Avataras of Vishnu | Awatara in Hindu Mythology: Fish, Turtle, Boar, and Human-Lion: The Eternal Legend of Guarding the Cosmic Order

The wooden board reads "Awatara Wisnu" (Avatars of Vishnu).

In Hindu mythology, Vishnu takes on various forms to maintain cosmic order. These forms are called "avatars."

The four animal incarnations of Vishnu are:

1. Matsya
• Appearance: Half fish, half human.
• Story: During the great flood, Matsya transformed into a fish and saved the sage Manu, preserving the Vedas and the seeds of life.
• Symbolism: Protecting the world from destruction and maintaining the continuity of knowledge and civilization.

2. Kurma
• Appearance: A giant turtle.
• Story: In the myth of the churning of the ocean of milk, the gods and asuras used a mountain as a churning rod, and the turtle incarnation supported the mountain, preventing it from sinking to the bottom of the sea.
• Symbolism: Stability, support, and the operation of the universe.

3. Varaha (Boar Avatar)
• Image: A gigantic boar.
• Story: When the Earth Goddess Bhudevi was sunk into the sea by a demon king, Vishnu transformed himself into a boar, dived into the depths, and used his tusks to lift the earth back up.
• Symbolism: Redemption and strength, protecting the earth.

4. Narasimha (Dragon/Beast-like Deity)
• Image: Half human, half lion, sometimes with hybrid features resembling a dragon or beast in Southeast Asian cultures.
• Story: To fight against demons immune to both humans and beasts, Vishnu transformed into a "neither human nor beast" human-lion, ultimately defeating evil.
• Symbolism: Transcending binary oppositions and upholding justice.

Post by 諸文武 | Sep 10, 2025