Week 4 Reading Diary: Dasha Avatar

Here is my reading diary for the comic book "Dasha Avatar". I wanted to read this comic book in particular to get some inspiration for my storybook, which is about Vishnu.

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Matsya Avatar - Fish

Vishnu transforms into a fish to retrieve the vedas and protect his devotee, Satyavrata.

I really enjoyed how Vishnu grows from a “wee fish” to this giant, horned fish. Satyavrata’s devotion to Vishnu really paid off!

Kurma Avatar - Turtle

Indra and the Devas the world need to obtain the nectar of immortality to lift the curse. The Devas and Asuras made peace to work together on the churning of the ocean. Vishnu transformed into a turtle, so that he could hold Mount Mandara on his back. Then, once the nectar was retrieved, Vishnu transformed into Mohini to charm the Asuras, and take back the nectar.

I really loved how Vishnu was so helpful to the Asuras, but my favorite part was when he transformed into Mohini to distract the Asuras. I think this is a good representation of the lotus – a symbol of purity. It shows how attachment and desire are not things to be sought after.

A depiction of Kurma; Vishnu's turtle avatar. (Source: Wikimedia)

Varatha Avatar - Boar

Brahma calls on Vishnu to bring up the earth, and so Vishnu transforms into a boar. Hiranyaksha wishes to fight with Vishnu, and so they have a battle with maces.

This story shows that a battle is not won with might alone, it is won with with your mind too. Hiranyaksha was too eager to fight, and didn’t think to consider that Vishnu may be stronger. Vishnu was patient and thought things out (hitting his foe at just the right time).

Narasimha Avatar – Man-Lion

Hiranyakashipu wishes to conquer the three worlds, and defeat Vishnu. He was granted a boon that no man or beast, by day or night, indoors or outdoors, on earth or in the sky could defeat him.

Again, Vishnu uses wit, not strength alone, to conquer his enemy. I love how he triumphs over evil. I think this is a great representation of dharma. Justice always prevails, no matter the trickery that one tries to do.

Vamana Avatar – Brahman

Bali performed a sacrificial fire to get the power to conquer the Devas. Aditi worships to Vishnu to ask for his help. Vishnu transforms into one of her sons, Vamana.

I liked the whole idea of hidden strength. Although Vamana appeared to be a small man, he was actually a giant! I think this could fit in well with my storybook somewhere!

Krishna Avatar

Vishnu takes the form of the seventh and eighth sons of Vasudeva to free Bhoomi Devi of her burden. As Krishna, Vishnu destroys Kamsa and many other evil men. He also sees to it that the Yadu race is destroyed.

This story was interesting because it encompasses so much. There was the first encounter with Kamsa, and then Krishna defeats the Kauravas (this relates to the Mahabharata), and finally he destroys the Yadavas. The part that caught my attention the most was how the mace was ground into powder and thrown into the ocean. It's journey from mace to powder (and chunk of metal) to the final destruction of the Yadavas was quite interesting.

A depiction of Krishna, one of Vishnu's avatars. (Source: Wikimedia)

Buddha Avatar

Siddhartha is born to Mayadevi after she dreamt of a white elephant with six tusks. It was told that the young baby would either become a great king or a great sage. His father desperately wanted him to be a king.

What I liked most about this story was how, despite how hard the father tried, Siddhartha was actually turned to the safe life because of his luxuries. His desire to know the truth - to find peace - overcame the worldly desires and attachments. I think this would make for a great lotus story for my storybook!

Kalki Avatar

It is said that when the end of time comes for earth, Vishnu will come in his sattvic form. He will reinforce the good.


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Bibliography:
"Dasha Avatar: The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu" by Anant Pai (2010). ACK, Volume 10002.
Source: ACK Comics