Re-establishment of Dharma across the four yugas, and the three Kali-Yuga incarnations.
In scriptures, the Yug Chakra is described by the four Yugas as Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali, which together form a cycle called Maha Yuga. There are 71 Maha Yuga cycles in one Manvantara. The first Manvantara was presided over by Swayambhu Manu, and we are presently in the seventh Manvantara in succession, presided over by Vaivasvata Manu.
According to the scriptures, Lord Maha-Vishnu has manifested 24 avatars in the four Yugas. The names of those avatars are:-
Kumar Avatar: Four sages Sanak, Sanandan, Sanatan, and Sanatkumar, were born as the Kumaras, who were known for their celibacy and devotion to Lord Maha-Vishnu.
Yajneshwar: As Yajna, Lord Maha-Vishnu is the embodiment of the sacrifice ritual or Yajna.
Varaha Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu took the form of a boar to rescue the Earth goddess, Bhudevi from the demon Hiranyaksha.
Narada Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Narada Muni, who was known for spreading the divine knowledge of Bhakti Yoga.
Nar-Narayan Avatar: The twin sages Nar and Narayan were the incarnations of Lord Maha-Vishnu, who were considered mighty because of their meditative power.
Kapila Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as sage Kapila, who founded the philosophy of Sankhya and taught the path of knowledge and devotion.
Dattatreya Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Dattatreya, who is revered as the Adi-Guru (first spiritual master) and the divine teacher of all knowledge.
Yagnya form incarnation: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Yagnya (sacrifice) to restore balance in the universe and bless humanity with prosperity and well-being.
Rishabh Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as King Rishabh, who taught the principles of Dharma and renunciation to His sons.
Prithu Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as King Prithu, who was known for his ability to produce food and restore the earth's fertility.
Hamsa (Swan) Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu descended as Hamsa Avatar to preach the Vedas to Devarishi (celestial sage) Narad in Badrinath.
Matsya (Fish) Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu took the form of a fish to protect Manu, the first human being, and the Vedas from a great deluge.
Chakradhar Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Chakradhar (war quoit wielder.)
Kurma Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu took the form of a tortoise to help the Devas (Demi-Gods) and Asuras (demons) churn the ocean of milk and retrieve the nectar of immortality.
Dhanvantari Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Dhanvantari, the divine physician who taught Ayurveda (science of medicine) to humanity.
Mohini Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as the enchanting Mohini, to distribute the nectar of immortality to the Devas and prevent the Asuras from acquiring it.
Narasimha Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as half-man and half-lion to vanquish the demon Hiranyakashipu, who had gained immense power through his penance.
Vamana Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana, and tricked the demon king Bali into giving up his power and ego.
Parashuram Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Parashuram, a fierce warrior who vanquished the corrupt and evil Kshatriyas from the earth.
Vedvyas Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Vedvyas, who is revered as the compiler of the Vedas, Puranas, and the Mahabharata.
Shree Rama Avatar: Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Lord Rama, who embodied the principles of Dharma, devotion, and righteousness, and vanquished the demon king Ravana.
Balarama Avatar: Balarama carries a plough and is devoted to his brother Lord Shree Krishna. He is also known as Baladeva and considered to be a symbol of strength and loyalty.
Buddha Avatar: Buddha Avatar represents the triumph of spiritual enlightenment over ignorance and the material world. Lord Buddha as a Prince renounced his throne to find the true meaning of life. His teachings of non-violence and compassion have influenced millions of people around the world.
Kalki Avatar: Lord Kalki is the final Avatar of Maha-Vishnu who is yet to appear in the current age of Kaliyuga. Lord Kalki will appear riding a black and white horse, wielding a sword, and bring about an end to the current age of darkness and chaos.
Out of the twenty-four incarnations, the scriptures emphasize ten incarnations of Lord Maha-Vishnu that were related to the re-establishment of Dharma. These ten incarnations are briefly described again below for quick reference:
Lord Maha-Vishnu took the form of a giant fish called Matsya to save the world during a great deluge in the Satya Yuga. He guided a giant boat carrying Manu, the Sapta Rishis, and all species of animals, grains, and plants to safety. In Matsya form, Lord Maha-Vishnu retrieved the Vedas, which were stolen by the demon Hayagriva, defeated and killed the demon, and returned the Vedas to Lord Brahma.
Lord Maha-Vishnu adopted the form of a giant tortoise (Kurma) and carried the earth on His vast shell, successfully reinstalling it in its orbit. Additionally, He allowed the huge Mandranchal Mountain to be placed on His back, acting as a pivot during the churning of the celestial ocean (Samudra Manthan). As a result, a large, crater-like shape was formed on His back, which he proudly wields.
3. Varaha Avatar: In the Varaha Avatar, Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as a massive boar with a human body to rescue the Earth, which had been submerged in the ocean by the demon Hiranyaksha. He dived into the ocean, defeated Hiranyaksha, lifted the Earth out on His tusks, and restored balance and order in the universe.
4. Narasimha Avatar: In this incarnation, Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha (nara-man, simha-lion), which was the most fearsome Avatar among all His incarnations. Lord Narasimha was half-man and half-lion and appeared to protect His beloved devotee, Prahalad, from his father, the demon Hiranyakashipu. Lord Narasimha punished the demon Himself, without disregarding the boon granted by Lord Brahma. His wonderful sharp claws on his lotus-like hands ripped apart the body of Hiranyakashipu, just as easily as if crushing a wasp.
In this incarnation, Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, to purify His devotee, the great warrior and magnanimous Maharaja Bali. When Lord Vamana asked for alms of land that could be encompassed by His three steps, which King Bali generously granted. Lord Vamana measured the heavens in one step and the Earth in the second. For Lord Vamana's third step, King Bali offered his own head to keep his word and to please the Lord. Subsequently, Lord Vamana pushed him into the abyss but announced him as the king of that region, since the Lord was pleased with his devotion. During this period, the holy river Ganga emanated from the toenail of His lotus feet to cleanse the sins of all living entities.
In this incarnation, Lord Maha-Vishnu took the form of Bhrigupati (Lord Parashuram is known as Bhrigupati as He was from the lineage of sage Bhrigu) and destroyed the dynasty of tyrannical and oppressive Kshatriyas (warriors). He purified the earth 21 times by protecting His devotees who follow the path of Dharma.
In the incarnation of Lord Rama, Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared to re-establish Dharma and virtue in the universe. During His sovereignty, He engaged in several battles and punished many demons, including the most powerful demon of that time, Ravana, who had committed the sin of abducting Mother Sita, the revered wife of Lord Rama. Lord Rama annihilated Ravana and distributed his ten sacrificed heads in all directions, including to Indra, the king of heaven, and the Digpalas (deities of all directions). By annihilating many demons, Lord Rama re-established Dharma, and by practicing the highest spiritual discipline in His life, He became known as Maryada Purushottam, the epitome of virtue and justice.
8. Balarama Avatar: He is another incarnation of Lord Maha-Vishnu. He is also known as Baldev, the revered elder brother of Lord Krishna who had witnessed all the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan and fought many battles with Lord Krishna to punish the devils. On His brilliant white body, He wore a flowing garment with the color of fresh blue rains which reflected the feeling that out of fear of His plough attack, river Yamuna had veiled herself in the flow of His garments.
9. Buddha Avatar: In this incarnation, Lord Maha-Vishnu appeared as Lord Buddha, who attained the highest eternal wisdom through rigorous meditation and austerities. He preached the importance of being compassionate and benevolent towards all living beings, and denounced animal slaughtering as offerings in the holy sacrifices (Yagnyas). Lord Buddha criticized many superstitious beliefs, immoral rituals, and customs prevalent in the society during His time, and propagated the message of peace, non-violence, tolerance and generosity in the universe.
In this incarnation, Lord Maha-Vishnu will appear as Lord Kalki - the last and final incarnation of Lord Maha-Vishnu - at the end of the current Kali Yuga to restore Dharma and righteousness in the world. Lord Kalki is believed to be mounted on a black and white horse and wielding a flaming sword, appearing like a blazing comet, ready to destroy the evils known as Mlecchas and bring an end to the age of darkness and chaos. This will serve as a testament to the end of Kali Yuga.
According to the treatise 'Bhaviṣya Mālikā,’ at the end of the Four Yugas, a special Yuga will be celebrated on Earth in honor of the Lord's devotees. This Yuga will be known as Adya Satya Yuga/Sangam Yuga/Anant Yuga and will occur on the cusp of Kali Yuga. The prophecy of Bhaviṣya Mālikā states that to fulfill the aspirations and prayers of His devotees collectively from the four ages, Lord Maha-Vishnu Himself will bestow His mercy by granting them a lifespan of 1,009 years, along with peace and prosperity.
Based on the ‘Bhaviṣya Mālikā,’ authored by the Panchasakha, there will be three incarnations of Lord Maha-Vishnu in the Kali Yuga. Additionally, sage Achyutananda wrote in his scripture ‘Jai Phula Malika’ that,
“kali re tīni janma hebe parā prabhu Śrī Nārāyaṇa jāī phūla lo
jāī phūla lo seta bhakata jiba jībana jāī phūla lo”
Source: Jai Phula Malika, Achyutananda Das
Purport: In the above verse, the great sage Achyutananda states that the Supreme Lord Narayana, who is the life force of the devotees, will incarnate three times during the Kali Yuga.
Lord Buddha: The first incarnation of Lord Maha-Vishnu in Kali Yuga
The first incarnation of the Shree Maha-Vishnu in Kali Yuga is Lord Buddha, as mentioned in the famous poetic composition ‘Dashavatara Stotram’ by Shree Jaidev Goswami, a renowned twelfth-century Sanskrit poet and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. In the ‘Dashavatara Stotram,’ Jaidev Goswami has inscribed the below verse dedicated to Lord Buddha below:
“nindasi yajna-vidher ahaha sruti-jatam
sadaya-hridaya darsita-pasu-ghatam
kesava dhrita-buddha-sarira jaya jagadisa hare”
Source: Geeta Govinda, Poet Jaidev Goswami
Translation: “You disregard the injunctions of the Vedas on animal sacrifice, and in Your form, as Buddha, You show compassion to the animals. O Keshava! Victory to You, who appeared as Buddha, the Lord of the Universe.”
Purport: During the middle age of the Kali Yuga, the practice of animal sacrifice in Yagnas and ritualistic animal killings with mantra and tantra had become widespread and peaked, leading to the near extinction of the principles of compassion of the Sanatan Dharma. Under the pretext of Vedic sacrifices, every place was practically turned into a slaughterhouse, and animal killing was indulged in unrestrictedly. During this time, Lord Maha-Vishnu took human form as Lord Buddha, His first incarnation in the Kali Yuga. Lord Buddha preached non-violence and professed that He did not believe in the tenets of the Vedic sacrifice. Lord Buddha opposed the prevalent practice of animal sacrifice and re-established righteousness (Sanatan Dharma).
“tataḥ kalau sampravṛtte sammohāya sura-dviṣām
buddho nāmnāñjana-sutaḥ kīkaṭeṣu bhaviṣyati”
Source: Shreemad Bhagavat Mahapurana - Canto 1, Chapter 3, Verse 24
Purport: In the above verse, it is said that at a time when all, the rulers, and commoners, are entirely immersed in the sins of injustice, unrighteousness, and killing of animals, then Lord Maha-Vishnu will incarnate as Lord Buddha in the Kikata region to transform them and re-establish Sanatan Dharma.
Before the advent of Lord Buddha, killing animals in the name of Vedic sacrifices was a common practice in society. Lord Buddha vehemently opposed the slaughtering of animals. Lord Buddha's teachings were crucial in emphasizing the importance of compassion towards all living beings and opposing the misguided interpretation of the Vedas that promoted animal sacrifice.
Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The second incarnation of Lord Maha-Vishnu in Kali Yuga
Shree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the second incarnation of Kali Yuga, was born in the village of Nadiya Navdwip in Bengal. He preached extensively and bestowed the Maha-Mantra of Lord Maha-Vishnu to the world, which is considered a powerful chant for spiritual liberation. Shree Chaitanya also emphasized the principles of non-violence and opposed the killing of animals, which was otherwise prevalent in that era. Additionally, He revived and spread the Vaishnav Dharma, which centers around devotion to Lord Maha-Vishnu and His avatars. Shree Chaitanya’s teachings and actions played a crucial role in promoting peace, compassion, and spiritual upliftment during a time when these values were in danger of being forgotten.
“kr̥ṣṇara praghatā triguṭa prakāra
śāstrara śrīmūrti āra bhakta kalebara”
Purport: Lord Chaitanya was a spiritual leader who taught an independent path of love and devotion (bhakti) as a means to attain God. He emphasized the importance of chanting God’s name, known as ‘Naam Sankirtan,’ and the virtues of non-violence. In addition, through His teachings, He popularized the essence of devotion which includes Vishnu idol worship and reading of the Shreemad Bhagavat Mahapurana.
Lord Kalki: The third incarnation of Lord Maha-Vishnu in Kali Yuga
According to Bhaviṣya Mālikā, it is said that Lord Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Lord Maha-Vishnu, will appear on Earth at the end of Kali Yuga, which is believed to be after the passage of 5,000 years. As we are currently in the 5,125th year of Kali Yuga, we ought to understand that Kali Yuga has ended and we are now in the transitional period between Kali Yuga and Satya Yuga, known as Ananta Yuga or the interlude or cusp between the two yugas.
“athāsau yuga-sandhyāyāṁ
dasyu-prāyeṣu rājasu
janitā viṣṇu-yaśaso
nāmnā kalkir jagat-patiḥ”
Source: Shreemad Bhagavat Mahapurana - Canto 1, Chapter 3, Verse 25
Purport: At the conjunction of the two yugas, when the end of the Kali Yuga comes, and the dawn of the Satya Yuga begins, the Lord of the universe, Kalkidev, will incarnate. Above verse states that He will be born to a Vaishnav Brahmin, who would have been singing the glories of Lord Maha-Vishnu. He will appear at a time when the world is engulfed in darkness, injustice, and oppression caused by unrighteous rulers.
“śambala-grāma-mukhyasya brāhmaṇasya mahātmanaḥ
bhavane viṣṇuyaśasaḥ kalkiḥ prādurbhaviṣyati”
Source: Shreemad Bhagavat Mahapurana - Canto 12, Chapter 2, Verse 18
Purport: Lord Kalki will appear at the end of the Kali Yuga, to restore order and righteousness to the world. The above verse states that He will take human birth in the home of a prominent Brahmin in Sambal village. This Brahmin, a staunch devotee of Lord Maha-Vishnu, will be one who would be singing His glories every day.
Jay Shree Madhava
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