avatara

Scope note: Refers to the descent to earth of a Hindu deity in a visible form. The word comes from the Sanskrit meaning 'descent.' The concept comes from the tradition associated with the deity Vishnu who periodically appeared on earth in human or animal form in order to save it from severe danger or destruction. Vishnu's most famous manifestations have been as Krishna and Rama. The deity is expected to return in the last of his forms to destroy and subsequently recreate the world at a time when it is completely depraved. In more recent times the concept has been challenged by reformers, particularly in regards to manifestations in animal forms. At the same time, others have put forward the idea that humans, even non-Hindus such as Jesus or Muhammad, can become avataras by a divine infilling.

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