Dashavatar – Ten manifestations of Lord Vishnu
Hare Krishn!
The Eighth Avatar is a blend of mythology and fiction. The Krishn portrayed in many a book and the Krishn we know about and worship is not the real Krishn. His noble character has been stigmatized for long, portraying him as a lover, indulging in love-affairs with Radha and gopis. This is all false! He was a multi-faceted, accomplished, and ideal personality, endowed with all virtues and free from all blemishes. He was a Yogpurush, the savior, the protector, the Supreme Being, and an efficient ruler. He was a doting son. Krishn Trilogy depicts the story of Krishn from birth to death, delving on every aspect of his life besides refuting the many myths associated with him. The Eighth Avatar describes Krishn’s journey from birth till the fourteenth year of his life.
Ten manifestations of Lord Vishnu, collectively known as the Dashavatar (Ten Avatars), are mentioned in the Garuda Puran. The first four Avatars are Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasingh (half man-half lion), who appeared in the Satya Yug. The next three Avatars are Vaman (Brahmin in the form of a dwarf boy), Parashuram (sage with the axe), Ram (king of Ayodhya), who appeared in the Treta Yug. The eighth manifestation of Lord Vishnu is Krishn, who appeared in Dwapar Yug. Gautam Buddh (sage) is considered the ninth Avatar, who appeared in the present Kali Yug. The tenth Avatar, Kalki (eternity), is predicted to appear at the end of the present age.
According to some versions, Balaram is considered the eighth and Krishn the ninth Avatar. Few consider Krishn as equivalent to Lord Vishnu, thus omitting the manifestation.
Hare Krishn!
