1. NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Bhagavatas,
We present here Part 2 of 3 postings on Avatars. We will conclude this series with our next posting and then proceed to post excerpts from Chapter 10 of " Hinduism Rediscovered" with the title " The Condescending God" which will be an attempt to understand the rationale behind Archa worship.

Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy

2. From Chapter 9 of "Hinduism Rediscovered"

" The Descending God"
1.3. VARAHA AVATAR (Wild Boar) 8
Once the four immediate descendants of BRAHMA, and other RISHIS visited the abode of SRI NARYANA. At the seventh entrance, the gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya stopped them even though they had the right to meet with the Lord without prior appointment. Enraged at this, the RISHIS cursed them to be born in the world. The Lord appeared and approved of the curse but since they were repentant, modified the fiat by offering them to be born on three occasions as demons to be killed by himself in his three future Avatars and finally they could re-enter the kingdom of god.

It is these Jaya and Vijaya who were born as Hinanyaksha and Hiranyakasipu during the period of Varaha and Nrisimha Avatars, respectively, Ravana and Kumbakarna during Rama Avatar, and Dantavaktra and Sisupala during Krishna Avatar and were killed by Lord Vishnu in the respective Avatars after which they ascended the Kingdom of God.

In the first case, they were born to the sage KASYAPA and his wife THITHI. It is believed that the disposition of progenies would be determined by the time they united for procreation purposes. And, they were born with demoniac traits as the couple united at an inauspicious time. The two demons developed a hostile attitude towards Lord Vishnu and when sage NARADA narrated a prognosis of the next Avatar of NRISIMHA, they vowed to hide the earth under Patala so that they could prevent the manifestation of the Lord on earth. They set about to conquer the Devas with their newfound power and started tormenting virtuous souls.

The Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver of the Universe. He assured them that he would do the needful. Brahma was meditating on the Lord, when a tiny boar emerged from one of his nostrils. Even as Brahma wondered what it was, the boar grew in size and became as big as a huge mountain with a roar that reverberated through the universe, it took a mighty leap into the air and plunged down into the ocean and reached the fathomless Patala where mother earth (Bhumi Devi) was kept concealed by the demons. Digging his tusk, the boar lifted Bhumidevi and held her secure between its two horns.

Hiranyaksha (Golden coloured eyes) was itching for a fight and when he confronted VARUNA, the latter pleaded inability to give a fight and suggested that he call Lord Vishnu who alone would be match for the demon. Hiranyaksha learned from Sage NARADA that Lord Vishnu had taken the form of a boar and was salvaging mother earth from the hideout. Immediately, he rushed to charge the boar and hurled insults on the boar. The boar, however, ignored all the taunts as its mission was to rescue mother earth and place her in `SAFE DEPOSIT'

( As he was lifting Bhumidevi, he advised her and this advice is known as Varaha Purana. It is believed that it is this Bhumi devi who was born as ANDAL and propagated the essence of Varaha Purana to her friends and the world on the efficacy of surrender to the Lord.'.)

Once this was done, the boar turned against the demon., In a prolonged fight from dawn to dusk, the two exhibited their prowess and the fighting was about to end in a draw when Brahma appeared to remind Lord Vishnu that the demon should be killed before sunset since after that the demon would become more powerful as a result of boons he had received earlier. When Hiranyaksha `bowled' a mace at the boar, the boar `caught' it as if it were a toy ball. With one fell stroke of his mace, the boar felled the demon who dropped dead. Almost all the Alwars have referred to this Avatar.

While in VAMANA AVATAR, the Lord measured the earth with one foot, in this Avatar, the Lord held the entire earth between the two horns says POIGAI ALWAR. THIRUMAZHISAI ALWAR calls the MAHAVARAHA MURTHY as GNANAPIRAN. Other Alwars described him as BHUVARAHAN as the Lord lifted BHU DEVI and ADHIVARAHAN since he is the primordial Iswara. It is believed that this Avatar took place at the time of deluge ending the Padma kalpa.

ANDAL praised the Lord since out of his love for BHUMIDEVI, he did not mind plunging into dirt and slime in order to retrieve her. To save devotees, he will not hesitate to take even the lowliest of forms and the form of the boar came only next to those of fish and tortoise. The same horns which tore apart the demon, also held gently the mother earth.

Sri Swami Desikan in his Dasavatara stotra extols this avatar as `MAHA POTRIN' referring to the gigantic size of the boar.

The popular notion that the Lord took the form of a common pig is not correct, VARAHA actually means a `wild boar' with two horns on its forehead.

1.4. NARASIMHA AVATAR (Man-Lion) 9
On learning of the death of his brother at the hands of Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakasipu vowed to kill Bhagavan and his devotees (Bhagavatas) who were engaged in a Yaga. With this end in view, he did penance propitiating Brahma and got several boons. That he should not be killed by any created thing, on earth or sky, at night or day, inside or outside, by man or beast, celestial beings or Asuras, by any poisonous beings alive or dead or by any weapons. He became invincible and commenced tormenting all good people.

When he was busy doing penance, Indra took away Hiranyakasipu's wife, who was pregnant. Sage NARADA stopped him and proceeded to explain to her the glory of MAHAVISHNU. The foetus growing in the womb listened to the discourse of Sage NARADA and became an incorrigible Bhakta of Sri VISHNU.

On return from penance with all the boons he got from BRAHMA, Hrianyakasipu proclaimed that he was himself God, and nobody should pay obeisance to VISHNU. When the baby was born to Hiranyakasipu, he was named PRAHLADA meaning one who is supremely happy. When he came of age, PRAHLADA was sent to the Gurukula of his preceptor SUKRACHARYA. Sukracharya tried to inculcate the new syllabus of adoring Hiranyakasipu as God. However hard he tried, Sukracharya could not divert the attention of PRAHLADA from his attachment to VISHNU.

Having failed in his efforts, Sukracharya complained to Hiranyakasipu who became angry with his son, roared and threatened him. But, nothing would move PRAHLADA from his devotion and determination to worship Lord Vishnu. When asked wherefrom he got the courage to defy , the son replied he got the strength from the All powerful VISHNU.

He ordered PRAHLADA to be cut asunder but the weapon used got broken; He had him cast away into the ocean but the Lord of the ocean brought him unaffected; He was hurled from top of a mountain but the boy was saved by the gentle hands of Lord Vishnu; He let snakes bite Prahlada but the Lord who reclines on Adisesha saved the boy; He ordered elephants to trample him and burn him with fire. But, Prahalada emerged unscathed every time. Hiranyakasipu became exasperated.

Enraged, Hiranyakasipu vowed to kill Vishnu and then Prahlada. He asked Prahlada where Vishnu was and showed a pillar that was in his palace and asked if Vishnu was in it. Prahlada replied in the affirmative.

Hiranyakasipu kicked the pillar with a bang. With a resounding crash the pillar cracked and from it emerged Lord Vishnu in the form of half-lion half- man to substantiate the words of Prahlada. On seeing a creature that was neither human nor animal, Hiranyakasipu realized that it could be none other than Lord Vishnu himself. Almost instantly NRISIMHA seized him and crushed him in a close embrace but he slipped through his hands, and charged him with a sword.

By that time, dusk had arrived which was neither day nor night, NRISIMHA carried the asura to the doorstep where under the arch of the doorway he sat laying the asura on his lap. Thus, it was neither earth nor sky, neither inside nor outside. NRISIMHA tore Hiranyakasipu to death with his claws. Claw is not a weapon, one that was neither alive nor dead.

Periyalwar explains why he embraced Hiranyakasipu before killing him saying that he was searching whether there was at least an iota of compassion towards his son. Since he did not find any, he decided to kill the Asura.

Sri Swami Vedanta Desika while referring to this AVATAR says, that the pillar in the ASURA'S palace had the luck which other pillars elsewhere in the world did not enjoy because it was from there Bhagavan emerged thus ending her sterility. He jocularly remarks that by this, the pillar had become the grandmother of BRAHMA thus: Brahma is known to be PITAMAHA, grandfather. Vishnu is his father. By giving birth to Vishnu, the pillar had become Brahma's grandmother. He calls this Avatar "YADRUCHA HARE" meaning that the Lord appeared instantly and no preparations were made by him for his incarnation.

That the Lord exhibited both his wrath and grace all at the same time is very well brought out in the Sloka ' SATAPATALA BHEESHANE' in Swami Sri Vedanta Desika's Kawasaki Asthma.

When asked how it was possible that the two incompatible emotions could be perceived in the same personality all at once, Emperumanar is reported to have replied that the lioness even when pouncing on its prey, the elephant, would continue to breast feed with love its calf.

1.5. VAMANA AVATAR (Dwarf ) 10
MAHABALI, the grandson of PRAHLADA was a virtuous king. He performed a sacrifice called `VISWAJIT' ( conquest of the worlds) meaning that which bestows mastery over the three worlds. From out of the sacrificial fire arose a golden chariot, an armor and a coat of arms. Donning them, he set out on a `DIGVIJAYA' (Conquest of the directions).With the help of SUKRACHARYA his preceptor, he drove Indra and Devas to the nether world and occupied MAYAVATHI, the capital of Indra.

BRIHASPATI counseled Indra to wait. Nothing could be done and MAHABALI would fall only if and when he is cursed by his preceptor for disobeying his command - a situation that could be contrived only by Lord Vishnu.

Kasyapa Rishi had another wife by name ADITI who was the mother of Devas. As the banishment of Devas took place at a time when KASYAPA had gone out for meditation, she awaited his arrival. And, when he returned she narrated the happenings. KASYAPA and ADITI performed a `PAYOVRATA' - (penance for 12 days when the sacrificers could drink only milk). This was done to propitiate SRI VISHNU. Vishnu was pleased and appeared before them and told that he would be born as the youngest son of ADITI and would help in restoring the glory of Indra. Accordingly he was born during a bright fortnight of the month Bhadrapada. The baby immediately grew up to be a short statured brahmin brahmachari (celibate) called VAMANA.

This Brahmachari entered the sacrificial grounds of BALI who was performing Aswamedha (horse sacrifice). He was resplendent and shone like a thousand Suryas. Bali was amazed, received him with due honors and requested what he wanted - cows, elephants, horses, gold, chariots and promised that he would give whatever VAMANA wanted. Vamana said that he did not desire any of these but wanted that much of land as measured by his stride. BALI readily agreed and asked his wife to bring water for consecrating water in his palm.

His Guru, Sukracharya realized that it is only Lord Vishnu who had come in the garb of a Brahmachari and prevailed upon BALI to retract from his promise. But, Bali insisted saying that if Lord Vishnu himself were to seek alms from him, there could no greater glory for him and he would not retract.

Sukracharya became angry and cursed him that he would soon fall from his high position. And, SRI VISHNU was waiting exactly for this moment. Soon after the consecration VAMANA grew and grew so tall that all those who witnessed were amazed to witness such a phenomenon. Vamana became TRIVIKRAMA and began to measure the three paces.

By the first he strode like a colossus and covered the earth. By the second, he measured the Heavens. And, asked BALI where was he to measure by the third pace. BALI bowed low to Vishnu and prayed VIKRAMA to place his foot on his head. Lord Vishnu sent him to Sutala to rule there and thereafter to enjoy for a whole Manvantara ,the position of Indra.

The three steps are compared by a commentator to three fiery manifestations of the Lord Viz., Flame, Lightning and the Sun-the flame ablaze the terrestrial sphere, the lightning illuminating the atmospheric sphere and the Sun darting across the celestial sphere.

Thus, in this Avatar the God of majesty and power took a dwarf's stature, begged MAHABALI on behalf of his devotee, Indra and at the same time ensured MAHABALI, Lordship of the Sutala, the nether world and thereafter the position of the next Indra in Savarni Manvanthra. It is believed the Lord is still guarding the palace of MAHABALI and had conferred immortality to MAHABALI in recognition and appreciation of his steadfastness in upholding his promise.

Swami Vedanta Desika describes this Avatar as `Raksha Vamana" - Vamana whose only objective is protecting those who surrender to him. Indra surrendered and on his behalf he took a lowly form of a dwarf. As MAHABALI surrendered to God when he bowed before the Lord, the Lord assumed the role of a watchman to guard his palace. Since he did not desire to dishonor MAHABALI, the grandson of an ardent devotee, Prahlada, he stooped even to beg of him three paces of earth and desisted from wresting earth by force.

Also, Bhagavan had promised to Prahlada that he would not kill any of his family members or descendents. So, he had to avert a fight which would have entailed Mahabali's death. The only way he could wrest earth was begging and begging for a living was the prescribed vocation for a Brahmin especially a Brahmachari. Thus, he protected both Indra and Mahabali without bloodshed.

An interesting point which is little known is that when Mahabali once complained to his grandfather, Prahlada about the decline in the prosperity of his kingdom, Prahlada told him that it was due to the disrespect shown by Mahabali to the Lord. Mahabali asked arrogantly who was this Vishnu that stood in his way. Prahlada could not bear to hear such a haughty reply and cursed Mahabali that he would soon be banished from his kingdom. Sukracharya's curse only added fuel to the fire of the curse of Prahlada. Together, the two curses brought the downfall of Mahabali.

Though, in fact, Lord Vishnu the rightful lord of the Universe was only reclaiming what belonged to him and in the process seemed to check up the measurements since he did it by begging almsconsidered an unedifying act, he shrank and looked dwarfish and small - all as a supplicant before MAHABALI who looked great as a bestower- a fact that had to be recognized..

ANDAL refers him as "ONGI ULAGALANDA UTHAMAN' - the noble one who measured the earth by assuming gigantic proportions - to prove that he measured his own property 11.

Even as pilot goes before a VIP, the foot of Trivikrama when it reached the high heavens proclaimed the glory of MAHABALI'S bounty.

1.6 PARASURAMA AVATAR(The wielder of the axe)12
KARTHAVEERYARJUNA, the ruler of HEHAYA was a great king. He got boons from Dattatreya and other deities to become invincible. Puffed with ego due to the newfound powers acquired by him, he became tyrannical and began tormenting every one. Once, he even tried to confront Ravana, the ruler of Lanka but was defeated and so he made truce with him. With a thousand arms, with weapons and power, with a powerful ally in Ravana, nothing could stop him from his evil ways.
It is to quell Karthaveerya and his ilk and to protect the righteous from his claws, Lord Vishnu descended down to earth and was born as BHARGAVA RAMA the youngest of the five sons of Jamadagni and Renuka. Jamadagni's father was RISHIKAN who married a Kshatriya girl SATYAVATI daughter of one KHADI. Because of this Varna sangraha (mixing up of castes) and other circumstances, BHARGAVA Rama though born as a Brahmin exhibited Kshatriya traits and had a liking for weapons, archery etc. Indeed, his favorite weapon was an axe which he got as a gift from Siva. Parasu means Axe. Hence, he was called PARASU RAMA.

Once, when the five brothers had gone out, Kartha veeryaarjuna entered the hermitage of Jamadagni and demanded food for himself and his retinue. With the help of Kamadhenu, Jamadagni got food prepared for the host of guests. Karthaveerya knowing this demanded Kamadhenu. But, Jamadagani would not part with it. The king forcibly took away the cow and the calf.

When PARASU RAMA learnt of the incident, he marched towards MAHISHMATI, the capital of the king. The king dispatched 17 battalions of Ratha (Chariots) Gaja (elephantry), Turaga ( Cavalry) and Pathadhi (infantry) each one called an Akshouhini. Single handed, PARASURAMA destroyed the entire lot and then cut off the thousand arms of Karthaveerya and killed him with his axe. Retrieving Kamadhenu and her calf, he returned to the hermitage where life was proceeding peacefully for some time.

On another occasion, Renuka who went to fetch water from a nearby river happened to see some celestial Devas playing. Since her attention was distracted, it became too late when she returned with the water required. Jamadagni got angry and asked his sons to behead her. But, none would carry out his commands. Then entered PARASU RAMA when his father ordered him to behead not only Renuka but also his brothers.

Without hesitation, PARASU RAMA carried out the orders. Pleased, the father asked what boons he wanted. All that PARASU RAMA wanted was that his mother and brothers should come alive and be oblivious of whatever had happened. Jamadagni granted the boon and they did come alive and life was again peaceful at the hermitage.

But, not for long. Karthaveerya's sons stormed the hermitage to avenge the death of their father. Only Jamadagani and Renuka were there at that time, Ignoring the pleadings of Renuka, they cut off the head of Jamadagni who was deep in meditation. Renuka was beside with grief and was crying aloud as PARASU RAMA returned. She beat her breast 21 times. PARASU RAMA vowed that he would wipe out 21 generations of Kshatriyas and proceeded to do the `Samskaras' for his father. Jamadagani gained the realm of the seven Rishis (Saptarishi mandalam). PARASU RAMA carried out his vow, wrested the land and properties of Kshatriyas and finally gave them away to sage KASYAPA and retired to the southwest corner of India. Swami Sri Vedanta Desika describes him as 'ROSHA RAMA' (Indignant Rama)

When, Parasurama confronted Dasaratha who was returning from Mithila after the wedding of Rama and Sita, RAMA the AVATAR took back all the powers of PARASURAMA since the purpose of PARASURAMA AVATAR was completed.

Parasurama threw his axe into the western ocean. The ocean receded upto the point where the axe fell and the land so reclaimed is known as Parasurama Kshetram. Scholars say that modern Kerala is this Kshetram.

This Avatar is not a direct Avatar. Lord Vishnu entered the soul of a Brahmin son of Jamadagni (By Avesa or Anupravesa). Of the 10 Avatars, except Parasurama avatar all the others are Amsa avataras (i.e.) Direct descent of Lord Vishnu.