Incarnation is embodiment in human form (in flesh and blood) of Godhead or God. Christ, for example, is regarded as an incarnation of the Holy Ghost or Godhead. Indian or ancient Hindu concept is not dissimilar to the orthodox Christian concept of incarnation.

           The Indian concept of incarnation is a kind of divine intervention to defend the ancient Vedic civilization developed on this sub-continent by Aryans and non-Aryans. Whenever the enemies of this civilization became too powerful to be controlled by the rulers of the time in different millenia in the hoary past, the supreme being intervened in the form of Avataars to re-establish the rule of Dharma (righteousness), symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.

          Indian mythological scriptures tell us about incarnations of two kinds. Some of them take human or animal forms to accomplish brief missions, others are born in a blessed family and grow up like other children. But they are extraordinary, both in intelligence and physical strength.

The Legend of Lord Ram

           Mysterious, inexplicable behaviour of such children astonishes their kith and kin. Legends of Ram and Krishna are popular examples. Few anecdotes from Ram's childhood have come down to us. But once he grows up to a teenager his exploits prove him to be above the men and warriors of the time. It dawns gradually upon everyone he has a mission to accomplish with younger brother Laxman constantly by his side.

A PORTRAIT OF FAITH: Lord Ram

          Ancient scriptures and chronicles have recorded the belief by tradition that Vishnu, one of the Hindu Divine Trinity, perturbed by the actions of certain evil forces, which were trying to destroy the God-created world, took birth as Ram in the royal house of Ayodhya, which ruled over the kingdom of Kosala. Ram's birth is celebrated in India as Ramanavami (this year, April 21).

           His father Dasarath was issueless till old age. Blessed by holy men who performed certain rituals with divine incantations, the king became the father of four sons from his three queens - Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. The sons were named Ram, Laxman, Bharata and Shatrughna. During their gurukula (environmental schools situated in deep forests away from human habitation) days, they learnt all the arts and sciences, martial skills and advanced weaponry.

           Trouble began for Ram when on guard at the abode of a sage, he killed a savage woman who was related to Ravan, king of demons.

           After winning Sita's hand in a tournament of princes, Ram returns to Ayodhya and is declared crown prince, when palace intrigues send him into exile for 14 years. He goes away on a long journey through the forests accompanied by brother Laxman and Sita who is abducted by Ravan through trickery.

           Trekking to deep south, Ram and Laxman collect an army of local people and with help from a tribal king, particularly his minister called Hanuman, humble the demons and kill Ravan alongwith his sons and brothers to rescue Sita from their custody.

           They return to Ayodhya where Ram is installed as king, since his father was long dead.