Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, May 9th, 2024
Ascension Day
Ascension Day
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Bible Encyclopedias
Avatar
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
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a Sanskrit word meaning "descent," specially used in Hindu mythology (and so in English) to express the incarnation of a deity visiting the earth for any purpose. The ten Avatars of Vishnu are the most famous. The Hindus believe he has appeared (I) as a fish, (2) as a tortoise, (3) as a hog, (4) as a monster, half man half lion, to destroy the giant Iranian, (5) as a dwarf, (6) as Rama, (7) again as Rama for the purpose of killing the thousand-armed giant Cartasuciriargunan, (8) as Krishna, (9) as Buddha. They allege that the tenth Avatar has yet to occur and will be in the form of a white-winged horse (Kalki) who will destroy the earth.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
These files are public domain.
Bibliography Information
Chisholm, Hugh, General Editor. Entry for 'Avatar'. 1911 Encyclopedia Britanica. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/bri/a/avatar.html. 1910.
Chisholm, Hugh, General Editor. Entry for 'Avatar'. 1911 Encyclopedia Britanica. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/bri/a/avatar.html. 1910.
