Incarnation,
descent, going down into;
Translation;
Sacred place;
Opportunity of catching someone;
Any new and unexpected appearance;
Appearance of a god (
deva) upon earth. The avatar is not bound to karma, and has descended for a certain purpose.
Vishnu, but also
Shiva,
Ganesha and
Devi are described as descending in the form of avatars.
4th level of
Guru