In the Rama Avatar, for instance, Rama conducted himself as if he was subjected to Maya, but upheld Dharma for promoting the welfare of the world. The Krishna Avatar was different. Keeping Maya under control. He manifested His Leelas (miraculous deeds). This was why Vyasa, in his Bhagavatam, characterised Krishna as: Leela Manusha Vigraha (The Divine manifesting as man for performing His Leelas). (SSS Vol.23, p. 205)

In understanding of the role of Avatars, the easiest and the sweetest means was revealed by Krishna Avatar to the largest extent. This does not mean that other Avatars are irrelevant. Each Avatar is appropriate for the time of its advent. This may be illustrated by a small example. When there is a petty quarrel in the street, a police man’s intervention is enough. When there is a riotous crowd, a Police Inspector may be necessary to deal with it. In an insurgency, the Inspector-General of Police will have to take the charge of the situation.

When Dharma was showing signs of decline, Rama appeared to protect Dharani (the earth), Dharma Patni (his consort) and Dharma (Righteousness). It was for these threefold purposes that the Rama Avatar took place. By the time of the Krishna Avatar, the forces of wickedness had grown to greater proportions. Krishna was not concerned much about the earth or the wife. His main concern was the Dharma. When Dharma is firmly established, the earth and the Dharma Patni are also duly protected.

In this context, Rama is described as ‘Maya maanusha vigrahah’ (Maya in human form). In the story of Rama, it is related that Rama lamented over the loss of Sita: In Krishna Avatar the picture is different. Women were in distress for the sake of Krishna. In the Rama Avatar, Rama was provoked to the arms against evildoers. In Krishna Avatar, Krishna provoked the conflict and fought the evildoers.

In Rama Avatar, Duty comes first and joy later. In Krishna Avatar, joy comes first and then duty. Looked at in this way, the difference between Maya-avatar of Rama and the Leela-atavar of Krishna will be apparent. Krishna was always immersed in bliss. Whether it was a burial ground or a battlefield or a heaven of peace, he remained the same. Krishna was standing between two immense opposing armies and lie sang a song.

That is the Gita, which means song. Would it be possible for anyone to sing in such a situation? One sings only when one is happy. Krishna because He was the embodiment of joy, could sing even on the battle- field.  (SS Sept 90 , pp.229-230)

You were told that Rama showed man how to bear suffering, while Krishna taught him how to overcome it. No. Rama was all ananda inside though he was lamenting outwardly for Sita. Ramatatwa is known only to Rama. What can rest know? At best, they can have but a glimpse of Rama’s grace. And, even that only if they are immersed in intense inner prayer for God. Think of Him, call out for Him; He melts. Whatever form He may be shining in, that intensity will make you recognise Him. He may be a cowherd boy, standing under a tree, with a flute at his lips. You will see Him and adore Him and place Him in your heart. You extol the Lord as Love, Mercy, Grace; but do you yearn to earn them? Do you believe you can win them? Do you strive to treasure them.

Take the example of Surphanakha, the sister of Ravana. She was mutilated by Lakshmana. She was rejected by Rama, she was ridiculed by Sita, humiliated beyond cure. She fled in terror to her brother and, what did she ask him to do? She described the heavenly charm, the Divine Grace of Rama and advised him to fill his heart with the sweetness that Rama exhaled all around Him! Rama came to feed the roots of Satya and Dharma and so, Sita joined Him through correct orthodox rites. There was no Sita-apaharanam. In the Krishnavatara the task was to foster shanty and prema. Now, all four are in danger of being dried up. The Dharma that has fled to the forests has to be led back into villages and towns. The adharma that has ruined the villages and towns has to be driven to jungle You will have no rest until this is done. For, it is your problem in which each of you is verily involved. (SSS Vol.4, pp.21-22)

In the Treta Yuga, Rama came as the Very embodiment of Satya and Dharma (Truth and Righteousness). In Dwapara Yuga, The Lord incarnated as Krishna, the embodiment of Shanti and Prema. Today the Avatar has come as the embodiment of all the four – Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema. (SSS Vol.23, p.207)