Harihara Avatara: Journey to Bring Back Balance to the World

On the past, there was an avatar that combined the gods Vishnu and Shiva, believed to have first appeared during the Puranic period, around the 4th to 6th centuries CE. The Harihara Avatar is an incarnation in Hindu tradition that combines two principal deities, Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara). Harihara, also known as Shankaranarayana, represents the fusion of the preserving power of Vishnu and the destructive power of Shiva. This story appears in the Puranic texts and local traditions

In the early stages of creation, Vishnu and Shiva were known as the two greatest forces in the universe. Vishnu is the preserver of the world, maintaining balance and protecting humanity from destruction. Shiva, on the other hand, is the lord of destruction, responsible for ending the world when the time comes so that it can be recreated. Both complement each other as two aspects of the same Divine power.

Illustration of Harihara on puranic texts (Source : Private Collection) 

In several legends, it is told that the followers of Vishnu and Shiva often engaged in disputes over which deity was more powerful, leading to tensions between the two groups. As a result, Vishnu and Shiva united as the Harihara avatar, symbolizing that both deities are part of a greater Divine truth.

Harihara is depicted with two distinct sides. The left side of his body represents Vishnu, adorned with a lotus crown and blue skin. The right side represents Shiva, with a crescent moon in his hair and a trident in his hand. The meaning of Harihara is that preservation and destruction are part of the same cosmic cycle. Without destruction, new creation cannot occur, and without preservation, creation would not endure.

Illustration of humans prays to Lord Shiva and Vishnu (Source : Private Collection)

Long ago, there was a terrifying giant named Guhasura who ruled with an iron fist over a land called Guharanya. In his quest for absolute power, he undertook severe penance and succeeded in pleasing the god Brahma. As a reward for his devotion, Brahma granted him a boon that made Guhasura invincible, immune to attacks from humans, gods, as well as Shiva and Vishnu. Armed with his new power, Guhasura spread fear among all living beings.

Driven by the suffering under Guhasura's tyranny, humans and gods united and sought the help of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. They pleaded with these mighty deities to find a way to defeat the invincible giant and restore peace to their land.Moved by the suffering of the beings, Vishnu and Shiva agreed to join forces and confront Guhasura. They realized that to overcome the immense power granted by the boon, they would have to merge their divine energies. With resolute determination, they combined their forms, becoming the awe-inspiring entity known as Harihara.

Empowered by their union, the combined form of Shiva and Vishnu descended upon Guharanya. In a fierce battle, Harihara unleashed unimaginable power, drawing from the strength of both deities. With each strike, Guhasura's defenses began to crumble, unable to withstand the divine force opposing him.Finally, in a tremendous clash, Harihara emerged victorious, destroying Guhasura and freeing the land from his tyrannical rule. The once-tormented inhabitants rejoiced, expressing their gratitude to Vishnu and Shiva for their help in their darkest hour.

Illustration Of Human In Puranic Period (Sumber : Koleksi Pribadi)

The story of Harihara teaches us about unity in duality. The world comprises many aspects that may seem contradictory, but on a deeper level, they are all part of a single unity. This story imparts lessons of tolerance, acceptance of differences, and understanding that the various forces in the universe actually work together in harmony. It emphasizes that preservation and destruction are complementary and inseparable aspects of existence, a lesson that is highly relevant to the human experience