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These ten avatars of Vishnu are: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki.
The ten avatars of Vishnu, also known as the “Dashavatar,” are central to Hindu theology and believed to have descended to Earth at different times to restore balance and defeat evil. Each avatar has a specific purpose and represents a different aspect of Vishnu.
- Matsya: The first avatar, Matsya, is a fish and is believed to have saved the world from a great flood.
- Kurma: The second avatar, Kurma, is a turtle and is believed to have helped the gods and demons obtain the nectar of immortality.
- Varaha: The third avatar, Varaha, is a boar and is believed to have rescued the earth from the depths of the cosmic ocean.
- Narasimha: The fourth avatar, Narasimha, is a lion-man and is believed to have protected the devotee Prahlada from his demon father.
- Vamana: The fifth avatar, Vamana, is a dwarf and is believed to have defeated the demon king Bali and restored order to the universe.
- Parasurama: The sixth avatar, Parasurama, is a warrior and is believed to have rid the earth of kshatriyas, or warrior-class oppressors.
- Rama: The seventh avatar, Rama, is a prince and is believed to have defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued his wife, Sita.
- Krishna: The eighth avatar, Krishna, is a cowherd and is believed to have taught the Bhagavad Gita, a central text of Hinduism.
- Buddha: The ninth avatar, Buddha, is believed to have taught the path of enlightenment and the rejection of the caste system.
- Kalki: The final and tenth avatar, Kalki, is yet to come, and is believed to be the destroyer of the current age, Kali Yuga, and the ushering of a new age.
In addition to these ten avatars, some traditions also recognize additional avatars of Vishnu, such as Balarama and Hayagriva.
