1. Matsya (Fish): The first avatar, Matsya, rescued the Vedas (sacred scriptures) from a deluge.
2. Kurma (Tortoise): Kurma, the tortoise avatar, helped churn the cosmic ocean to obtain Amrita (nectar of immortality).
3. Varaha (Boar): Varaha, the boar avatar, retrieved the Earth from the depths of the ocean.
4. Narasimha (Man-Lion): Narasimha, a fierce man-lion, protected the devotee Prahlada from his evil father Hiranyakashipu.
5. Vamana (Dwarf): Vamana, the dwarf avatar, tricked the demon king Bali and reclaimed the three worlds.
6. Parashurama (Rama with an Axe): Parashurama, the warrior avatar, eliminated the Kshatriyas (warrior class) to restore righteousness.
7. Rama (King of Ayodhya): Rama, the ideal man, embodies dharma and love. He defeated the demon king Ravana to rescue his wife Sita.
8. Krishna (The Playful God): Krishna, the most popular avatar, is considered the embodiment of divine wisdom and playful love. He guided the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war.
9. Buddha (The Enlightened One): Buddha, the ninth avatar, preached non-violence and compassion. While some traditions don't consider him a Vishnu avatar, his teachings are seen as an extension of the Vishnu's message of Dharma.
10. Kalki (The Final Avatar): Kalki, the final avatar, is yet to appear. He will be a fierce warrior who will end the Kali Yuga (Age of Darkness) and usher in a new Satya Yuga (Golden Age).
Other Notable Avatars:
* Hayagriva (Horse-Headed): Rescued the Vedas from the demons.
* Mohini (Enchantress): Saved the gods from the demons by using her feminine charms.
* Yagna (Sacrifice): Embodiment of the concept of sacrifice.
* Dhanvantari (God of Medicine): Brought the healing science from the cosmic ocean.
* Trivikrama (Three Steps): Another name for Vamana, emphasizing his ability to conquer the three realms in three steps.
These are just some of the many avatars of Vishnu, each with their own unique stories and significance in Hindu mythology and philosophy. Each avatar symbolizes a different aspect of Vishnu's divine nature and his role in maintaining cosmic order and protecting humanity.