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The Sanskrit noun ''avatāra'' is derived from the verbal root tṝ "to cross over", joined with the prefix ava "off, away, down". The word doesn't occur in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas Vedas], but is recorded in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81%E1%B9%87ini Pāṇini] (3.3.120). ''Avatāra'' was initially used to describe different [[deities]], then around the 6th century AD it began to be used primarily to describe the [[manifestations]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu Vishnu]. While earlier texts mention deities taking on different forms, the [[Bhagavad Gita]] (4.5-9) is the first text to discuss the [[doctrine]] associated with the term even though the word ''avatāra'' itself is not mentioned.

The Sanskrit noun ''avatāra'' is derived from the verbal root tṝ "to cross over", joined with the prefix ava "off, away, down". The word doesn't occur in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas Vedas], but is recorded in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81%E1%B9%87ini Pāṇini] (3.3.120). ''Avatāra'' was initially used to describe different [[deities]], then around the 6th century AD it began to be used primarily to describe the [[manifestations]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu Vishnu]. While earlier texts mention deities taking on different forms, the [[Bhagavad Gita]] (4.5-9) is the first text to discuss the [[doctrine]] associated with the term even though the word ''avatāra'' itself is not mentioned.

<center>For lessons on the [[topic]] of '''''Avatars''''', follow [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Avatars '''''this link'''''].</center>

<center>For lessons on the [[topic]] of '''''Avatars''''', follow [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Avatars '''''this link'''''].</center>

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1:  the [[incarnation]] of a Hindu deity (as Vishnu)

*1:  the [[incarnation]] of a Hindu deity (as Vishnu)