Avatar

The incarnation, or manifestation, of a god in Hinduism. There are three gods. Brahma (Creator) Shiva (Destroyer) and Vishnu (Preserver).

The incarnations of the god Vishnu are the most famous ones known to western culture. According to Hindu legend, Vishnu has already assumed nine avatars:

Matsya - the fish
Kurma - the tortoise
Varaha - the boar
Narasimha - the man-lion
Vamana - the dwarf
Parashurama - Rama with the axe
Rama - the perfect man
Krishna - the philosopher king
Buddha - the preacher of peace

The tenth is Kalki who is due to appear to usher in a golden age. He will appear, riding a white horse and drawing a flaming sword, at the end of the Kali Yuga, the dark age through that we are passing.