The Enigma of Lord Vishnu and the Dashavatara

Introduction

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The concept of the Dashavatara, or the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, is a cornerstone of Hindu mythology. However, a question often arises: why is Lord Vishnu not included in the Dashavatara? This article aims to elucidate this mystery and explore the roles of the Dashavatara and Nara Narayana in the broader context of Hindu deities.

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Understanding the Dashavatara

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The Dashavatara is a set of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which include various forms and avatars to fulfill different roles in the preservation of dharma (righteousness) and the cosmos. However, the Dashavatara concept itself is relatively later and not a part of the earliest scriptures like the Mahabharata and Puranas.

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The Role of Vishnu

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Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe and ensures that it operates within defined limits. When the preservation function is compromised, Vishnu incarnates to restore order and maintain dharma. These incarnations are numerous and not limited to just ten.

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Nara Narayana: The Oldest Deity

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Contrary to the fixed Dashavatara, Nara Narayana is an ancient form of Lord Vishnu, far more ancient than any of the Dashavatara incarnations. The Mahabharata and various Puranas highlight Nara Narayana as the most influential deities during the time of the epic's composition.

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Evidence from Scriptures

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Several key texts from the Mahabharata and Puranas consistently refer to Nara Narayana:

r r Manu Smriti: "Jaya" must be recited after paying obeisance to Narayana and Nara, the supreme human being, and the goddess Sarasvati.r Skanda Purana: "Obeisance to Rishis and Devi.... Om obeisance to Lord Vāsudeva. Om. After bowing down to Nārāyā?a and Nara, the most excellent one among men, and to Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, one should narrate the Jaya."r Shiva Purana: "The fifth great incarnation of iva is the Kedāreā. He is stationed in Kedāra in the form of Jyotirliga. It was at the request of the twofold incarnations of Nara and Nārāyā?a that iva stayed in Kedāra."r r r

Worship and Significance

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Even today, Nara Narayana is worshipped at the Badrinath temple, considered one of the four holiest shrines of Vishnu. This underscores their enduring significance in Hindu tradition.

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Conclusion

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The Dashavatara is not a comprehensive list of Vishnu's incarnations but a symbolic representation of His preservative role. Nara Narayana, being the oldest and most ancient forms of Vishnu, deserves the same respect and recognition as the Dashavatara. Their combined worship and reverence reflect the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology.

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Key Points

r r r The Dashavatara is a later concept, not present in the earliest scriptures.r Nara Narayana is far more ancient than any Dashavatara incidents.r Nara Narayana is worshiped alongside Vishnu at holy sites like Badrinath.r r r