Story of Sugata Buddha: 9th Avatar of Lord Vishnu

Sugata Buddha, in ancient texts, is considered the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu. However, Indian mythology does not consider Gautam Buddha an incarnation of Hari. Some other versions of Hindu myths opine that Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna, is one of the Dashavatars of Lord Vishnu instead of Buddha. These different stories make the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu a little confusing, as there is no clarity on whether the Lord Buddha or Balaram is the incarnation of the Supreme Lord of the Universe. However, I, a Vedic Story writer, found an interesting story that supports Buddha, not Gautam Buddha, who was the actual 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Legends of Buddha or Sugata Buddha

According to Indian mythology in Sanatan Dharma, there are two Buddhas.

1. Sugata Buddha
2. Gautama Buddha

Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the earth and universe, took the 9th avatar as Sugata Buddha. He was born in Bodh Gaya, or Kikata. Sugata Buddha was the son of Anjana. Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini, and his mother was Maya.

Birth Story of Sugata Buddha

As per the Shiva Purana, Lord Vishnu took the birth of Buddha, the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu, to help Lord Shiva kill demons, Tripurasura. The demon was so powerful due to the boon given by Lord Shiva and Brahma. The trio began to wreak havoc on Earth and take control over the entire universe. They established Tripura, three planets of silver, gold, and iron.

Tripurasura was undefeated by anyone on Earth, Heaven, or Patala. Therefore, to save life on Earth and for continuous creation, the slaughtering of Tripurasura became a must-do for the Lord. Thus, the birth of Sugata Buddha, the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu, became important.

Who Was Tripurasura?

Tripurasura, a trio of Asura brothers, were the sons of Tarakasura. Their names were Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali, and Kamalaksha.

Once, Indra, the God of Heaven, became so egoistic due to power, wealth, and position, and in his arrogance, he insulted Rishi Brahspati and Goddess Ganga. Rishi Brahspati cursed him for losing his power, status, and wealth to the Asuras. As they left Heaven, Tarakasura knew about the situation with Indra and ordered his sons to attack Heaven.

A Great Battle Began Between the Army of Tarakasura and Devas

Indra, the King of Heaven, flew from Heaven due to fear of death, leaving his army alone to suffer. They took refuge under Lord Shiva and asked him for help. Shiva suggested the Devas stay under the protection of Rishi Dhadichi, a great devotee of Lord Shiva.

After saving the lives of Devas, Shiva taught Indra a great lesson and took his status and power as king of heaven. He even decided to kill him, but Lord Vishnu and Brahma requested Shiva spare his life.

On the other hand, Tarakasura decided to attack Earth and its people. He forced people on Earth to perform Yagna in the name of him and his sons. Soon, the havish or sacrifice on fire that was performed for Devas, now performed for Asuras, resulted in the positivity in their nature.

Tripurasura, the sons of Tarakasura, were affected and shown when their father asked them to kill a deva. They stepped back and decided to perform a severe tapasya.

The trio began to perform tapasya for Shiva and received immense power.

Story of Tripura: The Three Planets of Tripurasura, the Asura Brothers

Tarakasura knew that Shiva granted his sons a boon and that they would be safe from harm under his protection. Tarakasura asked his son to help him take over Brahman by establishing Tripura.

Thus, the sons of Tarakasura started to perform severe penance for Brahma. Brahma, impressed by the tapas of Tripurasura, granted them boons to have three planets of iron, silver, and gold. This event angered the Devas a lot as the Asuras became so powerful.

Battle Between Lord Shiva and Tripurasura

All the Devas visited Lord Vishnu for help, and then Lord Hari made a new religion to turn Tripurasura evil. He asked Lord Shiva to kill them and destroy their planets and cities.

To help Shiva, the Supreme Lord of the Universe, he took the Buddha avatar mentioned in the Taittiriya Samhita of the Krishna Yajurveda.

Devas were eager to help Lord Shiva in the conquest. Thus they came, saying we would do everything to help you, Mahadev. Agnidev, the Lord of Fire, became the point of an arrow. Soma, the Moon God, became the socket, and Lord Vishnu became the shaft. Lord Shiva then decided to use his overlord Pashus to kill Tripurasura.

Shiva was trying to kill the Asuras but would not kill them due to the boon they received from Brahma. Tripurasura also had devoted wives performing Pativrata Dharma.

Therefore, Lord Vishnu decided to deceive Tripurasura’s wives. They always prayed for their husband’s long life. Due to this, nobody would kill Tripurasura.

Enchanting Play by Sugata Buddha to Entice the Wife of Tripurasura | 9th Avatar of Lord Vishnu

As per the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Vishnu was an incarnation of Sugata Buddha. He decided not to wear any clothes and attract the wives of Tripurasura. Buddha was so attractive, youthful, and meditating.

Once, Tripurasura’s wives went to the temple to pray for their husband’s well-being, long life, and happiness. On the way, they saw the radiantly charming young boy, who was naked, sitting under a tree and meditating. It was none other than the Sugata Buddha, the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu. Seeing Vishnu’s bright, tempting, and beautiful body, the wives of Tripurasura got attracted to him. They forgot to pray and slowly lost their Pativrata Dharma.

Death of Tripurasura and Restoration of Dharma

Once the wives of Tripurasura lost their Dharma towards Tripurasura, the trio brothers began to lose the battle, which continued for three days with Lord Shiva. Mahadev used this opportunity and immediately killed Tripurasura when the moon was full, and the Tripura, three planets, or forts, came in one line on the axis.

By killing Tripurasura, Lord Shiva, and Sugata Buddha, the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu restored peace and righteousness on Earth. Therefore, this day came to be known as Tripurari Purnima.

Also Read:-

• Matsya Avatar: First Lord Vishnu Took the Fish Incarnation
• Kurma Avatar: Second Incarnation of Lord Vishnu
• Varaha Avatar: Third Incarnation of Lord Vishnu
• Samudra Manthan: Why Did Lakshmi Leave Vaikund?