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Re: Historical origins of Dashavatara ? -- another question
In article <2rr2vl$m6r@ucunix.san.uc.edu#,
H. Krishna Susarla <susarla@great-gray.owlnet.rice.edu# wrote:
#I would like to add a followup question to this which I am very curious about.
#Vishnu obviously has more than 10 avataras. For example, the Mohini incarnation
#which appeared to deceive the Rakshasas and allow the Devas to drink the
#Amrita. Also, I recall that there was another female incarnation which appeared
#to save Shiva from a Rakshasa whom Shiva had granted the power to incinerate
#someone upon touch. Also, I heard that Balrama, Krishna's brother, and the
#brothers of Rama, are also incarnations of Vishnu.
#
I think that Vishnu made the appearance of Mohini to fool Bhasmasur
to save Shiva. The difference between Avatars and Mohini seems to me that
Vishnu did not take birth as Mohini, it was just a disguise for a small
amount of time.
Regarding, Balram and Lakshman, they are not incarnations of Vishnu, but
incarnations of "Sheshnag". Mythologically, Vishnu rests on the bed of
Sheshnag, while Lakshmi gives him company. Interpretation, at least to
me, seems that Vishnu represents God, Lakshmi represents nature and
Sheshnag represents space. Shesh means what is left, and space is what
is left after universe dissolves. God is distinguished from space, as the
one who occupies this space, and universe comes out of God as the inter-
action with nature proceeds.
Raja
#Why is it said, then, that Vishnu only has 10 avataras. What distinguishes them
#from other incarnations (like Balrama, or Lakshmana??)??
#
#-- Krishna
#
#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#- Hari Krishna Susarla - "I define evil, then, as the excercise of political -
#- Rice University - power -- that is, the imposition of one's will -
#- Class of 1995 - upon others by overt or covert coercion." -
#- Biochemistry - -- M. Scott Peck -
#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#
#Conservatives want government to be your Daddy.
#Liberals want government to be your Mommy.
#Libertarians want it to treat you like an adult.
#
