In
Hinduism, descent of a god into the world of human beings for the duration of
a human life span. Avatar is similar to the Christian concept of incarnation
but is different in two significant ways. First, a Hindu god can become
incarnate in many places at the same time through "partial" avatars
(amshas), while the main form from which the avatars emanate remains
entirely "full" and can converse with the "partial" forms.
Second, the avatars do not fully participate in human suffering or lose the
knowledge and power of their divine nature. The god Vishnu is most famous for
his numerous avatars, which include Krishna, Rama, and the Buddha, but other
gods, such as Shiva, also have avatars. Many charismatic leaders, such as the
Indian mystics Chaitanya and Ramakrishna, have been regarded as avatars. Contributed
By: Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty Encarta®
Encyclopedia 2000. ©
