Dashavatara refers to the ten principal Avatars or incarnations of the Hindu god - Vishnu, who is believed to descend to Earth in various forms to restore Cosmic Order or Dharma. Each Avatar takes on a different form, often reflecting the needs of the world at the time. These incarnations span from different ages and range from animals to human beings.
The Dashavatara is sometimes interpreted as symbolising evolution, with the early avatars being aquatic or amphibious (Matsya, Kurma), moving toward land animals (Varaha), and eventually human forms (Rama, Krishna). Each Avatar teaches a different moral or spiritual lesson, emphasising the importance of righteousness (dharma), devotion, and the cyclical nature of cosmic time.
These ten incarnations illustrate the Hindu belief in divine intervention and the restoration of order whenever it is disturbed by chaos or adharma (unrighteousness).
As much as I enjoyed working on each of these Avatars, A very powerful artwork of mine, which comprises of 11 artwork to complete my compound composition!! Each stroke was powerful... And unfolds a whole lot of story. Researching on each of the Avatar, I have definitely learnt a lot about Sanatana Dharma! It's hard to finish Dashavatara, as it goes on and on which was both enriching and a bond which grew for almost a year! Hard to part with the work that was with me for day and night, but at the same time, I know it has reached a beautiful home :)
Dashavatara Stotram - https://youtu.be/Ag73kmB4C0U?si=wYXqJG_k11dSbx-Q
pralaya-payodhi-jale dhritavan asi vedam
vihita-vahitra-caritram akhedam
kesava dhrita-mina-sarira jaya jagadisa hare
kshitir iha vipulatare tishthati tava prishthe
dharani-dharana-kina-cakra-garishthe
kesava dhrita-kurma-sarira jaya jagadisa hare
vasati dasana-sikhare dharani tava lagna
sasini kalanka-kaleva nimagna
kesava dhrita-sukara-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
tava kara-kamala-vare nakham adbhuta-sringam
dalita-hiranyakasipu-tanu-bhringam
kesava dhrita-narahari-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
chalayasi vikramane balim adbhuta-vamana
pada-nakha-nira-janita-jana-pavana
kesava dhrita-vamana-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
kshatriya-rudhira-maye jagad-apagata-papam
snapayasi payasi samita-bhava-tapam
kesava dhrita-bhrigupati-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
vitarasi dikshu rane dik-pati-kamaniyam
dasa-mukha-mauli-balim ramaniyam
kesava dhrita-rama-sarira jaya jagadisa hare
vahasi vapushi visade vasanam jaladabham
hala-hati-bhiti-milita-yamunabham
kesava dhrita-haladhara-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
nindasi yajna-vidher ahaha sruti-jatam
sadaya-hridaya darsita-pasu-ghatam
kesava dhrita-buddha-sarira jaya jagadisa hare
mleccha-nivaha-nidhane kalayasi karavalam
dhumaketum iva kim api karalam
kesava dhrita-kalki-sarira jaya jagadisa hare
sri-jayedeva-kaver idam uditam udaram
srinu sukha-dam subha-dam bhava-saram
kesava dhrita-dasa-vidha-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
vedan uddharate jaganti vahate bhu-golam udbibhrate
daityam darayate balim chalayate kshatra-kshayam kurvate
paulastyam jayate halam kalayate karunyam atanvate
mlecchan murchayate dasakriti-krite krishnaya tubhyam namah