Avatars
What avatar is the fish?
Matsya
What does the story of Hiranyakashipu teach?
The Lord will always protect those with devotion to him
What is Prayala?
Total creative destruction, death, and catastrophe.
Who was Parikshit?
Who is Narasimha and who does he kill?
Narasimha is the half-lion half-man avatar and he killed Hiranyakashipu.
What is Matsya Avatar story most similar to?
Noah's Arc. Also, the lord will keep his followers safe from the worst of dangers.
What is Vaikuntha
Eternal Heavenly realm, abode of Vishnua
Why did Parikshit allow Kali into his kingdom?
Kali convinced Parikshit because he explaned the four Yugas are a cycle and the Cycle must not be broken.
Who is Kurma Avatar?
Turtle
What does Varaha Avatar teach?
Preservation and balance; one must make sure to fight to preserve what is sacred
Who are the gate keepers of Vaikuntha?
Where in Parikshit's kingdom was Kali allowed to spread?
Wherever there is adharma (immorality) and gold:
1. Gambling
2. Drinking of Alcohol
3. Immoral relations between man and woman
4. Violence, untruthfulness, pride, brutality
What avatar kills Hiranyaksha?
Varaha (Boar)
Too many riches brings rise of evil. Riches come and go, but God will always remain.
4 sons of Brahma who roam the universe as children. They cursed Jaya and Vijaya for not allowing them in to Vaikuntha.
Why was Parikshit cursed to have 7 days left to live?
For putting a dead snake on Shamik Rishi's neck.
Who is Vamana? Who is the main opponent in the story?
Vamana is the Adult Dwarf avatar and Bali is the main opponent
What two lessons does Kurma avatar teach?
1. Withdraw all parts from oneself
2. Do not get distracted by mtaerialistic illusions
Who were Jaya and Vijaya in each of their births as enemies of Vishnu?
1st: Hiranyasksha and Hiranyakashipu
2nd: Ravana and Kumbhakarna
3rd: Shishupala and Dantavakra
How was Parikshit still able to attain Moksha?
Detachment from the worldly pleasures. Gave up his kingdom to his son, listened to stories of saints, be in the present and worship the lord, and lost his fear of death. He realized the ultimate truth of life and gave up his body for Moksha