Hindus: Why Krishna & Rama are the most popular avatars of Vishnu?

Question

We rarely hear (well, in the West) that other Vishnu's avatars are worshipped like Krishna/Rama. Is there a reason to that?

Answer 1

East Indian mythology has a number of demigods, sometimes referred to as "avatars."
It is helpful to remember what an “avatar” is;

1. The incarnation of a Hindu deity, especially Vishnu, in human or animal form.
2. An embodiment, as of a quality or concept; an archetype:

Each demigod or "incarnation" has a specific quality or characteristic.

Eastern philosophy suggests that by meditating on the specific characteristic of that demigod, the practitioner gains some of those characteristics himself.

Krishna represents physical and spiritual perfection; freedom from all pain: physical, emotional or mental; freedom from rebirth (the cause of suffering)

Artistic renditions of Krishna usually show him with a musical instrument, surrounded by bright lights, and with hot babes nearby adoring him. Krishna is the rock-star or “pimp” of eastern folklore.

Rama is "the invincible warrior... capable of firing a thousand arrows in a single shot; each one hitting its target and destroying an enemy.”

Artistic renditions of Rama typically show him in his warrior’s raiment; with his trusty backpack of arrows and invincible bow. Sometimes he is pictured on horseback, riding solo into battle against an invading army of thousands. He releases a shot of multiple arrows and each arrow unerringly strikes one of the foe. Rama is like the American military… his arrows are like guided missiles. Cool!

Whether or not those particular avatars are the "most popular" is debatable. It may be simply that those are the two particular avatars you have seen, heard or read about the most.

At any rate... one thing is certain; whichever avatar or incarnation of a demigod becomes "popular" is a function of how much or how often his specific characteristics are desired.

Obviously, if a person wants physical perfection, freedom from any form of pain, (through rebirth) he would be interested in meditating on Krishna.

If a person lives in a time of war or is himself called to battle, he might choose to meditate on the qualities of Rama; the invincible.

This all assumes of course that the practitioner is an adherent to East Indian philosophy.

Because you asked your question in English, I assume you have some familiarity with Christian mythology. To help understand the popularity of those two particular avatars you mentioned, it might help to draw some parallels to Christianity.
Christianity, which is popular with about one-third of Earth’s population, (mostly in English-speaking countries) has a similar type of meditation for the acquisition of supernatural characteristics.

The process is the same as in Eastern philosophy; adherents pray-to or "meditate" upon the perfection of Christ, thereby hoping to become more "perfect" themselves.

Christians seek various types of perfection in this type of prayer: to find forgiveness, to emulate his wisdom, to gain entrance to heaven... whatever.

The only difference between the meditation on demigods or Jesus, is that Eastern mythology provides a specific demigod for specific qualities; whereas Jesus is the "one-size-fits-all" demigod.

That part of Christian mythology simplifies things dramatically. You don't have to learn as much or think at all. Jesus is always your "go-to guy."

The progenitors of Christianity undoubtedly borrowed this concept from other religions, as the idea predates Christ by at least a thousand years. Ancient hunters and warriors prayed or meditated upon the characteristics of fearsome animals in the same manner eons before the invention of religion. It isn’t surprising that this idea infiltrated most religions. It is a very popular superstition.

Just as there are many form of religion, there are many forms of deities, demigods, and avatars. Any one of them might be considered “popular” depending on the demographic you poll and how you get your information.

It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the two particular avatars you ask about are “popular” simply because they represent the two things western English-speaking people most desire, physical perfection and invincibility.

That makes sense if you think about it…

Westerners are a superficial materialistic lot that get into wars whenever possible.

If it weren’t for the fact that westerners abhor the mental effort of learning and critical thinking, Eastern mythology might gain a foothold here. After all, those two avatars are perfect for the two things we most often want to do… Kick-*** and look sexy doing it.

If we believe western renditions of Eastern philosophy, sure, Krishna and Rama are the most popular avatars. That requires actually studying and thinking about different religions and selecting specific gods for our purposes. That’s too much work!

Most of us prefer to just use the one-size-fits-all go-to guy.

Answer 2

Yes - Really a very good questions. Rama Avatar and Krishna Avatar are most popular and important avatars becuase -

Rama - is Maryada Purusottama and is the emblem righteousness. Ram occupies a very reverential place in the religious life of India and in the religious history of the world. He is the embodiment of righteousness and is believed to be incarnation of the solar aspect of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu preferred to adopt this form just to re-establish the golden age of justice and happiness. The expression of Rama Rajya even today means the reign in which peace and prosperity prevails.

Krishna - Krishna, the god who delivered the message of the Bhagavad Gita (the timeless masterpiece of Spiritual wisdom) to Arjuna. Krishna as a lovable child, as a shrewd diplomat, as a great sage and even as a fearless man of action, Krishna's personality has fascinated for ages not only Indians but also thinkers of other lands. A complex amalgam of the human and the Divine, he is seen differently by different people.In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna points out that to a warrior nothing is nobler than a righteous war and declares that one should do his duty without any attachment for results. He explains to Arjuna the three noble paths. First, is that of Yoga (knowledge), which means yoking mind and body to achieve perfect unity beyond the limits of thought and language; second is that of Dharma (righteousness), which means religious duties and customs, while the third is that of Bhakti (devotion). Devotion implies love to a personal God and complete surrender to Him. This is the path that commands the strongest approval of Krishna.-

Answer 3

When the Supreme Lord descended (Avatar) as Lord Ramachandra, He displayed how a Person and specially a King should perform his duties ideally. His Glories where so attractive that it spread to many parts of the world. Still those who know of him desire to live in the Kingdom of Lord Rama.

Krishna is not Avatar as is sometimes mistaken. Krishna is Avatari or the Original Personality that descends and is the cause of appearance of Lord Vishnu also. Hence He is the original Personality of Godhead. He has been worshiped by those who are in knowledge even before his appearance in this World.

However the main cause of Popularity of Names of Lord Rama and Krishna is because of the Mahamantra Given by Lord Chaitanya.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare .

This mantra is mentioned and accepted as the best mantra for the elevation of even the most fallen people of this degraded age. This is accepted in the scriptures as the highest Chant (Maha Mantra) and also by Authorities of Vedic culture. It has been seen that even the hippies in the 60s, when they took to chanting of this mantra, they gave up all sinful activities and vowed to lead a life of purity and surrender to God.

Answer 4

this not a clever question for you are not surprised about their nose? do the gods need to breath? krishna, rama born but vishnu shiva bhrama were the first trio from adi shakti (energy)

Answer 5

Excellent question. I'd love to hear some answers.