Dashavatara
Dashavatara refers to the ten principal incarnations of God Vishnu, the Protector God in Hinduism. These incarnations represent various stages of evolution and the divine intervention of God Vishnu in different forms to restore cosmic order and protect dharma (righteousness).
Matsya
Vishnu took the form of a fish to save the first man Manu from the deluge that consumed the world. He also slayed an asura to protect the Vedas.
Kurma
Vishnu incarnated as a tortoise to support Mount Mandara that was used as a churning rod during the churning of the ocean or Samudra Manthana
Varaha
Vishnu assumed the form of a boar to rescue the Earth, which had been submerged in the cosmic ocean by the evil Asura king Hiranyaksha.
Narasimha
Vishnu became a half-man, half-lion to protect his devotee Prahlada from the evil Asura king Hiranyakashipu.
Vamana
Vishnu took the form of a Dwarf Brahmin to subdue the Asura king Mahabali and restore balance to the universe.
Parashurama
Vishnu incarnated as a warrior Brahmin, (The Warrior with an Axe) to rid the world of corrupt and oppressive Kshatriya rulers.
Rama
God Rama, a beloved avatar, The Prince and King, exemplified righteousness, and his life story is recounted in the epic Ramayana.
Krishna
God Krishna, the Divine Cowherd and a Wise Teacher delivered the Bhagavad Gita, imparting spiritual wisdom to Arjuna.
Buddha
Some traditions consider Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu who taught compassion and enlightenment.
Kalki, The Future Warrior
Kalki is believed to be a future incarnation who will appear at the end of the Kali Yuga (the current age of darkness and chaos) to restore dharma.
