In Hinduism, avatars are divine incarnations through which a deity manifests in the physical world to restore cosmic order and protect dharma (righteousness). While Vishnu bhagwan is the most commonly known to take avatars, there are a few instances of other deities also taking avatars. Some of these instances include: Lord Shiva: While not as commonly depicted as Vishnu's avatars, Shiva is believed to have taken a few avatars, such as:
1. Sharabha: Shiva incarnated as Sharabha, a hybrid creature with multiple animal and bird features, to pacify or subdue the intense form of Lord Narasimha (an avatar of Vishnu).
2. Bhairava: Bhairava is an intense form of Shiva, often considered an avatar. He represents the destructive aspect of Shiva and is associated with fierce protection.
Goddess Devi (Durga): The goddess Devi, particularly in her form as Durga, is said to take avatars to defeat powerful demons and restore balance. Some of her well-known avatars include:
3. Parvati: Parvati, the consort of Shiva, is considered an avatar of Devi. She took this form to marry Shiva.
4. Kali: Kali is a fierce form of Devi associated with destruction of evil forces. She can be seen as an avatar of Devi in this context.
5. Lord Ganesha and
6. Lord Kartikeya (Murugan): These two sons of Shiva and Parvati are sometimes considered to be partial avatars of their parents. They are distinct deities in their own right but share a special connection with Shiva and Devi.
7. Sage Vyasa: Vyasa, the brilliant literary sage who composed the Mahabharata and other important texts, is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu's mind. - The greats of Sanatana Dharma
8. Lord Ayyappa: Ayyappa is believed to be the son of Harihara, who is an avatar of both Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini and Lord Shiva combined. He is a popular deity in South India and, being the pinnacle of dharma is associated with beauty, celibacy and protection.
9. Sage Dattatreya: Dattatreya is considered a combined avatar of the divine trinity-Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. He is often depicted with three heads.
10. Lord Krishna: While Krishna is considered an avatar of Vishnu, some traditions view him as a complete incarnation of Vishnu rather than a partial avatar.
11. Lord Hanuman: A perfect bhakt or devotee of Lora Rama, he is considered to be the 11th avatar of Lord Shiva.
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