What are the incarnations of Vishnu?
The ten most famous incarnations of Vishnu are collectively known as the ‘Dasavatara’ (‘dasa’ in Sanskrit means ten). This list is included in the ‘Garuda Purana’ (1.86.10-11) and denotes those avatars most prominent in terms of their influence on human society. The majority of avatars in this list of ten are categorised as ‘lila-avatars’. The first four are said to have appeared in the Satya Yuga (the first of the four Yugas or ages in the time cycle described within Hinduism). The next three avatars appeared in the Treta Yuga, the eighth incarnation in the Dwapara Yuga and the ninth in the Kali Yuga. The tenth is predicted to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga in some 427,000 years time.[3] Matsya, the fish, appeared in the Satya Yuga. Kurma, the tortoise, appeared in the Satya Yuga. Varaha, the boar, appeared in the Satya Yuga. Narasimha, the half-man/half-lion appeared in the Satya Yuga. Vamana, the dwarf, appeared in the Treta Yuga. Parashurama, Rama with the axe, appeared in the
