Avatar

A divine ‘descent’ into the world in a particular living form, such as Rama or Krishna.

A divine ‘descent’ or appearance in the world in a particular living form, especially associated with Vishnu.

An avatar is a divine ‘descent’: the appearance of a deity in the world in a particular living form. Avatars are especially associated with Vishnu, whose preserving role includes responding when goodness declines and evil threatens dharma, the righteous order of life.

A divine incarnation: a deity appearing on earth, such as Vishnu appearing as Rama.

Distinguish an avatar, a divine appearance in the world, from a murti, a sacred image used in worship.

Connect a deity’s role or symbolic features to their significance for worshippers: for example, Vishnu’s preservation explains the importance of his avatars.

Distinguish an avatar, a divine descent into the world, from a murti, a sacred image used in worship.

An avatar is a divine ‘descent’ into the world in a particular living form. Vishnu’s avatars express his concern for the world: he appears when goodness declines and evil threatens righteous order, or dharma. Avatars need not have a human form; traditional examples include Matsya, the fish, and Kurma, the tortoise.

A descent or incarnation of a deity into the world; many Hindus understand Rama and Krishna as avatars of Vishnu.

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Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A · 1RA0

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Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B · 1RB0