Narayana

The fourth purusha incarnation, and four-handed expansion of the Supreme Lord, Krishna; a great sage. He and his twin brother, Nara (q.v.) are described in in the Srimad Bhagavatam, thus:

"turye dharma-kala-sarge
nara-narayanav rishi
bhutvatmopashamopetam
akarot dushcaram tapah

In the fourth incarnation, the Lord became Nara and Narayana, the twin sons of the wife of King Dharma. Thus He undertook severe and exemplary penances to control the senses."

Bhag., Canto 1, Ch. 3, Text 9

"dharmasya daksha-duhitary ajanishta murtyam
narayano nara iti sva-tapah-prabhavatah
drishtvatmano bhagavato niyamavalopam
devyas tv ananga-pritana ghatitum na shekuh

To exhibit His personal way of austerity and penance, He appeared in twin forms as Narayana and Nara in the womb of Murti, the wife of Dharma and the daughter of Daksha. Celestial beauties, the companions of Cupid, went to try to break His vows, but they were unsuccessful, for they saw that many beauties like them were emananting from Him, the Personality of Godhead."

Bhag., Canto 2, Ch. 7, Text 6

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