of his ten avatars. I have always enjoyed these stories and I hope you will too.

Om Namo Narayanaya


https://srisatchmo.wordpress.com/category/stories-legends-parables/page/3/


More to come in the coming weeks

 

[P.J.]

Avatar 1: Matsya (the fish)

Avatar 1: Matsya (the fish)

During the Satya yuga, Narayana first incarnated himself to save humanity from the great deluge. Once, when Satyavrata Manu (sometimes Sraddhadeva or Vaivastata Manu) was washing his hands in a river, a tiny fish swam into his cupped hands. The fish begged him to save its life. King Manu put the fish into a jar but the fish quickly outgrew the jar. Manu then put the fish in a tank with the same result. Manu also tried a river and finally placed the fish into the ocean. At this point, the fish reveals its divine identity to Manu and warns him of the impending flood. Matsyavatar recounts that the deluge will destroy everything in one week’s time.






Naturally, Manu builds an enormous boat and stocks it as to Matsyavatar’s instructions: all variety of medicinal herbs, every type of seed, the seven primodiral sages and of course, animals. When the great rains begin, the great fish appears with a giant horn (à la Narwhal) and a supernaturally strong rope (actually the incarnation of Adi Sesha), which Manu uses to secure the his boat to the great fish. With the rope tightly fastened, the fish guides Manu’s boat through the great flood, saving humanity and life on the planet. The fish brings the ark to dry land atop Mount Meru (the centre of the universe).

During the deluge, an asura (demon) called Damanaka stole the Vedas (the scriptures) and hid in a conch shell at the bottom of the ocean. Matysavatar sought out the demon, conquered it in battle and then returned the sacred scriptures to humanity. Myths of the great flood are found in every ancient culture but the ancient Indian legend bears a remarkable similarity to the adventure of Noah and his celebrated ark (Genesis 6:9-9:28).



OM MAMO NARAYANA NAMAHA

https://srisatchmo.wordpress.com/category/stories-legends-parables/page/4/

Matsya Avatar of Vishnu - How a fish saved the first man - Biodiversity of India: A Wiki Resource for Indian Biodiversity

 

[P.J.]

Avatar 2: Kurma (the tortoise)

Avatar 2: Kurma (the tortoise)

Sri Narayana‘s second incarnation also took place during the great deluge. Kurmavatar figures in the episode known as “the churning of the ocean” (Samudra Manthan). On account of Indra‘s (king of the devas) insult to sage Durvasa, the devas were cursed and lost their strength and vigour. When the sage had offered a garland to Indra, he then gave it to his white elephant (Airavata) who trampled it leaving the sage furious. The resulting curse left the devas vulnerable to the attacks of their arch-enemy, the asuras. With Indra at their head, the devas sought Vishnu’s counsel. Narayana told them that they would need to drink amrita (the nectar of immortality) to regain their luster. The catch was that the nectar was at the bottom of the ocean and Vishnu suggested them to churn it like butter.

Indra seeks a temporary truce with the asuras, knowing that he needs their help. The plan is to use Mount Mandara as a churning rod and the great serpent Vasuki as the rope with the devas and asuras pulling each side. Indra easily tricks the asuras when he asks them to let the devas hold Vasuki’s head. The asuras, suspecting foul play, foolishly chose to take the head of the great snake. As a result the devas got the harmless tail and the asuras were weakened by Vasuki’s poisonous mouth and tongue. When the churning began they encountered a problem, the churning rod (Mount Mandara) kept sinking into the ocean. Kurmavatar appears and places Mount Mandara on his carapace to keep it from sinking, allowing the shaky alliance to churn the ocean.



As the churning continues, fourteen items emerge from the depths. The first is the world-destroying poison Halahala (which was consumed by Shiva). Then came Kamadenu, the wish-fulfilling cow, the white horse Uchchaisravas and the apsaras (celestial dancers). Many forms of Devi also appeared, including Varuni, goddess of wine and Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. The ocean also brought forth a conch, bow, mace and jewel that were given to Vishnu. The last to appear was Dhanwantari, lord of physicians and source of Ayurveda; he held in his hands the nectar of immortality.


At this point the truce between devas and asuras breaks down as each side are desirous of the amrita. It is of paramount importance to the devas that the asurasdo not get any of the nectar, otherwise they would quickly oppress the devas. Luckily the asuras are disorganized and Vishnu takes advantage of the situation to again help Indra’s side. Vishnu takes the form of Mohini, the most beautiful of the apsaras and dances for the asuras. They are so transfixed by her form that they don’t notice that she is actually handing all the nectar to the devas behind her back. In fact, the asuras are so distracted an taken by the illusion that they start to fight savagely amongst themselves in jealousy for Mohini’s attentions. Rather an amusing end for the asuras for came so close to gaining Indra’s kingdom but lost everything at the sight of beautiful woman.

https://srisatchmo.wordpress.com/category/stories-legends-parables/page/3/

 

[P.J.]

Avatar 3: Varaha (the boar)

The Avatars of Lord Narayana-Varahavatar

Varahavatar is Lord Narayana‘s third incarnation. This story also takes place during the time of the great deluge. There arose a mighty asura named Hiranyaksha who oppressed the three worlds. He had gained his strength through extreme tapas (austerities), which earned him a boon from Lord Brahma. He kidnapped the earth and hide her at the depths of the great ocean. This denied the devas their sacrifices and so they began to weaken. Upon learning that he was not the mightiest in the universe, he searched for Narayana to satisfy his pride. Vishnu appeared in the form of a great boar and dove into waters in search of Bhudevi (Mother Earth). Hiranyaksha got his wish and challenged Varahavatar at the bottom of the ocean. After a thousand years of battle, the great boar was victorious over the mighty demon. After placing it between his great tusks, he returned the earth to its rightful place; Bhudevi and Vaharavatar were then married.








Sri Varaha Temples


1. Tirumala

• It is a famous temple town in Chittor district, Andhra Pradesh. Adi Varaha Swamy Temple is here on the bank of Pushkarini. Tirumala is 24kms from Tirupati city.

2. Karimnagar

• It is the district head quarter in Andhra Pradesh State. Varaha Swamy temple is in this town. This temple is just 3kms away from But staion of Karimnagar. Karimnagar is 165kms from Hyderabad.

3. Simhachalam

• It is a famous pilgrimage centre in Visakhapatnam distrit, Andhra Pradesh. Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is here. It is just 15kms away from Visakhapatnam.

4. Kallidaikuruchi

• It is a small town on the bank Tamraparni river Ambasamudram taluq in Tirunelveli district, Tamilnad. Adi Varahaswamy Temple is here. It is just 5kms from Ambasamudram and 38kms from Tirunelveli.

5. Varapuzha

• It is a town at Paravur taluk in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Sri Varaha Swamy Temple is here. It is just 11kms from Paravoor and 17kms from Ernakulam.

6. Cherai

• It is at Vipyn Island in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Sri Varaha Venkateswara Swamy temple is here. It is just 5kms from Paravoor.

7. Yelandur

• It is a taluq town in Chamarajnagar district, Karnatak. Varaha Swamy Temple is here. It is 21kms from Chamarajnagar.

8. Secunderabad

• It is state capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Koneru Varaha Swamy Temple is in Padmarao Nagar. This temple is just 1kms away from Secuderabad Railway Station.

9. Alu

• It is a small town in Orissa distrct. Sri Lakshmi Varaha Swamy temple is here. It is 17kms from Pattamundai and 38kms from Kendrapara.

10. Jajpur

• It is a district headquarter in Orissa State. Yagna Varaha Swamy Temple is here. Jajpur is just 78kms from Cuttack city.

11.

Thiruvidandhai​

• It is a small village near Chennai of Tamilnad. Varaha Swamy (Nityakalyana Perumal)​
  Temple
  is here. Thiruvindandhai is 35kms from Chennai and 16kms from Mahabalipuram.​

​

https://srisatchmo.wordpress.com/category/stories-legends-parables/page/3/
BHARAT REGAIN THE JAGDURU PEETAM: Varaha Swamy Temples in India

 

[P.J.]

Avatar 4: Sri Narasimha

Avatar 4: Sri Narasimha

If we recall the last episode, Varaha rescued the Earth and defeated a dreadful asura named Hiranyaksha. Well, he had a brother named Hiranyakshipu who was none too pleased to hear of his dear twin’s demise at the hands of Lord Vishnu. In fact, he was so angry that he developed a powerful hate for Narayana and his devotees. Hiranyakshipu dedicated himself to severe austerities and penances (tapas) to please Lord Brahma. Eventually Brahma appeared to the great asura and offered him a boon. Hiranyakshipu immediately asked for immortality but Brahma explained that it was an impossible wish to grant. The clever asura then asked his boon in a very particular way, rendering him virtually invulnerable.


He asked Brahma that he might not meet death by any of Brahma’s own creations; inside or outside; in daytime or nighttime; on the ground or in the sky; by human, animal or weapon; by god, demigod or great snake. He also asked that he have no rival on the battlefield and for lordship over the three worlds. Lastly, he asked for all the powers gained through yoga and tapas and furthermore that he should never lose those powers. Brahma granted him all this and Hiranyakshipu felt himself to be invincible.


As fate would have it, Hiranyakshipu’s son Prahlada was a great devotee of Vishnu (I will tell his story separately). In his anger, he tried several times to have the boy killed but Narayana always protected his devotee, Prahlada. In a final confrontation between father and son, Hiranyakshipu demanded that his son renounce Narayana and worship him as sovereign of the universe. Prahlada responded that Vishnu alone is Lord of the universe and he is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. This further enraged his father, who asked if Vishnu is everywhere, is he also in this pillar? Prahlada responded, “He was, He is and He will be.” In a blaze of fury, Hiranyakshipu shattered the large pillar with a mighty blow with his mace.


What followed was a terrible sound and from the pillar jumped Lord Vishnu, ready to protect young Prahlada. In order to get around the exacting parameters of Hiranyakshipu’s boon, Vishnu came in the form of Narasimha: the body of a man with the head and claws of a lion. In keeping with the boon, at dusk (not day or night) Narasimha (not created by Brahma, nor animal or man) took Hiranyakshipu to the threshold (not in or outside) and placed him on his knees (not earth or sky). Narasimha ended the asura‘s reign by tearing open his stomach with his razor sharp claws (not a weapon as such).

Narasimha’s fury unabated, he destroyed the asura army and killed all of Prahlada’s asura brothers. None of the gods could appease him, not even Shiva. The gods appealed to his consort Lakshmi but even she could not soothe his rage. Finally, Prahlada is presented to Narasimha and the praises and prayers of his beloved devotee calm his anger. Before departing, Narasimha crowned Prahlada as the new king in his father’s place.

Avatar 4: Narasimha | Sri Satchmo

 

[P.J.]

Vamana Avatar: Vishnu’s Fifth Incarnation

Vamana Avatar: Vishnu’s Fifth Incarnation

When the asura king Bali sieged swarga (heaven) from Indra, the Lord incarnated to get Indra’s “land” back on the request of Aditi, the mother of the gods. But it actually turned out to be a test of Bali’s devotion and allegiance to dharma. As a human dwarf brahmin carrying an umbrella, Vamana asked King Bali to offer him three steps of land. When Bali made a promise, Vamana increased the size of his body. He covered the entire globe in a single step and the heaven in the second step. Because Bali had no more land remaining that he owned and could donate, he asked Vamana to place his lotus foot over his head to complete the third step.

In this first human incarnation of Vishnu, Bali’s greatness as a righteous being, in spite of being born in an asura family, is highlighted. He accepted the curse of becoming poor from his own guru Shukracharya but did not refrain from his promise of donating land to Vamana even after being informed that Vamana is Vishnu himself under disguise. Out of his devotion, he donated everything he owned, including all the results of his good deeds and his soul. Vamana broke Bali’s pride of being rich and separated him from materialism. Pleased with his superior devotion, Vamana then graced Bali with the company of Prahlada, Bali’s grandfather and Vishnu’s favorite devotee, and a new residence in a different world (loka) that was to be personally guarded by the Lord.

The incarnation teaches us that for the possessor of learning and spiritual knowledge, the world starts getting smaller and ultimately shrinks to the size of a single step. Even the solar system appears to be only a few meters long to the ultimate jnani who transcends maya. Vedic astrology too links Vamana with knowledge by associating this incarnation with the planet Jupiter, which is the significator for knowledge.


Temples for Sri Vamana in Kerala


Vamana Temples in Kerala


::Learn from Indian Mythology::
Vamana - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vamana Avatar: Vishnu?s Fifth Incarnation - Hindu Expressions

 

[P.J.]

Parasurama Sri Vishnu's Sixth Avataram

Parasurama Sri Vishnu's Sixth Avataram

Parasurama so known as the "axe-wielding Rama," was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu . He was born into a Brahmin or priestly family but had the immense physical power and killer instinct than a Kshatriya or the warrior class. Parasurama was the son of the pious saint, Jamadagni. Lord Shiva , pleased by his devotion and penance awarded him an axe, his super weapon. Parashurama is considered 'Chiranjeevi' or immortal and that he is said to rule until 'Maha Pralaya' or the end of the world.




Parasurama - the Kshatriya-slayer

The objective of the avatar of Parasurama was to deliver the world from the oppression of the Kshatriya rulers, who strayed from the path of dharma. Outraged by King Arjuna and his sons, who killed his holy father, Parasurama swore to annihilate the entire Kshatriya race. Parasurama waged war after war for 21 years and destroyed the unrighteous Kshatriyas, thus accomplishing the task of the avatar of Vishnu.
Three Lessons Learned from Parasurama's Life

Swami Sivananda, in one of his discourses, talks about the lessons one can learn from the Parasurama avatar:
Legend has it that Parasurama, at his father's command, chopped off his mother's head, a heinous task that his brothers refused. Pleased with his obedience, when his father asked him to choose a boon, Parasurama without wished her mother back to life!



Lesson 1: Parasurama's pure faith in his father resulted in due obedience and complete subservience to the higher will. In the spiritual path, the father is regarded as the Guru and God, to whom we should learn to surrender our will. Parasurama had that implicit obedience and perfect faith in the divinity his father.
Parasurama proved to be an antithesis of the 'Sattvic' or pious qualities of the Brahmin class. He killed many great kings, who were unrighteous, proud, and tyrannical to their subjects, and inimical to Brahmins. Righteous kings are as essential to the world as pious Brahmins.


Lesson 2: Destruction is a necessity. Unless we destroy the weeds, beautiful crops can't grow. Unless we annihilate the beast in us, we cannot grow into our sublime human nature, which is next to divine.

An unrighteous king once stole his father's magic cow 'Kamadhenu' - a symbol of abundance, an animal that fulfills all desires. In order to avenge the theft, Parasurama killed the king. When he came home, his father was not at all pleased with his conduct. He severely reprimanded Parasurama for forgetting his own dharma, that of forbearance and forgiveness and commanded him to undertake a countrywide pilgrimage to expiate the sin.


Lesson 3: We should first completely annihilate our bestial nature and then, when we have become true human beings, we should learn to submit ourselves to our Guru. Only then should we set to destroy all evil propensities in us that stand in the way between us and the divine.

Temples Dedicated to Parasurama

Unlike Rama, Krishna or Buddha, Parasurama is not one of the popular avatars of Vishnu. Nonetheless, there are many temples dedicated to him. The Parasurama shrines at Akkalkot, Khapoli, and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Bharuch and Songadh in Gujarat, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir are well known. The Konkan region on India's west coast is sometimes referred to as "Parashurama Bhoomi" or the land of Parshurama. The Parashuram Kund in the Lohit district of the North Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh is a holy lake which is thronged by hundreds of devotees, who come to take a dip in its holy waters during Makarsankranti every January.
Parasurama Jayanti

The birthday of Parasurama or "Parasurama Jayanti" is an important festival for the Brahmins or the priest caste of the Hindus as he was born a Brahmin. On this day, people worship Parasurama and observe a ritual fast in his honor. Parasurama Jayanti usually falls on the same day as Akshaya Tritiya, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar.


Please also read from here
Hindu Devotional Blog: Parasuram Avatar


Parasurama, the Axe-wielding Rama - Avatar of Vishnu

 

[P.J.]

The Avatars of Lord Narayana-Sri Rama

The Avatars of Lord Narayana-Sri Rama

This forum allows free Expression of views on any matter including views against Hindu Religious beliefs against Hindu Gods Particularly against Sri Rama and Sri Krishna Avatars saying Avatars are fabricated stories! This is simply an insane view!




http://www.tamilbrahmins.com/religion/21315-excellent-explanation-divine-name-ra-ma-3.html

Before i proceed further, I wish members to read this article written by Stephen Knapp and believe that Lord Rama was an actual historic personality, as described in the Ramayana and in other Puranic texts.

Lord Rama Fact or Fiction

I know that these members with will come up with an argument against this thread, this article, but who cares ??

I will be posting more about Sri Rama Avatar in coming days

 

[P.J.]

The Avatars of Lord Narayana -Sri Rama Avatar

The Avatars of Lord Narayana -Sri Rama Avatar

Sri Rama, the perfect avatar of the Supreme Protector Vishnu, is an all-time favorite among Hindu deities. The most popular symbol of chivalry and virtue, Rama - in the words of Swami Vivekananda - is "the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king."



A Real Historical Figure:


The seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sri Rama is said to have taken birth on earth to annihilate the evil forces of the age. He is widely believed to be an actual historical figure - a "tribal hero of ancient India" - whose exploits form the great Hindu epic of Ramayana or The Romance of Rama, written by the ancient Sanskrit poet Valmiki.


When did Sri Rama Live?:


Hindus believe that Rama lived in the Treta Yug. But according to historians, Sri Rama was not particularly deified until the 11th century AD. Tulsidas' outstanding retelling of the Sanskrit epic into the vernaculars as the 'Ramcharitmanas', greatly enhanced the popularity of Rama as a Hindu god, and gave rise to various devotional groups.


How to Identify Sri Rama:


To many, Rama is hardly different in looks from Lord Vishnu or Krishna. He is most often represented as a standing figure, with an arrow in his right hand, a bow in his left and a quiver on his back. A Rama statue is also usually accompanied by those of his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana, and the legendary monkey attendant Hanuman. He is depicted in princely adornments with a 'tilak' or mark on the forehead, and as having a dark, almost bluish complexion, which shows his affinity with Vishnu and Krishna.


Comparison with Lord Krishna:



Although Rama and Krishna, both incarnations of Vishnu, are almost equally popular among Hindu devotees, Rama is seen as an archetype of righteousness and the most sought-after virtues in life, in contrast to Krishna's dalliances and shenanigans.


Why "Shri" Rama?:



The prefix "Shri" to Rama indicates that Rama is always associated with "Shri" - the essence of four Vedas.

Uttering his name ("Ram! Ram!") while greeting a friend, and invoking Rama at the time of death by chanting "Ram Naam Satya Hai!", show his popularity and admiration over Krishna. However, the shrines of Krishna in India slightly outnumber the temples of Rama and his monkey devotee Hanuman.


More to come

Lord Rama - About the Ideal Avatar, Rama

 

[P.J.]

Avatars of Lord Narayana - Sri Rama Avatar Continues

Avatars of Lord Narayana - Sri Rama Avatar Continues

IMPACT OF AVATARAS

How Jay and Vijaya Fell from Vaikuntha


Once it so happened that goddess Lakshmi was out of Vaikuntha. When she returned, the two gatekeepers asked her to wait outside because Vishnu Ji was in yoga nidra. This obviously annoyed Lakshmi Ji. She felt insulted, that she, being the mistress of the house, was made to wait outside by the gatekeepers who were, after all, her servants. She later complained to the Lord, telling Him how His gatekeepers had stopped her from entering His chamber.

Bhagawan Vishnu asked her to forbear a little. He pointed that it would not be seemly if He banished them at her instigation. People would accuse Him of being ruled by His wife. "I will banish Jay and Vijay the day they insult a sage," He promised. Lakshmi Ji was calmed by these words because she always obeys the Lord.

Soon after this incident, four saints, known by the common name ‘Sanatkumaras’, came to visit Vaikuntha. The Sanatkumaras are highly accomplished saints who view this whole world as a manifestation of God and are beyond all duality. Despite being older, they always maintain the appearance of five-year olds and go around without clothes. They too were stopped by Jay and Vijay, who laughed and made fun of them. Even though they knew the Sanatkumaras very well, because of God’s will, at that moment, they treated the Kumaras as mere children.

So, Jay and Vijay tried to block their access to Bhagawan Vishnu.It was God’s design that the great Sanatkumaras become angry at this intervention. Interestingly, the Bhagavata Purana, from where this story is taken, refers to anger as ‘kamanuja’, meaning the younger brother of kama (desire), just like Lakshmana is called Ramanuja. Anger follows desire, just like Lakshmana follows Rama (Bhagavatam 3.15.19). So, the Sanatkumaras, prevented from their desire of seeing Bhagawan Vishnu, were overcome by kamanuja when Jay-Vijay misbehaved with them. Their eyes reddened a little and they said: "You behave like ordinary men and hence do not deserve to live in this spiritual world." The Sanatkumaras then cursed Jay and Vijay saying: "Go where material people live (i.e. the earth). That is where you deserve to live."

Meanwhile, hearing the commotion, Vishnu Ji emerged from his abode. Seeing the great saints he welcomed them with reverence saying, "The curse you have given to these two is most appropriate." Here we see an example of the Lord’s tact. People should never side with their servants on such occasions. They should first pacify the enraged guests.

Bhagawan continued, "Despite being my attendants, these two did not understand My priorities. They go against my wishes when they show disrespect to brahmins. That is why it is proper for you to have cursed them. Respected Sirs! I consider saints My all-in-all. It is because the saints sing My virtues that Devi Lakshmi accepts Me. It is because of you that I live in Vaikuntha and am known as God. It is through your mouths that I eat. Indeed, I do not as much relish the offerings poured into the sacrificial fires as I do food dripping with ghee offered to brahmins. It is the dust of the holy feet of brahmins that I wear on my crown. Brahmins, milk-bearing cows and protection-less beings, all three are my own body. Those who look upon any of these three as different from Myself, are torn with rage by Yamadutas, the servants of death. I am won over by those who look upon even harsh speaking brahmins as Myself and honour those brahmins with a joyous heart (what then to say of people who revere virtuous brahmins like Sanatkumaras).

It is My principle, with regard to those who serve Me, that I consider their mistakes to be Mine. Therefore, while my two attendants will descend three times to the earth as demons, I will follow them even more, i.e., I will descend four times."

The following is the distribution of Jay-Vijay’s descent and Bhagawan Vishnu’s avatars (lit. descent):







1). Varaha Avatar for killing Hiranyaksha
















2). Narasimha Avatar for killing Hiranyakashipu














3). Rama Avatar for killing Ravana

4). Krishna Avatar for killing Shishupala.








Bhagwan concluded: "Four times will I go for their salvation and bring them back to My abode."

The Purpose of Avatar

Thus here we see the entire causal life-cycle of Bhagawan’s avatar. It is never for one single purpose but to fulfil many functions at the same time. For example, through His Varaha Avatar, God accomplished the following objectives:

1). Never leaving His bhaktas in distress. Bhagawan Vishnu followed Jay-Vijay all the way to earth, after they had fallen from Vaikuntha.

2). Born as evil demons, these two wrecked havoc on innocent people. By killing them, Bhagwan restored dharma and fulfilled the promise made by him in the Gita (4.7).

3). By killing them with His own hands, He ensured for them a glorious death.

4). By manifesting Himself in the lowly body of a ‘varaha’, Bhagwan Vishnu reminded us of the sacredness of all life.

5). Indeed, any of Bhagwan’s lilas takes into account the collective karma of all creatures.
Additionally, through the events leading upto to Bhagawan Vishnu’s avatar (Diti-Kashyap dialogue, conduct of Jai-Vijay etc), we are also instructed in the subtle nuances of dharma, which in the process, help us lead a richer, more fruitful life.

God?s Lila, Understanding the Collective Impact of Avatara

 

[Janaki Jambunathan]

Dis Narayana had only 10 Avataras? What about Mohini?

 

[Raji Ram]

For enlightenment:

24 Avataars of Lord Vishnu

 

[Janaki Jambunathan]

The Avatars of Lord Narayana-Varahavatar

Varahavatar is Lord Narayana‘s third incarnation. This story also takes place during the time of the great deluge. There arose a mighty asura named Hiranyaksha who oppressed the three worlds. He had gained his strength through extreme tapas (austerities), which earned him a boon from Lord Brahma. He kidnapped the earth and hide her at the depths of the great ocean. This denied the devas their sacrifices and so they began to weaken. Upon learning that he was not the mightiest in the universe, he searched for Narayana to satisfy his pride. Vishnu appeared in the form of a great boar and dove into waters in search of Bhudevi (Mother Earth). Hiranyaksha got his wish and challenged Varahavatar at the bottom of the ocean. After a thousand years of battle, the great boar was victorious over the mighty demon. After placing it between his great tusks, he returned the earth to its rightful place; Bhudevi and Vaharavatar were then married.








Sri Varaha Temples


1. Tirumala

• It is a famous temple town in Chittor district, Andhra Pradesh. Adi Varaha Swamy Temple is here on the bank of Pushkarini. Tirumala is 24kms from Tirupati city.

2. Karimnagar

• It is the district head quarter in Andhra Pradesh State. Varaha Swamy temple is in this town. This temple is just 3kms away from But staion of Karimnagar. Karimnagar is 165kms from Hyderabad.

3. Simhachalam

• It is a famous pilgrimage centre in Visakhapatnam distrit, Andhra Pradesh. Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is here. It is just 15kms away from Visakhapatnam.

4. Kallidaikuruchi

• It is a small town on the bank Tamraparni river Ambasamudram taluq in Tirunelveli district, Tamilnad. Adi Varahaswamy Temple is here. It is just 5kms from Ambasamudram and 38kms from Tirunelveli.

5. Varapuzha

• It is a town at Paravur taluk in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Sri Varaha Swamy Temple is here. It is just 11kms from Paravoor and 17kms from Ernakulam.

6. Cherai

• It is at Vipyn Island in Ernakulam district, Kerala. Sri Varaha Venkateswara Swamy temple is here. It is just 5kms from Paravoor.

7. Yelandur

• It is a taluq town in Chamarajnagar district, Karnatak. Varaha Swamy Temple is here. It is 21kms from Chamarajnagar.

8. Secunderabad

• It is state capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Koneru Varaha Swamy Temple is in Padmarao Nagar. This temple is just 1kms away from Secuderabad Railway Station.

9. Alu

• It is a small town in Orissa distrct. Sri Lakshmi Varaha Swamy temple is here. It is 17kms from Pattamundai and 38kms from Kendrapara.

10. Jajpur

• It is a district headquarter in Orissa State. Yagna Varaha Swamy Temple is here. Jajpur is just 78kms from Cuttack city.

11.

Thiruvidandhai​

• It is a small village near Chennai of Tamilnad. Varaha Swamy (Nityakalyana Perumal)​
  Temple
  is here. Thiruvindandhai is 35kms from Chennai and 16kms from Mahabalipuram.​

​

https://srisatchmo.wordpress.com/category/stories-legends-parables/page/3/
BHARAT REGAIN THE JAGDURU PEETAM: Varaha Swamy Temples in India

Please add this one to your list of temples for Varhar! I am involved in this temple built my friend It is just 10 KMs away from Madurai in Village Ayalankudi On Madurai Melur Highway You can see the God and me standing on the Gopurm near the Kalasam on the Kumbhabhisekam Replica of Thiruvidanthi - it is granite here unlike the orginal made of "Sothai"

 

[Janaki Jambunathan]

click on the link to see the நிலை வைத்தல் function of ஸ்ரீ லக்ஷ்மிவராகார் temple that is coming up in அயிலாங்குடி 15 Km. away from Madurai near மேலூர் This is being built by my friend Seshsadhri of Graphico Printers Madurai I am also involved as member of the Trust that is building this temple. There are very few temples for வராஹர் -- one near மஹாபலிபுரம் (This Temples மூலவர் will be like the one in திருவிடந்தை ) , -- one in கல்லிடைகுறிச்சி, - one in ஸ்ரீ முஷ்ணம் There may be few more I am not aware of. The மூலவர் சிலை is arriving to morrow from மகாபலிபுரம் where it is made in Granite
Hear the song of முத்துசாமி தீக்ஷிதர் ஸ்ரீ லக்ஷ்மிவராஹம் in ஆபோகி rendered by Sanjay Subramanian . This song was dedicated to ஸ்ரீலக்ஷ்மிவரகார் in கல்லிடைகுறிச்சி
Jambu

https://picasaweb.google.com/DoctorTNJ/2011_05_27NilaiVaithal?authkey=Gv1sRgCPjjocnfhLHMkgE

Compositions Of Muthuswamy Dikshitar Songs - Carnatic Movie Songs - Raaga.com

 

[P.J.]

Avatars of Lord Narayana - Sri Rama Avatar Continues

Avatars of Lord Narayana - Sri Rama Avatar Continues



Greatness of Sri Rama

Sri Rama is the role model of Vedic faith . The very purpose of Maha-Vishnu's Rama-avatar was to illustrate by personal example , how to lead a *Dharmic* life , according to the injunctions of the Vedas .

Let us observe Sri Rama's roles from the beginning :

1. Sri Rama as a son obeyed his father's wishes without any question. As per the Vedic law of the Land at that time, Rama has got every right to acquire the kingdom as First Son of King Dasaratha. Even the entire people of Ayodhya wanted Rama to be the king. Rama has sacrificed this right. He accepted gracefully the order of his father with smile.

Sri Rama could have easily exposed His father Dasa-ratha and seized power . The act of Rama's father Dasa-ratha in making a rash promise to one of his three queens, was not in accordance with Raja-Dhrama. No queen had any right to interfere with the matters of state to promote her own interest. A seeker of a boon has limitations. One may seek all well being for self but cannot seek a grant to harm others. Kaikyee and Kaushalya both were equally wives of the king. Asking the kingdom for one's won son is reasonable wish of any mother but seeking other's son to be sent to the forest for a life term ( of 14 years) was clearly *Adharma*. Asking such a boon is *Adhrama* and granting such a boon too was *Adhrama*. However, Sri Rama ignored all these aspects and devotedly adhered to His *Dharma* which was to fulfill the order of His father without raising any question


2. Sri Rama as husband with tremendous love to his spouse Sita. Throughout his period in forest after losing Sita, Rama has searched her and see that Ravana who has taken away Sita was killed with the help of his friends and regained her.


3.Sri Rama as Good Disciple of his Gurus Vasishta and Vishvamithra . Risking own life , He with the lone support of Lakshmana fought against the immensely powerful armies of Rakshasas to protect the yagnas and Rishis in Forest.


4. Sri Rama as Good Brother asked his brother Bharatha not to accompany him and take care of the kingdom till he comes back as per the wishes of his father. Rama did His level best to discourage Lakshmana too from following Him and finally agreed only to avoid Lakshmana's suicide .


5. Sri Rama as a good friend helped Sugriva to acquire his kingdom after killing Vali. Before dying, Vali asked Rama as to why he attacked from behind and un-announced when he had no enemity with him and was it not against Kshtriya Dharma. Rama replied " if you answer my question why did you entertain a desire for your brother's wife, who is like a mother to you, you will find my reply in it ". Vali said being Raakshasa the relationships mentioned by Rama were not known much less followed in their society. Rama smiled and said, " If so , the benefits of Kshatriay Dharma too is not applicable to Raakshasas and therefore He has every right to eliminate such a sinful Rakshasa at the first opportunity without giving him any benefits of *Dharma*. ( Had the Indian rulers like Nehru , the so-called followers of Rama-rajya exponent Gandhiji , followed this personal example of Sri Rama, Kashmir trajedy would never have destroyed India.)


6 Sri Rama as a good protector of Dharma has handed over Lanka to Vibhishana who is real successor to Ravana. He has not claimed even an inch of land even through he has killed Ravana in a war.


7 Rama as a king who has to rule the land without any grievance for his people, having heard a complaint from Dhobi who has doubted his morality has conducted the Agnipariksha. Present day, can you expect any minister do such *prayachitha* ( atonement) for any of his immoral and illegal and criminal activities if they are pointed out ordinary resident like "Dhobi of Ramayana"?

Sri Rama is right in His approach to play his role as an ideal man in various capacities

Greatness of Sri Rama !!! - The Hare Krishna Forum - IndiaDivine.org

To be continued

 

[P.J.]

Avatars of Lord Narayana - Sri Rama Avatar Continues

Avatars of Lord Narayana - Sri Rama Avatar Continues


Swamy Sri Vedanta Desikan (1269 – 1370) in his work Saranagati Deepika, Verse 17, explained the avatara rahasya of Sriman Narayana

The avatara rahasya (The Principle Behind His Incarnations):

Bhagavan has taken different incarnations out of His sheer Mercy in order to be accessible to us in many ways. The six rahasyas are behind His incarnations.

"nanavidahaih akapataih ajahat-svabhavaih
aprakrtaih nija viharavasena siddhaih
AtmIya rakshana vipaksha vinasanarthaih
Samsthapayasyanagha janmabhir adyadharmam "

1) nana-vidahih - The incarnations are of different forms, including Matsya, Kurma, Rama, Krishna, etc.;

2) AtmIya rakshana, vipaksha vinasanarthaih - The incarnations are taken by Him for the protection of His devotees and for the destruction of their enemies;

3) akapataih - These incarnations are real, and not a display of trickery or magic;

4) ajahat-svabhavaih - In these incarnations He retains all His qualities intact;

5) aprakritaih - He is not made of the panca bhutas as we are; they are pure Suddha-satva and not contaminated by rajas, tamas etc. and

6) nija vihara vasena siddhaih - His 'births' or incarnations are not a result of purva karmas but are taken because of His samkalpa or Lila.

With these six rahasyas Sriman Narayana incarnate in the Karmaboomi as sacred avatara purushan to establish the most pious Dharma of Krutha yuga when the cow of Dharma is said to stand firmly on its four legs. In kali yuga, the cow of Dharma is said to be tottering with the sopport of only one leg.

Lord Rama was an embodiment of every social and domestic virtue. His filial duty is unparalleled in the history of the world. His bending of the tremendous bow of Lord Shiva which won Him Sita as His consort is yet another marvellous display of His divine qualities. Many kings and Princes one after the other tried to raise the bow; but they could not even move it as it lay on the ground. When Shri Rama's turn came, He did not only lift it from the ground; but raised it quite above His head and drew the bow with such a force that it snapped in two. Sita Devi was not only Rama's consort but His supreme energy. (Param Shakti)


​

Shri Ram as a Divine Incarnation has shown man the righteous path. Despite many vicissitudes, turmoil's, privations, miseries, unendurable sorrows and insurmountable difficulties; Shri Rama's teachings can be viewed broadly from two points of view. Incarnate as a man, he shows us the righteous way of life and in doing so expounded the secrets of Dharma both by precept and example. He also shoed the Divinity in Him and revealed the true nature of the Godhead. The life of Shri Rama whether looked at as a man or as a divine incarnation is full of lessons for us all. These lessons we get from the Ramayana because the teachings of the Ramayana is of perennial interest. It has swayed the hearts and minds of millions of Hindus for countless ages; it has inspired them to high thinking, noble effort, and right conduct. That even today men, women and children listen to the discourse of the Ramayana with rapt and rapturous attention.


​

In the course of His life Shri Rama was called upon to solve many subtle complexities of the moral law. His approach to them is invariably marked by sincerity and reverence. He showed mankind that Dharma is an established moral order, resting on the very nature of things; for in Dharma is truth established.


​

Af.ter Ravana is killed and the battle won, all the Devas, headed by Brahma, came on to the scene to pronounce their benediction on the conqueror. They expressly say that He is "Narayana", who has descended into this world to rid it of the atrocious Ravana.


​

Throughout the Aranya Kanda during His visits to several sages; especially Atri and agastya, Valmiki makes it clear that Shri Rama was regarded as an incarnation and was thus worshipped by the sages . The incarnation hypothesis derives its support from the famous shlokas in the fourth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita:​

"For the protection of the Good, For the destruction of evil doers, for the sake of firmly establishing righteousness, I am born from age to age."

​

It is further reinforced by the verse which is usually recited every day as preliminary to the devotional study of the Ramayana, wherein it is stated that when God, who can be known and realised only by the study of the Vedas, was born as the son of Dasratha, the Vedas themselves took shape as the Ramayana of Valmiki.


​

The teachings of Lord Rama reminds us that sorrow and joy, fear and anger, gain and loss, life and death, indeed everything that happens, is due to the action of fate. (Ayodhya kanda: 22) It was fate that brought the kingdom within the reach of Rama, and it was fate that deprived him of it. Whatever happens without being previously planned and interfering with what has already been begun, that certainly is the work of Fate. But the workings of Fate should not blind us to our duties and responsibilities. Another aspect of Shri Rama's teachings is to give protection to the weak and helpless. The Kshatriya bears arms so that the weak and innocent may not suffer. And when anyone seeks his protection he cannot withold it, It wasthis principle that made Shri Rama espouse the cause of the Rishis of the Dandaka forest against the rakshasas (demons).


​

What, however, is most noteworthy is the attitude of God towards those who seek refuge in him. When Vibhishana approaches the army of Rama, there was a big council held. Everyone except Hanuman who knows something about Vibhishana, spoke against the acceptance of Vibhishana, Rama spoke last, and declared that it was His vow to protect all those who seek His help and resort to Him as their refuge.


​

This is taken to be an authoritative assurance from the lips of God incarnate that He would protect all those who seek His refuge. There are many ways leading to salvation. Hindu tradition knows at least four such distinct paths---these are Jnana (wisdom) Karma (ritual or duty); Bhakti (devotion) and Prapatti (Self surrender). Of these Bhakti is regarded as the least difficult.
​

http://www.pranavashram.com/navmi-print.php
Saranagathi Dipika
Source: Sri Vidya Rajagopalan

Valmiki's Ramayana

 

[P.J.]

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Sri Krishna Avataram

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Sri Krishna Avataram


ஸ்ரீமன் நாராயணன் கலியுகத்திலே எப்போது அவதாரம் பண்ணப் போகிறார்?

​

குறையொன்றுமில்லை ----எட்டாம் பாகம்

முக்கூர் லக்ஷ்மி நரசிம்மாச்சார்யார்


​

அர்ஜுனனிடம் சர்வக்ஞத்வத்தை எடுத்துச் சொன்ன பகவான் அதற்கும் மேல், தான் வந்து அவதரித்தது தன்னுடைய சங்கல்பத்தினாலே என்று அழகாக எடுத்துக் காட்டுகிறான்.
பகவான் மேலும் அர்ஜுனனிடம் சொல்கிறான்.

" பிறப்பற்றவனாய் உன்னை இருக்கச் செய்ய நான் பலவிதமாய் வந்து பிறக்கிறேன்.அவ்வாறு நான் பிறப்பதற்கு கர்மாக்கள் காரணமல்ல. தர்மமானது வாட்டமுறும் தருணத்தில், அதர்மம் தலை விரித்தாடும் தருணத்தில் நான் வந்து பிறக்கிறேன். என்னை நான் சிருஷ்டித்துக் கொள்கிறேன். "ஆத்மாநாம் ஸ்ருஜாமி".
இரண்டு பொருள் சொல்லலாம் இதற்கு. லோகத்திலே பகவானும் வந்து பிறக்கிறான். பகவானுடைய ஆத்ம ஞானிகளையும் பிறப்பிக்கச் செய்கிறான்.

" ஆச்சார்ய புருஷர்களான ஞானிகளை பிறப்பிக்கச் செய்து அவர்கள் மூலமாகவும் உலகத்தைத் திருத்திப் பணி கொள்கிறேன். நானும் வந்து பிறக்கிறேன். உயர்ந்த மகான்களையும் உலகத்தில் பிறப்பிக்கச் செய்கிறேன்" என்றான் பரமாத்மா.

" என்னுடைய அவதார பிரயோஜனம் என்ன என்று கேட்கிறாயா?

பரித்ராணாய சாதுநாம்
விநாசாய ச துஷ்க்ருதாம்
தர்ம சம்ஸ்தாப நார்த்தாய
சம்பவாமி யுகே யுகே

ரொம்பவும் அழகாகச் சொல்கிறான் பகவான். " அவதார பிரயோஜனம் என்ன என்றால், சாதுக்களை ரக்ஷிப்பதற்கும், துஷ்டர்களை சிக்ஷிப்பதற்கும் தர்மத்தை நிலை நாட்டுவதற்கும் யுகம்தோரும் நான் வந்து பிறக்கிறேன்" என்கிறான்.

நாம் கதை கேட்கிறோம். " த்ரேதா யுகத்திலே இப்படி நடந்தது. துவாபர யுகத்திலே இப்படி நடந்தது. க்ருத யுகத்திலே இப்படி நடந்தது. பகவான் அப்போ அவதாரம் பண்ணினான். இப்போ அவதாரம் பண்ணினான்" என்றெல்லாம் புராணங்களில் சொல்லிக் கேட்கிறோம்.

ஆனால், 'கலியுகம் பிறந்து ஐயாயிரம் வருஷங்களுக்கு மேல் ஆகி விட்டதே .. பகவான் இப்போது ஒரு அவதாரம் பண்ணக் கூடாதா! பரமாத்மா?' என்று ஒரு சந்தகம் நமக்கு எழுகிறது.

ஒரு ஹிரண்ய கசிபு இருக்கிற போது பரமாத்மா அவதாரம் பண்ணினானே; ஒரு ராவணன் இருக்கிற போது அவதாரம் பண்ணினானே; ஒரு சிசுபாலனை வாதம் பண்ண அவதாரம் பண்ணினானே.... தத்துல்யமாய் ( கண்ணுக்கு எதிரே) இப்போது நிறைய பேர் அசுரர்களாக உள்ளார்களே இந்த லோகத்திலே! ஒருத்தருக்காக அவதாரம் பண்ணினவன் இப்போது பல அசுரர்கள் இருக்கிற போது ஏன் அவதாரம் பண்ணவில்லை?' என்று சந்தேகம் வரும்.

அதனால் தான் கீதையிலே இந்த சந்தேகத்தைப் போக்குகிறான் பகவான்.
இதை விளக்கத்தான் அழகாக ஒரு 'ச' போட்டிருக்கிறான் இந்த ஸ்லோகத்திலே. 'விநாசாய ச துஷ்க்ருதாம்'.
அனுஷ்டுப் சந்தஸ்ஸில் ஸ்லோகம் என்றால் 32 அக்ஷரத்திலே எழுத வேண்டும். 31 அக்ஷரம் வந்துவிட்டது. ஒன்று வரவில்லை என்றால் ஒரு'ச' வைப் போட்டு விட்டால் சந்தஸ் பூர்த்தியாகிவிடும்.
ஆனால் பகவானுடைய வாக்கிலே ---கீதையிலே வந்த 'ச' காரம் சந்தஸ்ஸை நிரப்ப மட்டும் வந்ததல்ல. அதன் நோக்கம் உயர்ந்தது. அது எதைக் காட்டுகிறது என்றால் பகவானுடைய அவதாரத்துக்கு முக்கிய பிரயோஜனம் என்ன என்பதைக் காட்டுகிறது.

'துஷ்க்ருத் விநாசனம்' என்பது அவதாரத்தின் முக்கிய நோக்கமல்ல.

அவனுடைய அவதாரத்தின் முக்கிய நோக்கம் சாது சம்ரக்ஷணம் ( பரம பாகவதர்களைக் காப்பாற்றுதல்). துஷ்க்ருத் விநாசனம் என்பது அதன் ஊடே நடக்கக் கூடியது தான்....... இதைத் தான் அந்த 'ச' காரமானது காட்டுகிறது.

இப்போது பகவான் அவதாரம் பண்ணினானேயானால் அவனுக்கு நிறைய ஹிரண்ய கசிபுகள் கிடைப்பார்கள்; நிறைய ராவணர்கள் கிடைப்பார்கள்; நிறைய சிசுபாலர்கள் கிடைப்பார்கள் .

ஆனால் ஒரே ஒரு பிரஹலாதன் கிடைப்பானா? பகவான் அந்த ஒரு ப்ரஹலாதனுக்குத் தான் காத்துக் கொண்டிருக்கிறான்.

பிரஹலாதன் போல ஒரு நிஜ பக்தனுக்குக் கெடுதல் ஏற்பட்டால் இந்த க்ஷணமே பகவான் அவதாரம் பண்ணி விட சித்தமாயிருக்கிறான். அப்படிப் பட்ட நிஜ பக்தி உள்ளவன் ஒருத்தன் இருந்தால் கூட போறும் -- பகவான் அரை குலைய, தலை குலைய ஓடி வருவான். சாதுக்களைக் காப்பாற்றுவது தான் பகவானுக்கு முக்கியம் என்பதை இந்த 'பரித்ராணாய சாதூனாம்' என்கிற ஸ்லோகம் நிதர்சனமாக எடுத்துக் காட்டுகிறது.

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TO BE CONTINUED

aanmigam: ??????? ???????? ???????????? ??????? ??????? ?????? ?????????

 

[P.J.]

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Sri Krishna Avataram continues

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Sri Krishna Avataram Continues

Yada yada hi dharmasya
Glanirbhavati bharata
Abhyutthanam adharmasya
Tadatmaanam srijami Aham
Paritranaya sadhunaam
Vinashaya cha dushkrutam
Dharma samsthapanarthaya
Sambhavami yugey yugey!"

Whenever and wherever there is a decline in righteousness (adharma)
and a rise in irreligion, O Bhaarata (descendant of Bharata)
I shall present Myself at that time
In order to protect the pious
and destroy foolish wrongdoers,
also to reestablish religion and probity (dharma),
I shall incarnate, age after age



Thus spake Lord Krishna, avatar of Lord Mahavishnu, in the Bhagavad Gita. Mahavishnu took ten avatars or incarnations in order to protect the world through the different yugas or eons. Out of these ten avatars, the Shri Rama avatar and Shri Krishna avatar have gained the most importance, thanks to the emergence of the huge epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata respectively.


The Dashavatars (ten avatars) of Vishnu are:


Matsya (The Fish), Kurma (The Tortoise), Varaha (The Boar), Narasimha (Half-man and Half-lion), Vamana (Dwarf Brahmin), Parasurama (The One wielding the Axe), Rama (the Purushottama - The perfect human being), Balarama (Krishna's brother), Krishna (The perfect Statesman) and Kalki (The Warrior riding a White Steed). Each and every avatar descended on Earth with a specific purpose, to protect creation through a multitude of ages.



THE KRISHNA AVATAR

Shri Krishna, the ninth avatara of Vishnu, is as popular, if not more, than Rama. While the word 'Rama' is used more than Krishna, there are many more Krishna temples and religious sects in India. Shri Krishna is worshipped as a major deity among the Vaishnavaites (followers of Vishnu). He is regarded as the Supreme One by the Gaudiya Vaishnava sect. Krishna's stories are entertaining and span His whole life, right from infancy to adulthood. All these stories, however, contain a deep, spiritual inner meaning. Lord Krishna's mission was to deliver the Bhagavad Gita and thereby emerge as a Supreme philosophical teacher.


The Krishna Avatar is regarded as the Sampoorna (complete) avatar, as he has the sixteen necessary kalas or distinctive traits. Rama is not regarded as such, as he shared these qualities with his brothers. Krishna is never shown praying to any God - He is deemed to be beyond all Gods and gunas (qualities). Rama prayed to the Surya Devata (Sun God), as He is the descendant of the Raghuvamsa.

Krishna's life is filled with stories of dalliances with the Gopis (cowherd women), but the love they had for each other had been absolutely pure and transcended all barriers and human limitations.
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TO BE CONTINUED

Shri Rama and Shri Krishna - A Contemporary Kalyug Perspective

 

[krish44]

click on the link to see the நிலை வைத்தல் function of ஸ்ரீ லக்ஷ்மிவராகார் temple that is coming up in அயிலாங்குடி 15 Km. away from Madurai near மேலூர் This is being built by my friend Seshsadhri of Graphico Printers Madurai I am also involved as member of the Trust that is building this temple. There are very few temples for வராஹர் -- one near மஹாபலிபுரம் (This Temples மூலவர் will be like the one in திருவிடந்தை ) , -- one in கல்லிடைகுறிச்சி, - one in ஸ்ரீ முஷ்ணம் There may be few more I am not aware of. The மூலவர் சிலை is arriving to morrow from மகாபலிபுரம் where it is made in Granite
Hear the song of முத்துசாமி தீக்ஷிதர் ஸ்ரீ லக்ஷ்மிவராஹம் in ஆபோகி rendered by Sanjay Subramanian . This song was dedicated to ஸ்ரீலக்ஷ்மிவரகார் in கல்லிடைகுறிச்சி
Jambu

https://picasaweb.google.com/DoctorTNJ/2011_05_27NilaiVaithal?authkey=Gv1sRgCPjjocnfhLHMkgE

Compositions Of Muthuswamy Dikshitar Songs - Carnatic Movie Songs - Raaga.com

thanks for the info.

I have some family links with thiruvadanthai.

so might see the clone near madurai where I hope to be in third week of jan 2015

 

[P.J.]

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Sri Krishna Avataram continues


The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Sri Krishna Avataram continues






Krishna (meaning 'dark colored' or 'all attractive') appeared in the Dwapara Yuga along with his brother Balarama. According to the Bhagavata Purana Balarama is said to have appeared in the Dwapara Yuga (along with Krishna) as an incarnation of Ananta Shesha. He is also counted as an avatar of Vishnu by the majority of Vaishnava movements and is included as the ninth Dasavatara in some versions of the list which contain no reference to Buddha.



Because of his great Godly power, Lord Krishna is another of the most commonly worshipped deities in the Hindu faith. He is considered to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He played a huge role in the Battle of Kurukshetra and helped the Pandavas defeat the Kauravas. He is also a significant character in the epic of Mahabharata. Shree Krishna delivered Bhagwad Gita on battlefield of the Battle of Kurukshetra to Arjun.

He, like Lord Rama, is also known for his bravery in destroying evil powers throughout his life. The Lord is usually depicted as playing the flute (murali), indicating spread of the melody of love to people.


As the Indian Hercules as he is styled by Megasthenes, the most popular hero of India, is the most perfect avatar of Vishnu. Krishna (meaning black as well as all-attractive one) is a Hindu god, and is popularly considered one of the avatars of Vishnu. Another perspective presents Krishna as existing prior to any material manifestation and prior to any God such as Vishnu, who is assigned the task of maintaining the material manifestation.



In this view, Krishna is considered the Supreme Lord. Perhaps the best way to explain the relationship between Krishna and Vishnu is to consider them to be irrevocably linked and that one is the expansion of the other. The Bhagavad Gita, a section of the ancient epic Mahabharata, describes the teachings imparted by Krishna to Arjuna at the beginning of the great battle at Kurukshetra.



Parthasarathy is a name of Krishna that refers to his being the charioteer (sarathy) of Arjuna at this time, a name that endears Krishna to Arjuna, who becomes blissful whenever he contemplates how merciful it is that Krishna has consented to become his charioteer. Stories of Krishna's childhood and youth depict him as mischievous and clever, showing that even God has a sense of humor.



He is found stealing clothes from the Gopis, breaking the butterpot for ghee, and playing transcendental pranks. This is a counterpoint to another avatar of Vishnu: Rama, he of the straight and narrow path. Krishna also is involved in defending honor, and in fighting demonic personalities. In one such story, Vishnu told Krishna to kill Kamsa, a tyrant and a son of a demon. Krishna and his brother Balarama were threatened by Kamsa, who had been told a son of his half-sister Devaki would kill him. He therefore murdered her first six children. Krishna and Balarama were moved to Rohini's womb to protect them. Krishna was then given to Nanda and Yasoda to hide him from Kamsa; as a child, he was known as Balakrsna, one of hundreds of names for Krishna.



Of all names, Krishna, or all attractive, is considered the topmost. Krishna is 'Sat Cit Ananda', full of bliss and knowledge. To a Hindu, all living entities are part and parcel of Krishna, and each living entity walks within a world made up of the material energy, another one of Krishna's unlimited energies. The amorous pastimes of Krishna are popularly misunderstood and should not be attempted until the nature of Krishna is fully inderstood. For example, to fulfill the desires of his devotees he expanded to be personally present to His sixteen-thousand wives. On one hand this seems adulterous, whereas on the other hand, as expansions of Krishna, all husbands are part and parcel of Krishna and therefore ultimately Krishna is indirectly married to all wives.



Despite all these transcendental activities, Krishna's favorite is Radha, daughter of Vrishabhanu. When Krishna advented in Vrindavana, Radha followed within two years. However, she would not open her eyes until Krishna was present before Her. At Her first birthday Krishna, then three, came and pulled down the veil of her crib. She opened her eyes for the first time then. Until Krishna appeared before her, it was as if there was nothing on this earth worthwhile for Radha to see. Radha is the prime object of Krishna's love, and is joined with Him as the Fountainhead of all Spiritual Energy from which the material universes emanate.



TO BE CONTINUED

Avatars in Ancient India - Crystalinks

 

[P.J.]

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Sri Krishna Avataram continues

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Sri Krishna Avataram continues


Fifteen Lessons we can Learn from the Life of Lord Krishna

Please go through this link

Fifteen Lessons we can Learn from the Life of Lord Krishna | Om Sai Mandir Blog

What Sri Krishna Taught?


Krishna avatar’s greatness lies in its invaluable lessons for humanity. The term Jagadguru is the most appropriate to Him whose life and teachings instil the value of human birth as an opportunity to realise the purpose of life and also show the way to tread this path, said Srimati Prema Pandurang in a lecture.
The Bhagavad Gita is the essence of the teachings of the Upanishads and, in simple terms, Krishna explains the way to salvation through the paths of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti.


He tells Arjuna about the time-bound quality of the universe and describes Himself as Time (Kal), “I am Time that finally seals and destroys people.” All beings and objects get a chance to manifest for a brief period and ultimately succumb to the effects of Time. He explains that whether Arjuna fights this war or not, the warriors assembled for battle will die at any cost since He had slain them. Arjuna is merely an instrument in the war.

Apart from this teaching, His own life provides many lessons for us. He accepts Kuchela, His childhood companion as an elder brother when the former, who lives in abject poverty, visits Him at Dwaraka. Without any thought of His wealth or status, Krishna spontaneously and warmly welcomes Kuchela, treats him with respect and love due to a guest and performs Pada Puja to him.


His entire retinue watches spellbound when He pays such respectful attention to Kuchela. This act of Krishna has a humbling effect on us as well.


Brahma and Indra become jealous of the popular cowherd, Krishna; He teaches them the truth of His supreme status. His flute notes carry a divine message. He proves to be an ideal friend of Arjuna and Uddhava and an unfailing protector of the Pandavas.

What Krishna taught - The Hindu

AVATARS OF LORD NARAYANA TO CONTINUE

 

[P.J.]

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Kalki Avatar

The Avatars of Lord Narayana- Kalki Avatar

Lord Vishnu is said to have manifested himself in various incarnations, called Avatars, for the destruction of evil or restoration of faith and justice in the world. These incarnations are said to have been in the human form, in the animal form and even in the combined human-animal form. Though popularly believed to be ten in number, the Bhagvat Purana mentions twenty two such incarnations with innumerable more to follow.

It is believed that out of the ten incarnations (called Dashavatar) that are popularly believed in, nine have already been manifested while the tenth is yet to appear. Though all of the incarnations are highly revered, the incarnations of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna have found acceptance as gods in their own right and are propitiated deities in Hinduism. The first four of the ten avatars have appeared in the Krita Yuga (the first of the four Yugas or Ages that comprise one Mahayuga – for more details please read the section above on Lord Brahma). The next three avatars appeared in the Treta Yuga, the eighth incarnation in the Dwapar Yuga and the ninth in the Kali Yuga. The tenth is expected to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga.

( I have not covered Balarama Avatar as it overlaps krishna Avatar like Parasurama Avater overlapping Rama Avatar)

10 Kalki (Avathar yet to come)
The Kalki Avatar is the only avatar of Vishnu that is set in the future. It is believed that at the end of the present age (Kali Yug), there will be a deluge when Kalki – the tenth and the last avatar of Vishnu, will ride forth on a horse to redeem humankind and re-establish righteousness. Riding on the back of a white horse, with a drawn sword, he will destroy the enemies of Dharma and re-establish it in all its glory. The name Kalki is often a metaphor.

read more from the links i have provided


2012: The Coming of the Kalki Avatar , Four Horsemen, Second Advent of the Christ




Kalki The Next Avatar of God
Kalki Avatar The Apocalyptic Horse Rider
Kalki Purana - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lord Kalki: His Appearance Signifies the End of the Kali Yuga | Cosmic Convergence: 2012 and Beyond
Hindu Prophecies and the Incarnation of the Kalki Avatar
When is Bhagavan Kalki coming | Kalki Avatar Lord Krishna
When is Bhagavan Kalki coming | Kalki Avatar Lord Krishna