Avatar is a word used very freely. Many of us describe ourselves as saying in my last Avatar, I was so and so. This is very frivolous and none of us can call ourselves an avatar.

So then how should we explain the meaning of Avatar. It is an incarnation in human form of a Deity. According to Swami Sivananda, the aim of every avatar is to save the world from evil, protect the innocent and destroy the wicked.

When unrighteousness increases and when the forces of undivine rule, religious fanaticism is supreme and mass murder is happening then the Lord incarnates himself on earth to save man and restore purity. He takes the form of a human being and is called an avatar. When Jesus was born, the angels sang a beautiful song in praise of the lord.

The song revealed the reason for his birth.

Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Goodwill towards men.

Jesus had come into this world of men in order to re-establish the true and the highest glory of God-peace on earth and goodwill in the hearts of men towards all fellow beings.

Krishna is quoted as saying, “Whenever there is decay of righteousness, then I myself come forth. For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the evil doers. I am born from age to age.”

To save the earth

Rama is the supreme soul, the protector of all beings. He is Hari, and he was never born, and he never died. Vishnu manifested himself in the form of Rama to save the earth.

Rama and Krishna were not composed of the five elements. They had divine forms. They looked like humans but there was no destruction of their bodies.

Swami Sivananda stated, worship Rama or Krishna or Jesus at all times with your heart and mind. Glorify him in your heart, and he will reveal himself to you, and you will feel his presence. You will attain eternal bliss. He will be the Indweller, take refuge in him and be free.

Aim Hrim Klim