Avatarvad in Puranas

Puranas define Hindu belief of avatarvad- एकम् सद् बहुधा भवति । It covers various topics such as history, cosmogony, cosmology, folk tales, pilgrimages, temples, medicine, astronomy, grammar, minerology, humour, love stories, theology and philosophy as well as the genealogies of gods, goddesses, kings, heroes, sages and demigods. Puranas have main five characteristics- Puranam panchlakshanam. Puranas are divided mainly eighteen in numbers. Each purana is peculiar due to incarnation and manifestation of God itself. The main character of the God is well explained in the name of purana itself. All incarnation of the different character of God is mainly Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva accordingly. The Bhagvat Purana is base of Vaishnavism, the tradition dedicated to Vishnu worship and teachings. These Gods manifest themselves to save the humanity and mankind millennium after millennium. One of the most important texts discussing avataras in detail is the Bhagavat Purana. It represents the many avataras focusing on Krishna’s life and puranas frequently highlight the ten principal avataras of Vishnu, each of which makes appearance to save the huminity from miscreants. These ten avataras are in form of Dashavatar. During pouranic period the main deities of Hindu is Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Brahma prescribed as sristikarta, Vishnu as sanrakshak and Mahesh as Vinashak. The main puranas are named upon these dieties in many forms or avatara or appearance. The avatara or incarnation mentioned in purana is countless. The Puranas explain metaphysical ideas like creation, destruction, time cycles and reincarnation. Puranas play a significant role in developing different philosophical schools like Vedanta and Bhakti philosophy. Agnipuran gives many chapters on medical issues like medicine, treatment of deseases and even marital science. Ritual healing practices, use of herbs, mantras and purifying methods of soul and body these all things are mentioned in puranas. It is based on the principle of ayurvedic concept. Katthak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam these all dance forms are based on manifestation of God. Krishna Lila in bhagvat purana is atma of all classical dance forms. Detailed description of religion and rituals are found in puranas. Avatarvad in puranas is glimpses of Indian culture and society. The soul concept of avatarvad expands beyond country, religion and time. It is universal truth.