Avatar
Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 4 "Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings"
Meaning
An avatar is a form that the god Vishnu was believed to take on earth. He took these forms to save the world whenever evil threatened it. Vaishnavism, the tradition that worships Vishnu as the chief god, recognised ten avatars. Different avatars were popular in different regions. Local gods were often treated as forms of Vishnu, and this helped bring many local traditions together. For example, Vasudeva-Krishna of Mathura came to be worshipped across the country.
Example
At Aihole in Karnataka (c. sixth century CE), a sculpture shows the Varaha (boar) avatar. In it, Vishnu as a boar rescues the earth goddess.
Don't confuse with
- Bodhisatta (Bodhisattva): also a "saviour" figure, but in Mahayana Buddhism. A Bodhisatta is a kind and caring being who puts off his own nibbana to help others. He is not a god coming down to earth.
Related concepts
- Puranic Hinduism
- Vaishnavism
- Dashavatara
- Varaha
- Vasudeva-Krishna
- Shaivism
- Linga
- Garbhagriha
- Antarala
- Shikhara