Incarnations (Avatara)

One candle may be used to light many other candles, and each may burn with equal intensity, but that first candle always remains the original source. This is the analogy that Lord Brahma uses to explain Krishna, the original candle, and His incarnations, the subsequent candles. Incarnations of the Lord perform various functions. Often they appear to reinstate peace in the universe and create spiritual resurgence (yuga-avataras). Other incarnations oversee aspects of material creation and maintenance (purusa-avataras). Some incarnations of the Lord respond to the desires of the devotees and perform beautiful pastimes which enchant the living entities (lila-avataras).

Note: in the category of incarnations there are some personalities who are not directly God. Saktyavesa-avataras, for example, are known as divinely empowered incarnations, but are often ordinary souls (jivas) who perform superhuman acts. Brahma, who is known as a guna-avatara, is actually a post taken up by an ordinary living entity (except in special circumstances). Thus, although incarnations in the strictest sense refer to the various manifestations of the Supreme Lord, Krishna, they also sometimes include living entities.