The Buddha Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The Buddha Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

In Sanatan Dharma, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of cosmic order, incarnates to restore dharma and guide humanity. Among the ten principal incarnations, the Das Avatar, the Buddha Avatar, often the ninth, embodies compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment. As Gautama Buddha, this avatar teaches non-violence, self-realization, and liberation from suffering. This article explores the Buddha Avatar through scriptural narratives, its symbolic significance, iconography, and legacy in Hindu tradition.

Scriptural Narratives.

Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavat Puran, Vishnu Puran, and other Puranic texts, describe Vishnu’s incarnation as Gautama Buddha to guide humanity toward righteousness and inner peace.

Bhagavat Puran.

The Bhagavat Puran (Canto 1, Chapter 3; Canto 2, Chapter 7) portrays Vishnu as Buddha to counter the misuse of Vedic rituals and the spread of adharma. Born as Siddhartha Gautama to King Suddhodana and Queen Maya in Lumbini, Buddha renounced worldly comforts to seek truth. After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, he taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing compassion, non-violence (ahimsa), and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The text highlights Buddha’s role in redirecting humanity from ritualistic excesses to introspection and moral living, restoring dharma in a time of spiritual confusion.

Vishnu Puran.

The Vishnu Puran (Book 3, Chapter 18) briefly notes Vishnu’s incarnation as Buddha to counter false doctrines and guide people toward truth. It emphasizes his teachings of compassion and detachment, which purified minds swayed by ignorance and reoriented society toward ethical conduct.

Other Puranic Texts.

The Matsya Puran and Garud Puran also reference the Buddha Avatar, portraying him as a teacher who countered violence and materialism. These texts highlight his establishment of ahimsa as a cornerstone of dharma, aligning with Vishnu’s mission to preserve cosmic harmony during an age of misinterpretations of Vedic practices.

Scriptural Verse.

A verse from the Bhagavat Puran (1.3.24) honours the Buddha Avatar’s role in restoring dharma:

Tatah Kalau Sampravṛtte Sammohaya Sura-Dvisham
Buddho Namnanjanasutah Kikatesshu Bhavishyati ||

Translation: “In the age of Kali, to delude the enemies of the gods, Vishnu, as Buddha, the son of Anjana, will appear among the Kikatas.”

This verse is chanted to invoke Buddha’s compassion and wisdom for liberation.

Symbolic Significance.

The Buddha Avatar symbolizes compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of truth over worldly attachments. Unlike Vishnu’s warrior avatars, Buddha restores dharma through intellectual and spiritual guidance. His teachings of ahimsa, mindfulness, and detachment reflect a divine balance between action and introspection, guiding humanity to overcome ignorance, transcend suffering, and fulfil their divine purpose. His life exemplifies surrender to truth and the courage to challenge misguided traditions.

Iconography of the Buddha Avatar.

In Hindu art, the Buddha Avatar is depicted as a serene figure, often seated in the lotus position (padmasana) under the Bodhi tree, symbolizing enlightenment. He is portrayed with a calm expression, half-closed eyes, and hands in mudras like the dhyana mudra (meditation) or bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture). Some depictions include Vishnu’s attributes, such as the conch (shankha) or discus (chakra), signifying his divine origin. Sculptures at the Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, blend Buddhist and Hindu iconographic elements, capturing his tranquil yet powerful presence.

Temples Dedicated to the Buddha Avatar.

While primarily venerated in Buddhist sites, the Buddha Avatar is recognized in Hindu temples as an incarnation of Vishnu. The Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh includes carvings of the Buddha among the ten avatars. The Vishnu Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, also acknowledges him in its iconography. Vaishnava traditions in Odisha and Tamil Nadu incorporate prayers to the Buddha Avatar during festivals honoring Vishnu’s incarnations, attracting devotees seeking wisdom and compassion.

Legacy and Influence.

Gautama Buddha’s teachings, as the Buddha Avatar, restored dharma within Sanatan Dharma and inspired the rise of Buddhism, a religion that spread across India and beyond, emphasizing compassion and liberation. While Buddhism developed as a distinct tradition, Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavat Puran and Vishnu Puran celebrate Buddha as a divine teacher fulfilling Vishnu’s mission. This dual legacy unites devotees across traditions in the pursuit of wisdom and inner peace.

Conclusion.

The Buddha Avatar of Lord Vishnu embodies the power of compassion, wisdom, and truth in restoring dharma. Through teachings of non-violence and liberation, he guided humanity toward inner peace. As the ninth Das Avatar, his legacy in scriptures, iconography, and temples inspires devotees to pursue truth and compassion. His teachings pave the way for Vishnu’s final avatar, Kalki, who will restore dharma in the Kali Yuga, as foretold in the Kalki Purana (1.2.15–20).

A Verse Praising Lord Vishnu as Buddha.

Buddha-Roopa Dhara-Dharma, Karuna-Sagara Hare,
Samsara-Moha-Nashaya, Jaya Jagadisha Hare!

Translation: O Lord who, as Buddha, upholds dharma, ocean of compassion, destroyer of worldly delusion, all glories to You!

Om Buddha Roopaaya Namah!

Stay tuned for the next article in the Das Avatar series, exploring the Kalki Avatar of Lord Vishnu.