Vishnu
is the second member of the Hindu triad (Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara). His
principal function is that of the protector of the universe. He is worshiped in
South-Indian temples in various forms and under various names.
The more
popular forms of Vishnu are generally referred to his numerous avatars or
incarnations. There are ten such avatars recognized as a primary importance:
1. Varaha “the Boar incarnation”
2. Narasimha “the Man-lion incarnation”
3. Vamana “The Dwarf Brahmin incarnation,
developing eventually into Trivikrama”
4. Rama, the hero of Ramayana
5. Krishna, the god and the radhasaradhi for
arjuna in the great war of the Mahabharata.
6. Fish - Matsyavathara
7. Tortoise – Koormavathara
8. Parasurama
9. Buddha
10. Kalki
Following
are some of the dhasa avatar coins from my collection:
But of
these only five are commonly represented for worship. The Narasimha, Rama,
Krishna, Fish & Tortoise avatars of Lord Vishnu are largely represented on
walls, pillars of temples and on coins minted by kings.
