ABSTRACT
However much the Bhiigavata may be focused on KJ;~I).a, there are passages in it, as in the other texts, where he is presented as being only one among several performers in the avatiira drama, so that the question of whether he or Vi~I).u is to be seen as supreme cannot be settled by reference to the KY$/'Jacarita alone, even when seen in the context of the whole text. How does the Bhiigavata see his relation to these other performers, and how does it present the purposes of the avatiiras? This chapter will explore these questions, not only in the Bhiigavata but in all three texts. It will be seen that the Bhiigavata's emphasis upon KJ;~I).a's supremacy rather than Vi~I).u's brings about some changes where the avatiiras' purposes are concerned.
