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Glimpses of World Religions
to the opinion of the Puranas, God is the cause of the creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe, and in tune with these three functions. (1) Brahmā, (2) Vishnu (3) Mahesha - Shiva are the three deivine forms. All the acts or plays of God are covered by and included in these three functions. Instead of the legendary divinities like Indra, Varuna etc., this Trinity initiated in the pauranic times is more capable of showing to us the full-fledged entire shaping of God. So, in the Hindu Faith of today the three Gods of this Trinity are regarded as chiefs amongst all the godheads. The Incarnations (Avatāras) of Vishnu
As per the beliefs of Hindu religion Lord Vishnu is the protector of this world, and so, he is expected to do various tasks, by descending on earth or by (granting) incarnations for the protection (maintenance) and welfare of the world. To be incarnated is not like ordinary descending from some other place, but it is the manifestation of the arts or divine powers (vibhutis) of His Infinite Existence. Not only that, but to make the beings of earth realise or experience is what is called the Avtar'. There is a reference to the ten Avataras of Lord Vishnu, and if we look to the detailed list, it comes to 24 Avataras. Rama, Krishna, Buddha etc. are considered the Avataras of Vishnu.
In the Puranas, in addition to Bhakti or devotion, we find interesting characterisation of sentiments and duties like Yogic practices (Yoga Sadhana) fellow-feelings (Maitree) etc. The misery is to be removed by means of enlightening the wicks of knowledge and Renunciation. For litting up this Renunciationmood, many other means like morality, knowledge, meditation, love, etc. become very helpful. All of us have to do this 'good' act of making the life graceful by judicious use of any one of them.
