Avatharas

Avatharas of Sriman Narayana - As Explained by Sri Vaishnava Acharyas


In Sri Vaishnava philosophy, Jivathmas are classified as Nithyasuris, Muktha Athmas and Baddha Athmas.

What is meant by an Avathara?

The Sanskrit word “Avathara” means “to descend.” The learned have pointed out that the Paramathma has 5 forms.

Form of the Paramathma	Description
Param	1. The form He takes in Sri Vaikunta, the abode attained by those Jivathmas who obtain Moksha. 2. Here, He is flanked by His Divine Consorts like Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Niladevi and is surrounded by Nithyasuris and Muktha Athmas. 3. We shall be able to behold this form of His when we become Muktha Athmas.
Vyuha Avathara	1. He manifests in this form in the Leela Vibhuthi in a Kshethra (Holy Abode) called Ksheerasagara (Ocean of Milk). 2. In order to hear out the pleas of Devas and Rishis, even as Goddess Shree serves His Feet, He reclines on His divine serpentine bed. 3. This form also is out of reach for us (as we are residents of the Jambu Dweepa). 4. As the Lord of Sri Vaikunta has descended from the Nithya Vibhuthi for the sake of Devas and Rishis, this is an Avathara.
Vibhava Avathara	1. One who is beyond the cycle of birth-death chooses to take birth. 2. In some cases, to reveal the greatness of noble women like Kausalya and Devaki, He may choose to reside in a womb of a mother and then take birth as though He were a human (like Sri Rama, Sri Krishna). In other cases, He would directly manifest in a place (like Sri Bhuvaraha, Sri Narasimha). In either case, He does not take birth due to a Karmic debt (like we do). He manifests Himself solely out of His will. 3. In both cases, His Divine physique remains as uniquely divine as ever and is not made up of the Panchabhoothas (like our mortal bodies are). His divine physique would never be sullied because of any reason whatsoever (and that includes Him residing in the womb of a mother). 4. In some Avatharas, He would conceal His divinity and act like a mere human. In some Avatharas, He would unambiguously establish that He is the Paramathma. For the most part, Avathara Rahasya determines His demeanour though there have been times where even His sporting nature has been the cause for certain actions of His in some of His Avatharas. One has to be cognizant of the fact that this is the cause for Him acting as though He is frightened or disheartened. After all, why would the Paramathma fear anything or grieve over anything?? 5. On the basis of greatness or magnitude, Avatharas can be classified into 3 types viz.: i. Saakshaath Avathara where He directly manifests with His Divine physique (say Sri Rama, Sri Krishna). Such Avatharas are worthy of worship as it is indeed Him who has descended in that form. ii. Swaroopa Aavesha Avathara where He would operate through the body of a chosen Jivathma for a certain period of time and then leaves the Jivathma’s body (say Sri Parashurama). iii. Shakthi Avesha Avathara where He would bestow some of His powers in a chosen Jivathma for a certain period of time to carry out certain operations and then revoke the powers once His mission is accomplished.
Antharyami	1. Inside every single Jivathma – whether a Nithyasuri / Muktha Athma / Baddha Athma / Deva / Asura / Human / Animal / Plant – He resides as the Athma of our Athma. 2. Usually, He bestows the ability to behold this form only to realized Yogis though there are cases where certain Bhakthas (who have not adopted the Yoga Margam) have also seen this form of His. 3. Usually, He would direct our mind in Satvik / Rajasic / Thamasic pursuits accordingly our Karma. However, for those who surrender to Him seeking refuge and good guidance, He will be ever kind and grant great spiritual progress.
Archaa Avathara	1. The form that receives archana (worshipful offerings of devotion) is Archaa Avathara. He will manifest with full powers in whatever form His dear Devotees request Him to display be it a Vigraha (made of stone, metal, wood or anything) or a simple painting or picture. It is vital to note that He is not inside the Vigraha or picture – He IS the Vigraha or picture. 2. Usually, He would remain absolutely stationary in this form. However, He has also broken this norm for great Devotees like Swami Ramanuja, Sri Kanchipurna, Sri Kanakadasa. 3. Irrespective of whether it is the Temple or our own place of residence, in this particular form, Him demonstrating His full powers and affection for us is directly proportionate to the love, care and respect we show Him. 4. Many of us think "I have not seen God in person." However, the fact is we have seen Him so many times as Sri Ranganatha, Sri Venkateshwara and as the Lord of our own homes!!! If we fully realize this truth, perhaps after deep contemplation, it is indeed a remarkable spiritual advancement.

Avatharas – A few more facts

1. 10 Avatharas are the most famous. Yet the fact is that Avatharas are innumerable.

2. From the above-mentioned facts, it would be clear that His ‘birth’ or ‘end’ in Avatharas are done as a mere sport propelled by His will and thereby, it would also be cleat that it is futile to research the cause or means of His ‘birth’ or ‘end.’ As Lord Sri Krishna , He enacted a drama as though He ended His Avathara when a hunter shot an arrow at Him whereas when He manifested as Sri Dhruvavaradha, He just vanished right in front of Sri Dhruva’s eyes.

3. Him manifesting in one formwill not nullify His other forms. (Example: Just because He takes birth as Sri Rama, He would not abscond from Sri Vaikunta or Ksheerasagara). He simultaneously manifests, with all His omnipotence, in all 5 forms.

Note: Even His dear Devotees (say Nithyasuris like Goddess Sridevi, Sri Adisesha and other similar Devotees) will be able to exhibit these features in Their respective Avatharas.