Dashavatar fast is celebrated on the dashami on Bhadrapad shukla paksha. Ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. Lord Vishnu is known by several names. He is known to show his glory in the form of his manifestations.
Devotees call him by different name in different parts of the country. These names represents his glories in different forms. Some of his popular names are : Shri Krishna, Shri Narayana, Baikuntha, Lakshmikanth, Devkinandan, Damodar, Hrishikesha, Keshav, Pundarikaksha, Govinda, Garudadhwaja, Madhava, Swabhu, Daityari, Pitambar, Vishwaksena, Janardhana, Upendra, Indrava, Shori, Shripati, Purushottam, Kansarati, Adhokshaj, Vishvambhar, Kait Manbhar, Vidhu, Shri Hari and Girdhar Gopal.
Important Incarnations of Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu manifested into various forms to protect the people of three worlds from the wrath of demons. The glory of his incarnations are described beautifully in various ancient scriptures. It s believed that Lord Vishnu manifests into a new form every time the wrath of demons increases on the earth. This is why he have taken incarnations in every era. In Sanatan Dharma there are 24 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The primary ten incarnations are as follows:
Matsya Avatar
Lord took the incarnation in a form of fish and protected many saints and animals. As per the legend, he protected the boat of the saint who asked Lord Brahma to save his life. It is also believed that, when Shakasura hid the vedas in the sea, Lord Vishnu took the form of Matsya and brought back the vedas to re-establish them.
Kurma Avatar
In this incarnation, Lord Vishnu balanced Madar parvat on his shoulders while churning the Shri sagar. With his help the devas and demons found fourteen gems.
Varaha Avatar
In tis incarnation he protected the earth from the wrath of a demon, names Hirnayksha. He killed him and gave relief to the people from his wrath.
Narsingha Avatar
In this incarnation, Lord Vishnu killed Hiranyakashipu and protected his devotee Prahlada.
Vamana Avatara
Lord Vishnu incarnated into a priest in Vanama avatar and protected the devas from the sufferings caused by king Bali.
Ram Avatar
In the tretya yoga, he incarnated into Ram avatar to kill Ravana and spread the message of victory of good over evil.
Krishna Avatar
In Dwapar yuga he incarnated into Krishna avatar to kill Kansa and protect the people from his wrath. He established the dharma in this yuga.
Parshuram Avatar
In this incarnation he killed demons creating destruction in all the three worlds.
Kalki Avatar
It is believed that Lord Vishnu will incarnate into Kalki Avatar and come to the earth for the destruction of evil.
This way Lord Vishnu protected the dharma in all the period and killed those who created sufferings for the people.
Dashavatara Puja
The observer must get up early in the morning and perform his routine tasks. He should wear clean clothes and remember the lord with a pure heart. Lit a deep in front of the idol of Lord Vishnu and worship it with roli, turmeric, rice, white sandalwood, garland of flowers, coconut, kapoor, fruits, yagyopaveet, urn etc. Commence the prayer while chanting the name of Lord Vishnu continuously in your heart.
Chant mantras, “Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaya” and recite stotra after offering your prayers to the lord. Devotees perform kirtans and sing devotional songs to please the lord on the auspicious day of dashmi bhadrapad shukla paksha.