Matsya (Fish) AvatarLord Vishnu took the form of a fish to save the first man, Manu, and various species of plants and animals during a great flood.
Kurma (Tortoise) AvatarLord Vishnu incarnated as a giant tortoise to support the Mount Mandara during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons.
Varaha (Boar) AvatarLord Vishnu assumed the form of a boar to rescue the Earth goddess, Bhudevi, from the demon Hiranyaksha, who had submerged the Earth into the cosmic ocean.
Narasimha (Half-Lion, Half-Human) AvatarLord Vishnu appeared as a half-lion and half-human to annihilate the demon king, Hiranyakashipu, who was granted a boon that made him virtually invincible.
Vamana (Dwarf) Avatar Lord Vishnu incarnated as a dwarf priest named Vamana to curb the power of the demon king, Mahabali, who had become a threat to the gods.
Parashurama AvatarLord Vishnu took the form of a warrior sage, Parashurama, to eradicate the corrupt and tyrannical rulers of the world during a time of great turmoil.
Rama AvatarLord Vishnu appeared as the prince of Ayodhya, Lord Rama, to vanquish the demon king Ravana and establish righteousness (dharma) on Earth. This is the most well-known and revered avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Krishna Avatar Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna, the divine cowherd, to guide humanity, impart spiritual wisdom through the Bhagavad Gita, and establish righteousness during the epic battle of Kurukshetra.
Gautama Buddha AvatarIn this unique avatar, Lord Vishnu took birth as Prince Siddhartha, who later became Gautama Buddha, to spread the message of non-violence, compassion, and enlightenment.
Kalki AvatarThis is the final and yet to come avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu will take birth as Kalki at the end of the current age, Kali Yuga, to restore balance and righteousness on Earth.