Five Types of Forms

According to Pancaratra theology, the Supreme Self (Atman), though absolutely beyond language and understanding, descends into five classes of forms for the purpose of worldly function and to serve as an object of love, worship, and meditation. These five forms are all denoted as avat�ra and are:

• para or supreme: Reflects the Supreme’s essential nature as beyond thought
• vyÅ«ha or cosmological: Forms taken for cosmic function
• vibhava or manifestation: Forms taken to directly mingle with devotees such as Rama, Krishna, etc.
• antaryÄ�mi or inner controller: The indweller of the manifest universe
• arca or iconic: Descent into worshipful images, icons, and paintings