The Essence of Avatāra: Probing Preservation in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa

Abstract

The article "The Essence of Avatāra: Probing Preservation in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa" by Raj Balkaran explores the fundamental meaning and purpose of avatara, specifically within the context of the Markandeya Purana. The article begins by examining Jaimini's pivotal question to Sage Markandeya regarding Vishnu's divine descent into humanity, which the author identifies as the very essence of avatara and its connection to preservation. Balkaran discusses how, despite the Markandeya Purana not being considered a purely Vaishnava text, it prominently features Vishnu's incarnational function at its outset. The article delves into the historical and ideological tension between pravritti dharma (world-affirming) and nivritti dharma (world-abnegating) in Hindu thought, arguing that avatara represents a powerful theological expression of the pravritti resurgence in the Epic and Puranic periods, where divinity descends to protect the world. Furthermore, the article connects the theme of preservation to other key elements within the Markandeya Purana, such as the character of Markandeya himself (who embodies eternal life), and the glorification of the Goddess and the Sun as paradigms of preservation. Ultimately, Balkaran argues that the Markandeya Purana, through its focus on these figures and themes, concerns itself with the core cosmogonic function of preservation, unequivocally linked to Vishnu and the world-affirming aspect of Hindu tradition.