|
|
| |
The Avatars of Vishnu
Vishnu is one of three important Indian gods, of
which the other two are Brahma and Shiva. Each has a
role: Vishnu is the protector and restorer of the
world, Brahma the creator, and Shiva the destroyer.
Confusingly, although Brahma created the world, both
he and Shiva were horn from Vishnu, Brahma emerging
from Vishnu's navel, and Shiva springing from bis
forehead. Vishnu is also called the "wide-strider"
because he can cross the whole world in three
strides. There are endless stories about Vishnu, of
which the most important relate to his incarnations,
or avatars, in which he has come to earth, in
animal or human form, to help humankind. In theory,
there have been nine avatars and a tenth is yet to
come, although many stories exist that detail other
appearances. Lakshmi, Vishnu's wife, has always
accompanied him in his incarnations - for example,
as Prince Rama's wife Sita, or as Krishna's lover
Radha, and his wife, Rukmini. That Lakshmi can be
incarnated twice in the Krishna story and that other
avatar stories exist is indicative of the way in
which myths grow, appropriating elements from
different sources at different times, often
resulting in a varying versions of a common theme.
|
|
| |
The God
Krishna
During her eighth pregnancy, Krishna's mother Devaki
was imprisoned by her evil brother King Kamsa
because it was prophesied that her eighth child
would kill him. But Devaki smuggled out the baby,
Krishna, and he was placed in л family of cowherds.
Although he was evidently a god (his mother saw the
universe in his mouth and, as a baby, he killed the
ogress Putana, who fed him poisoned milk), Krishna
was playful, and many stories tell how he stole
butter and teased the girls. With Balarama, his
brother, he has main' adventures, killing King Kamsa
and winning his bride, Rukmini. Although it is said
that Vishnu put one black and one white hail' from
his head in Devaki's womb to create the brothers,
Balarama is clearly an avatar of Ananta, the
world serpent, for the snake comes out of his mouth
w hen he dies. Krishna himself is killed after a
long life by a hunter, who shoots him by accident in
the sole of his foot, his only vulnerable spot.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
THE AVATARS
OF VISHNU
This 18th-centmy picture from Rajasthan in
northern India, shows the ten official
avatars of Vishnu. In the centre Vishnu is shown as
Krishna, accompanied by his lover
Radha and two cowgirls. The other nine incarnations
- five human, four animal, and
one composite - run around the edge.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Krishna and
the Copis
Krishna is shown playing his flute,
attended by Radha, his favourite gopi,
one of the young women of his adoptive
tribe who were all in love with him. The
stories of Krishna are so extensive
that, like Rama, he can be considered as
a god in his own right, although he is a
manifestation of Vishnu. His name means
"black" and, with his flute, may suggest
a tribal origin for this avatar.
|
The Buddha
The Buddha, the ninth avatar shown here
with the attributes of Vishnu, was an
historical figure. He taught humankind
how to free itself of desire, and the
illusion of this world, and its endless
reincarnations. The Buddha's previous
incarnations ate recounted in the Jataka
Tales.
|
|
|
|
|
Vishnu and Lakshmi
|
Vishnu and Lakshmi
Vishnu and Lakshmi are shown riding the sacred
bird Garuda, who is linked
with tire and the sun, up to their heaven of love.
The marital devotion of Vishnu
and Lakshmi extends through all of Vishnu's
incarnations. Lakshmi was born
from the ocean at the churning; of the sea of milk,
which provides her with
a garland of fresh flowers every day.
One of her names, Padma, the lotus, identifies
her with the perfection of this
flower. The holy river Ganges is at her service, and
two elephants shower her
with its water when she bathes. Also known as Shri,
prosperity, Lakshmi is
the goddess of good fortune, and also of growth and
fruitfulness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
