There are a total of ten images featured in the Dasavatara shrine, standing upon a total of four steps, each depicting an incarnation of Vishnu. The first step features the
Matsya avatar. The second step features the
Kurma and
Varaha avatars. The third step features the
Narasimha,
Vamana, and
Parashurama avatars. The fourth step features the
Rama,
Balarama,
Krishna, and
Kalki avatars. The Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha and Kalki images are depicted as
four-armed, which conveys the idea of Vishnu's supremacy. All of them hold Vishnu's attributes of the
shankha and
chakra in their two hands. Their other two hands express the
abhayamudra and
varadamudra; Kalki is the exception, holding a sword and a shield. The Vamana, Parshurama, Rama, Balarama, and Krishna images are portrayed as two-armed, and hold different attributes. Vamana holds an
umbrella and a
kamandalam, while Parashurama carries an axe and a bow. Rama holds a bow-and-arrow, while Balarama carries a mace, his other hand expressing the abhayamudra. Krishna carries a flute and a shankha. All the incarnations are depicted wearing a
dhoti as a lower garment, and are adorned with items of jewellery such as necklaces, bangles, armlets, and the
kiritamukuta, a crown worn by Vishnu. Vamana is depicted without a crown. ==References==