Dasha Avatar: The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu | Amar Chitra Katha
Amar Chitra Katha Series
on Goodreads (816)
What’s inside...
The book 'Dasha Avatar: The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu' by Kamala Chandrakant, published by Amar Chitra Katha, narrates the legendary stories of the ten principal avatars of Lord Vishnu, a major deity in Hinduism. These avatars, known as the Dashavatara, are believed to be the divine appearances taken by Vishnu to restore cosmic order and dharma in the world. Each avatar has a unique purpose and story, ranging from the Matsya (fish) avatar, which saved the Vedas from a deluge, to the Kalki avatar, which is prophesied to appear at the end of the current age. The book presents these tales with rich illustrations and accessible language, aiming to educate and entertain readers about the cultural and spiritual significance of the Dashavatara in Indian mythology.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-5
Length
90 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vishnu
Buddha
Krishna
Rama
Parashurama
Vamana
Narasimha
Varaha
Kurma
Matsya
Kansa
Ravana
Kartavirya Arjuna
Bali
Hiranyakashipu
Hiranyaksha
Hayagriva
Discussion points
What qualities make Lord Vishnu a hero in his various incarnations?
How do the challenges faced by Lord Vishnu's avatars relate to challenges we face in our daily lives?
In which avatar did you find Lord Vishnu most inspiring and why?
How do the stories of Lord Vishnu's avatars teach us about the importance of good over evil?
What can we learn from each avatar's story that helps us become better people?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral lessons in each avatar's story and how they apply to their own life.
Ask your child which incarnation they felt closest to and explore together what qualities of that avatar they admire.
Discuss the different roles Lord Vishnu assumes and what responsibilities come with each role, drawing parallels to roles they assume in their life.
Prompt your child to think about how they would handle situations similar to those faced by the avatars.
Create a fun activity where your child can pick their favorite avatar and act out or draw scenes from the story, deepening their connection and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of justice and righteousness
Explanation: Through each avatar, Lord Vishnu restores balance and justice in the universe, often by overcoming evil forces.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of standing up for what is right and just, aiding them in developing a strong moral compass in everyday situations like dealing with bullying or unfairness.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resilience
Explanation: Lord Vishnu takes various forms to deal with different challenges, teaching that adaptability is key in overcoming adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to adapt to new challenges, whether they are adjusting to a new school environment or dealing with changes within the family.
Example Lesson: The power of devotion
Explanation: In several stories, devotees' unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu brings them strength and salvation, showcasing the power of faith and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of dedication and perseverance in achieving goals, be it in their studies, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Learning from others
Explanation: Lord Vishnu's interactions with his devotees and even adversaries provide him insights and strategies, emphasizing the importance of learning from everyone around us.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain open to learning from peers, teachers, and even situations that seem challenging, enhancing their social skills and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Caring for the environment
Explanation: The avatar of Varaha, where Vishnu saves the Earth from a demon who submerged it in the ocean, highlights the importance of environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to take actions that contribute to environmental well-being, such as recycling, conserving water, and learning more about how to protect nature.