DASHAVATHARAM STORY :

The Divine Journey: The Dashavatara

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where chaos and darkness once threatened the balance of the universe, Vishnu, the great preserver, vowed to restore order through his divine avatars. Each incarnation of Vishnu, known as the Dashavatara, symbolizes a unique aspect of his divine mission. Here, we embark on a journey through these ten avatars, each depicted in this magnificent installation.

As you arrive in this vibrant space of international arrivals, you are greeted by a magnificent art installation celebrating the Dashavatara—the ten principal avatars of Vishnu, each representing a divine intervention to restore cosmic order. This unique installation stretches 110 feet across and 10 feet high, combining the traditional charm of Cheriyal painting style, a rich folk art from telangana with the intricate craftsmanship of Kondapally toy sculptures.

Each of the ten avatars is beautifully depicted on a 10'x10' canvas, rendered in the traditional Cheriyal style, known for its vivid colors and narrative precision. Above each painting, you'll find a sculptural representation of the avatars created from Kondapally toys—handcrafted wooden figures that bring the divine forms to life. The Cheriyal paintings serve as the rich, historical backdrop to these vibrant sculptures, creating a harmonious blend of art forms that captures the essence of each divine incarnation.

1. Matsya (The Fish)

Birth and Purpose:

Matsya, the fish avatar, was born during a time when the Earth faced a great deluge. Vishnu took the form of a giant fish to save King Manu and the seeds of all life from the impending flood. According to the legend, Manu was a righteous king who was warned of the flood by Matsya in the guise of a small fish. As the floodwaters rose, Matsya guided Manu’s ark, which carried various life forms and the Saptarishi (seven great sages), to safety.

The primary reason for Matsya's incarnation was to preserve life and ensure the continuity of the cosmos amidst the catastrophic flood. By guiding Manu’s ark and protecting the essence of life, Matsya ensured that the cycle of creation could continue after the floodwaters receded. This avatar underscores Vishnu's role as a protector during times of great crisis, demonstrating the divine commitment to preserving cosmic order.

2. Kurma (The Tortoise)

Birth and Purpose:

Kurma, the tortoise avatar, emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). To obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita), the gods and demons needed to churn the ocean using Mount Mandara as the churning rod. Vishnu assumed the form of a massive tortoise to support the mountain, preventing it from sinking into the ocean’s depths.

Kurma's purpose was to provide the necessary support for the churning process, which was crucial for the gods to obtain the nectar of immortality. This act illustrates Vishnu’s role in facilitating cosmic processes and ensuring the balance of power between the divine and demonic forces. The churning of the ocean led to the emergence of various precious objects and beings, including the goddess Lakshmi and the nectar of immortality.

3. Varaha (The Boar)

Birth and Purpose:

When the demon Hiranyaksha submerged the Earth into the cosmic ocean, Vishnu incarnated as Varaha, the boar. This avatar was born to rescue the Earth, which had become entangled in the demon’s dark forces. Varaha dove into the ocean, lifted the Earth on his tusks, and restored it to its rightful place in the universe.

Varaha's incarnation was essential to saving the Earth from being lost in the abyss and to defeating the demon Hiranyaksha. This avatar highlights Vishnu’s role as the protector of the Earth and the embodiment of strength and stability. By restoring the Earth, Varaha reestablished the balance of cosmic order and demonstrated the divine commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

4. Narasimha (The Man-Lion)

Birth and Purpose:

Narasimha, the man-lion avatar, was born to protect his devotee Prahlada from the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu had gained a boon that made him invincible to both man and beast, day and night, inside and outside. Vishnu took the form of Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion, to circumvent the boon and defeat the demon.

Narasimha’s purpose was to uphold dharma by saving Prahlada and defeating the demon who had terrorized the cosmos. This avatar represents Vishnu's direct intervention to protect the faithful and restore righteousness. Narasimha’s appearance not only ended the tyranny of Hiranyakashipu but also affirmed that divine justice transcends all material constraints.

5. Vamana (The Dwarf)

Birth and Purpose:

Vamana, the dwarf Brahmin, was born to reclaim the three worlds taken by the demon king Bali. Bali had conquered the universe and was about to offer the gods a humble place in his realm. Vishnu, as Vamana, appeared as a small Brahmin and asked for three paces of land. Once granted, he expanded to cover the entire universe in three steps.

Vamana's incarnation aimed to restore the balance of power by reclaiming the realms usurped by Bali. His divine act of measuring the universe in three steps demonstrated Vishnu’s authority and capacity to restore cosmic order. By doing so, Vamana reaffirmed the limits of power and the importance of humility and righteousness.

6. Parashurama (The Warrior with the Axe)

Birth and Purpose:

Parashurama, the warrior sage with an axe, was born to rid the world of corrupt Kshatriyas (warrior class) who had strayed from their dharma. Vishnu took the form of Parashurama to address the decline in virtue among the warrior class and to establish justice.

Parashurama's incarnation was a response to the moral decay and tyranny of the warrior class. His actions, including the eradication of corrupt rulers and the reinstatement of dharma, demonstrated Vishnu’s role in maintaining societal balance and righteousness. Parashurama’s story also symbolizes the conflict between duty and corruption.

7. Rama (The Prince of Ayodhya)

Birth and Purpose:

Rama, the seventh avatar, was born as the prince of Ayodhya to defeat the demon king Ravana, who had abducted his wife Sita. His life and adventures are narrated in the epic Ramayana. Rama’s purpose was to uphold dharma by rescuing Sita, defeating Ravana, and establishing a righteous rule.

Rama’s incarnation illustrated the ideals of virtue, duty, and righteous governance. His battle against Ravana and his adherence to dharma even in the face of personal loss set an example for humanity. Rama’s story emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness and the power of divine intervention to restore justice.

8. Krishna (The Divine Cowherd)

Birth and Purpose:

Krishna, one of the most celebrated avatars, was born to counter the evil deeds of Kamsa and guide the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata. Known for his divine playfulness, wisdom, and teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna’s life was a blend of divine leelas (pastimes) and profound teachings.

Krishna’s incarnation served multiple purposes: to defeat the tyrannical Kamsa, to guide the Pandavas in their struggle for justice, and to impart the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna’s impact is profound, offering insights into duty, devotion, and the nature of the divine. His life and teachings continue to inspire and guide people on the path of righteousness.

9. Balarama (The Strong Brother)

Birth and Purpose:

Though not always listed among the Dashavatara, Balarama is celebrated as Krishna’s elder brother. Born to Vasudeva and Devaki, Balarama’s purpose was to support and protect Krishna, as well as to fight against the forces of evil alongside him.

Balarama’s role was crucial in ensuring the success of Krishna’s divine mission. His immense strength and unwavering loyalty made him an indispensable ally in battles against demons and adversaries. Balarama’s presence exemplifies the ideal of brotherhood and support, reinforcing the importance of divine cooperation in the battle between good and evil.

10. Kalki (The Future Warrior)

Birth and Purpose:

Kalki is the prophesied future avatar of Vishnu, who will appear at the end of the current age of decline, known as Kali Yuga. Riding a white horse and wielding a sword, Kalki will vanquish the forces of darkness and restore righteousness, heralding the beginning of a new age of virtue.

Kalki’s future incarnation represents the promise of divine intervention at the end of times. His role will be to eradicate evil and restore cosmic order, ensuring the continuity of the cycle of creation and destruction. Kalki’s prophecy offers hope and assurance that righteousness will ultimately prevail, and that divine justice will prevail at the end of the age.

Each of these avatars of Vishnu plays a distinct role in preserving the balance of the universe and guiding humanity through various trials and tribulations. Through their divine interventions, they embody the eternal commitment to upholding dharma and restoring cosmic order.

This installation symbolizes how art and tradition come together to narrate timeless stories of protecting cosmic order. This installation serves as a bridge between the past and present, offering you a warm welcome and a glimpse into artistic and cultural soul of traditional art forms. As you wait for your baggage, take a moment to connect with the timeless stories of transformation, protection and restoration that resonate these deities, reminding you that Hyderabad is not just a city of history but also of living tradition.