Dashavatara refers to the ten principal Avatars. In Vaishnava philosophy, an Avatar most commonly refers to the 'descent' and dasa refers to 'ten' in number. The ten most famous incarnations of Vishnu or sometimes Krishna are collectively known as the Dashavatara. This list is included in the Garuda Purana (1.86.10-11) and denotes those avatars most prominent in terms of their influence on human society.

Krishna appeared in the Dwapara Yuga along with his brother Balarama. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Balarama is said to have appeared in the Dwapara Yuga (along with Krishna) as an incarnation of Ananta Shesha. Krishna is one of the most commonly worshipped deities in the Hindu faith and is also counted as an avatar of Vishnu by the majority of Vaishnava movements.