Oh, Krishna! It was Your absolute wish
To assume the form of a giant fish
Protecting and securing the Vedic wisdom
When immersed in torrential waters making them victim
Oh, Krishna! You next assumed the shape of a huge turtle
Submerged in the milk ocean that was churned in a hurtle
You set on Your shell the great Mandara Mountain
Leaving a mark, a result of a divine outspin
Oh, Krishna! Your next body was that of a boar
The Earth sank into the Garbha Ocean, and Your chore
Was to lift it with Your tusks from the universe's base
(It appeared like a spot on the moon) it was done with grace
Oh, Krishna! The half-lion, half-man form was on Your list
Fearsome with sharp claws, You held down the demon as he hissed
Crushing him like a wasp and ripping him apart
With those pointed nails You permitted him a new start
Oh, Krishna! Now as a full human You came as a small brahmin
Your striding steps were large, most uncommon
You deceived Maharaja Bali and spared so many beings
Those lotus feet leaked Ganges' waters, purifying their feelings
Oh, Krishna! You assumed the form of a warrior
Pitted against other kshatriyas who became blood river memorials
Their collective karma was washed away by You
As Parasuram, You relieved the Earth knowing what to do
Oh Krishna! You became the celebrated Ram
At the battle of Lanka You defeated the ogre Ravan
Sending each of his ten heads to the directional gods
So long desired, Your action to eliminate him was against all odds
Oh Krishna! Then You came as the wielder of the plow
As Balaram, brilliantly white, You became known somehow
With blue attire, the colour of the Yamuna River
Your striking weapon caused more than a shiver
Oh Krishna! Next you became the very passive man
Buddha of compassionate heart, a non-violent human
You decried the slaughter of animals on the weak basis
Of approval by a Vedic authority premise
Oh Krishna! Lastly, You come as Kalki Avatar
Appearing like a comet or a speedy shooting star
A terrifying sword in hand eradicates the wicked
In the current age of kali when people are afflicted
Oh Krishna! O Keshava! Oh Lord of the Universe!
In ten major appearances you disperse
We are grateful to You, and to the writer, Jayadev
This hymn of hope is something he generously gave
Oh Krishna! You appear as incarnations numbering 10
As Matsya, You rescued the Vedas, and again
Heroically as Kurma, You bore on Your back a mountain
As Varaha, You saved Earth and also we can count on
The Narasingha method for opening the chest of Hiranyakasipu
As Vamana, your 3 steps let Bali know what he is due
As Parasuram, You delivered some corrupted warriors
In the form of Ram, You destroyed demonic barriers
With a plow, as Balaram, You drew the river close
As Buddha, You calmed the slayers and gave a quiet dose
When you are Kalki You subdue those who are gross
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