Avatara - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

In the context of the GCSE Religious Studies course, 'Avatara' refers to the concept in Hinduism where a deity embodies or manifests in a physical form on Earth to complete a specific divine purpose or mission. The term is most commonly associated with the god Vishnu, who is believed to take on various avatars to restore dharma, or cosmic order, in the world. Notable examples include Rama and Krishna, each with their own stories and significance in Hindu texts. This concept is crucial for understanding how Hindus interpret divine intervention and the cyclical nature of time and morality in the universe.