Hindu tradition recognizes twenty-four avataras of Vishnu, who, in association with Brahma, the Creator, Mahadeva, the Destroyer and Himself as the Preserver, constitute the Trinity of the Hindus. Avatara means ‘one descended’ or ‘one who has come down’ and also identified as an Incarnation of Godhead. Vishnu, as believed, visits the earth, in different shapes, called periodic Incarnation, with a view to destroy the Evil and restore the Order of the Good. The present book is concerned with the ten principally recognized avataras of Vishnu viz. i. Matsya, ii. Kurmma, iii. Varaho, iv. Nri-Sinha, v. Vamana, vi. Parasu-rama, vii. Rama, viii. Balarama, ix. The Buddha and x. Kalki. A brief history, alongwith an illustration, of each incarnation of Vishnu, based on Puranas e.q. Padma, Matsya, Agni, and Kalki Purana etc. and epics such as Ramayan and Mahabharat is also given. The most outstanding merit of the book is that the whole scheme of avataras is conceived and worked out in the background of the practical utility of Indian music its rhythms and notations Author’s belief is that the representations of avataras ‘in which everything is national and nothing borrowed’ when put into musical form, can go long way in preserving our national culture through the media of theatrical recitations, Practical guidance required, especially with reference to the Stage, Lights, Curtain, Grouping, Stage Manager and Audience besides the musical notations, is also provided with. The book, in short, symbolizes comfortable co-operation between Hindu Mythology and Indian Theatre.
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