VR Chennai is packed with rich art and unique experiences. Rooted in culture, the Centre is peppered with depictions, in various forms and interpretations, of the Dasavataram - the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The inspiration to showcase the folklore of the Dasavataram stems from the earliest known epigraph found in the Adi-Varaha Temple in Mahabalipuram (erstwhile Mamallapuram). Written in the "Pallava Script", the inscription dates back to the 7th Century and is unique as it marks the earliest known instance where all the 10 avatars are mentioned in one place.

Explore the culture and art of the region at VR Chennai. Sign Up for the Kathai, Kalai, Parampariyam: Culture Walk.

The Dasavataram

The word 'avatar' or 'avataram' comes from the ancient Sanskrit language. The word, meaning 'descent', is used to refer to the many incarnations of the divine. According to Indian scriptures, Lord Vishnu is the nurturer of creation, the restorer of the law (Dharma) and the protector of the cosmos. The ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu find a special place in the history and culture of Southern India.

yada yada hi dharmasya
glanir bhavati bharata
abhyutthanam adharmasya
tadatmanam srjamy aham
(bhagavad gita)

In the Bhagvad Gita it is said that, whenever there is a decline of Dharm in the world, the Lord will appear on Earth to restore balance. The Vedas speak about the existence of ten avatarams (Dasavataram) of Lord Vishnu that came into being for re-establishing order in the realms. It is believed that only nine of the ten avatarams have appeared to date. The tenth, Kalki, is believed to appear only at the end of the Kali Yug – the epoch that the world is currently living through.

The earliest known physical reference to the 10 avatars can be found in Mahabalipuram or erstwhile Mamallapuram. Renowned as a key sea port in the Pallava Kingdom, the city was an important center of art, architecture and literature between the 3rd Century CE and 7th Century CE.

This reference to the 10 avatars, in the form of an epigraph, can be found in the Adi-Varaha Temple in present day Mahabalipuram. Written in the "Pallava Granth", it dates back to the 7th Century and is unique as it is the only temple where all the 10 avatars are carved together in one place. Our inspiration for the Kathai Walk stems from this inscription and showcases our modern interpretations of the folklore of the Dasavatarams in VR Chennai.