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Vishnu: The Protector
How many avatars does Vishnu actually have? Is Buddha an avatar of Vishnu? What do Bodhisattva and Vishnu have in common? What do all of his avatars symbolize? Is there a connection between Vishnu’s avatars and Darwin’s theory of evolution?
It is believed that Vishnu always comes to earth when Devi is suffering—Parashurama for Renuka, Ram for Sita. Another belief is that every time Vishnu takes an avatar, Devi too is born. A Vishnu avatar went on a rampage destroying all Kshatriyas, but also strives to protect the weeping earth goddess who appeared before him as a cow.
Which of these many personas does Vishnu represent? Find out more about the rich symbolism of his multitude of personas in this short, sweet read from Devlok.
It is believed that Vishnu always comes to earth when Devi is suffering—Parashurama for Renuka, Ram for Sita. Another belief is that every time Vishnu takes an avatar, Devi too is born. A Vishnu avatar went on a rampage destroying all Kshatriyas, but also strives to protect the weeping earth goddess who appeared before him as a cow.
Which of these many personas does Vishnu represent? Find out more about the rich symbolism of his multitude of personas in this short, sweet read from Devlok.
12 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2016
About the author
Devdutt Pattanaik
303 books3,378 followersDr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 10, 2026
3.5⭐️
It was a good starting point of discussion but as traditions vary, many beliefs differ. I’m starting to think of many questions after reading this, such as the validity of the stories of Vishnu’s avatars and the influence of human bias. I don’t agree that Buddha is an avatar of Vishnu, however it was Balarama. Additionally I don’t believe that the avatars are a reflection of caste, I do think that Darwin’s evolution theory is heavily rooted in our Hindu mythology. Upon saying these critiques, I think the author’s links between Devi and Vishnu were superb. Also want to say that contemplation is good, but questioning of god is simply impossible because the human mind cannot comprehend the complexity of god.
Some takeaways:
“The concept of avatar is associated with establishing dharma, moral order.”
“Vishnu says that whenever there is adharma, immorality, on earth, ‘I will come down to re-establish dharma.”
“Vishnu always comes to earth when Devi is suffering.”
“The other belief is that every time Vishnu takes an avatar, Devi too is born. The relationship between the Shaiva and Shakta traditions is always one of husband and wife, but the one between Shakta and Vaishnava is variable. Devi can be a mother, wife, friend, sister.”
It was a good starting point of discussion but as traditions vary, many beliefs differ. I’m starting to think of many questions after reading this, such as the validity of the stories of Vishnu’s avatars and the influence of human bias. I don’t agree that Buddha is an avatar of Vishnu, however it was Balarama. Additionally I don’t believe that the avatars are a reflection of caste, I do think that Darwin’s evolution theory is heavily rooted in our Hindu mythology. Upon saying these critiques, I think the author’s links between Devi and Vishnu were superb. Also want to say that contemplation is good, but questioning of god is simply impossible because the human mind cannot comprehend the complexity of god.
Some takeaways:
“The concept of avatar is associated with establishing dharma, moral order.”
“Vishnu says that whenever there is adharma, immorality, on earth, ‘I will come down to re-establish dharma.”
“Vishnu always comes to earth when Devi is suffering.”
“The other belief is that every time Vishnu takes an avatar, Devi too is born. The relationship between the Shaiva and Shakta traditions is always one of husband and wife, but the one between Shakta and Vaishnava is variable. Devi can be a mother, wife, friend, sister.”
Displaying 1 of 1 review