Dashavatar Anushthan - 10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu

Dashavatar Anushthan is a revered Hindu ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. It commemorates his ten divine incarnations on Earth. The anushthan involves invoking each avatar individually, reciting specific mantras, and offering flowers and other sacred items. Dashavatar Anushthan is believed to bring blessings, protection, and spiritual growth. It is an opportunity for devotees to reflect on the virtues and teachings embodied by each avatar, seeking inspiration for a righteous and purposeful life.

Dashavatar Anushthan is a Hindu ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have taken ten different avatars (incarnations) on Earth to protect and restore cosmic order. "Dash" means ten, and "avatar" refers to the different forms taken by Lord Vishnu. The Dashavatar Anushthan is usually performed on special occasions. The Anushthan involves invoking Lord Vishnu in each of his ten avatars and seeking his blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Here is a general outline of how the Dashavatar Anushthan is performed:

Preparations: The Anushthan area is cleaned and decorated with flowers, fruits, and other auspicious items. The main deity of Lord Vishnu is placed in the centre, along with idols or pictures representing each of the ten avatars.

Sankalp: The Anushthan begins with the sankalp, where the devotee takes a vow and sets the intention for performing the Anushthan.

Invocation: Lord Vishnu is invoked through the chanting of mantras and the offering of flowers, incense, and lamps. Devotional songs and hymns praising Lord Vishnu are sung.

Avatars Invocation: Starting with Matsya (the fish avatar) and proceeding in chronological order, each avatar is invoked individually. The devotee or the priest recites the respective mantras associated with each avatar and offers specific offerings like flowers, fruits, or food items. The ten avatars of Lord Vishnu are: 

1. Matsya (the fish)
2. Kurma (the tortoise)
3. Varaha (the boar)
4. Narasimha (the man-lion)
5. Vamana (the dwarf)
6. Parashurama (the warrior sage)
7. Rama (the prince and king)
8. Krishna (the divine cowherd)
9. Balarama (the elder brother of Krishna)
10. Kalki (the future avatar, yet to appear)

Dashavatar Anushthan is believed to bestow blessings and protect the devotees from obstacles and negative influences. It is also an occasion to reflect on the divine qualities represented by each avatar and seek inspiration for leading a righteous and purposeful life.

Benefits of Dashavatar Anushthan

• By performing the Anushthan with devotion and sincerity, devotees seek the blessings and protection of Lord Vishnu and his avatars. It is believed that their divine presence guards against negative influences and obstacles in life.

• The Anushthan provides an opportunity for devotees to connect with the divine and deepen their spiritual journey. By reflecting on the qualities and teachings of each avatar, devotees can gain insights into the path of righteousness and spiritual evolution.

• It is believed that the grace of Lord Vishnu and his avatars can bring about positive changes in one's life and grant material and spiritual blessings.
This Anushthan is believed to help remove obstacles and challenges from one's life. It is considered a powerful means to overcome hurdles, negativity, and any kind of difficulties that one may be facing.

• The rituals and mantras performed during the Anushthan are believed to purify the mind, body, and soul. It is thought to cleanse negative energies, promote inner healing, and bring about a sense of well-being and harmony.

• Lord Vishnu's avatars are known for restoring balance and upholding righteousness. By honouring and worshiping them through Dashavatar Anushthan, devotees participate in the preservation of dharma (moral and cosmic order).

• Devotees seek the divine grace and guidance of Lord Vishnu and his avatars through this Anushthan. It is believed that they receive blessings, wisdom, and inspiration to lead a righteous and purposeful life.