Object Number: ECMAG.1883.1

Collection: Social History

Object Name: carving

Description: Carved figures representing the dasavatara – the ten avatars of Vishnu, a central concept in Hinduism. According to the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred texts, these avatars are manifestations of Vishnu that intervene during pivotal moments in human and cosmic history to restore dharma (‘righteousness’) and eliminate injustice. The ten avatars are: 1. Matsya (the fish) 2. Kurma (the tortoise) 3. Varaha (the boar) 4. Narasimha (the man-lion) 5. Vamana (the dwarf) 6. Parashurama (Rama with an axe, a warrior sage) 7. Lord Rama (the ideal king of Ayodhya) 8. Lord Krishna (the wise statesman and philosopher) 9. Balarama (Krishna's elder brother and a symbol of strength) 10. Kalki (the prophesied warrior yet to come). Some traditions also identify the ninth avatar as Lord Buddha, reflecting the diversity of interpretations in Hindu mythology. mentioned as Lord Buddha.

On Display at M Shed, Bristol Life Gallery