The Dashavatara traditionally includes ten avatars of Vishnu.
The Sanskrit name combines dashavatara, meaning “ten avatars” or “ten incarnations.” The usual sequence begins with Matsya, the fish; Kurma, the tortoise; Varaha, the boar; Narasimha, the man-lion; Vamana, the dwarf; Parashurama; Rama; Krishna or Balarama; Buddha or another traditional figure; and Kalki, who is expected in the future.
These appearances express Vishnu’s role as preserver of cosmic order. The early forms are often linked with rescue and protection, while later avatars confront tyrants or restore justice. Kalki is the only commonly listed avatar who has not yet appeared, because he is associated with the end of the Kali Yuga.
The number ten is stable even though the names are not identical everywhere. Regional and sectarian traditions may substitute Balarama for Buddha or include a local deity. Hindu texts also describe Vishnu’s avatars as countless, so “ten” specifically refers to the celebrated Dashavatara grouping, not to every incarnation mentioned in scripture.