avatara

• avatara


  the idea that deities can take on a physical form on earth

  material apperance
• in an avatar nirguna becomes saguna
• vaishynavas-

  vishnu is brahman

  most avatars are associated with vishnu
• shaivites-

  shiva is brahman

  avatara idea is not commonly acceoted
• avatars have 2 main functions


  restore balence of dharma in the world

  provide role models for humans to follow

  eg: rama and sita (avatars of vishnu and lakshmi)