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14. THE CONCEPT OF AVATARS
This fits in very well within the time line. If these myths have any historical basis this is the only choice we are left with.
If this is true then the Vishnu incarnations tells us the story of the war between Vaishnavites and Christians. Whenever Christians became powerful, Vaishanavite leadership found a method of defeating them which evidenly included subtle deceit, treachery, force and war. This is seen throughout the incarnation stories.
Generations of the Asuras
The puranas themselves give us the story of the generation of Suras and the Asuras. Sage Kashyap, had four wives, Diti, Aditi, Vinita and Kudroo. Diti gave birth to Asuras (demons) and from Aditi were born Suras (Devas, gods), while from Vinita was born Garuda, the carrier of Vishnu. The two sons Diti were Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashyapu . Both of them performed so many religious practices and austerities that in course of time they gained limitless powers.
There is a story behind the birth of these two where they are the two gatekeepers of Vishnu's heaven, Jaya and Vijaya, who were cursed to fall from grace and find salvation only in opposition to Vishnu -probably added later.
Jaya and Vijaya
According to a story from Bhagavata Purana, The Four Kumaras, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanat Kumara who are the sons of Brahma (born from the mind or though power of Brahma), visit Vaikuntha - the abode of Vishnu, to see Him. Due to the strength of their tapas, the four Kumaras appear to be mere children, though they are of great age. Jaya and Vijaya, the gate keepers of the Vaikuntha arrogantly stop the Kumaras at the gate, thinking them to be children. They also tell the Kumaras that Sri Vishnu is resting and that they cannot see Him now. The Kumaras grow angry at the gate keepers. They tell Jaya and Vijaya that Vishnu is available for his devotees any time.
They lay a curse to Jaya and Vijaya that they would have to give up their divinity, be born on Earth, and live like normal human beings. Vishnu appears before them and His gatekeepers ask Him to lift the curse of the Kumaras. Vishnu says that the curse of Kumaras cannot be taken back. Instead, he gives Jaya and Vijaya two options.
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