avatars ''bhagavata purana'' though latter adds incarnations vishnu innumerable avatars vishnu important vaishnavism theology goddess based shaktism tradition avatars devi found goddesses considered different aspects metaphysical brahman shakti '' energy '' avatars deities ganesha shiva also mentioned medieval hindu texts minor occasional theistic atheistic ideas epistemological metaphysical reasons profuse different schools hinduism early nyaya school hinduism example
Humanities Theology Hinduism