Theory of Incarnation – Its Origin and Development

From the Jacket

God is a realisation in the Indian way of life. It opens up new horizons in the consciousness of man to understand and enjoy the creation. In Indian philosophy God is a concept to justify the mysterious ways in which things and objects behave on earth.

In search of God, man is satisfied with his realisation of God alone because it is not possible for him to reach and scale Him. Thus God has been given so many shapes and forms to satisfy the demands and desires in man, to feet Him and realise Him. He becomes the main protagonist in this creation and like a skilled hero, has taken up different forms or masks.

The ‘theory of incarnation’ is analysed from the etymological, comparative, historical and anthropological points of view in order to reach a logical, universal conclusion as to how the concept of God and His avatāras are even relevant today.

About the Author

Rabiprasad Mishra born in 1955 to Bimla Devi and Sahityacharya Govinda Mishra of Harichandanpur Sasan, Narasinghpur, Cuttack, Orissa belongs to a family of scholars devoted to Sanskrit studies for generations.

Graduated from Ravenshaw College with Sanskrit Honours in 1974, he did his Master’s and M.Phil. (Theory of Incarnation, with special reference to Satapatha Brahmana) at Utkal University. He wrote his Ph.D. dissertation entitled Theory of Incarnation (Its Origin and Development in the Light of Vedic and Puranic References) (Utkal: 1997) under the supervision of Prof. Krishna Chandra Acharya, the then Vice-Chancellor, Sri Jagannath Sanskrit Vishvavidyalaya, Puri, which was highly praised by Professor Sriramamurti, Andhra University and Professor J.L. Brokington, The University of Edinburgh.

A Life Member, All India Oriental Conference, Dr. Mishra has been actively engaged in post-doctoral research work and publications of papers in journals and magazines.

Dr. Mishra joined Orissa Education Service (II) as Lecturer in Sanskrit in 1977. At present he works as Senior Lecturer in Ravenshaw Morning College, Cuttack, Orissa. He has also earned a reputation as an able event-organiser and an Orissa Government College Teachers Association activist.