Many historians and modern day religious researchers are quick to "prove" that these "gods" were ordinary people who were living in this society in ancient times and were popular by their social service. They were remembered through monuments, marker stones and statues in Temples, with prayers being offered to them as "Gods". They often quote other Religious and Mythological stories and historical events to support their theory. Do they really represent God Himself or just a fiction? The Puranas with various manifestations of God through the ages may appear as mere fictional stories to a Tamasika person with ignorance and limited knowledge. The Rajasika persons with their avidya or false knowledge consider them as ordinary people with super human powers who have been elevated with fame to the levels of Divine. The Knowledgeable Satthvika person with true understanding of the teachings realizes that the various Deities described are truly manifestation of the Divine. He only knows that God Himself takes these forms from time to time as His incarnations to protect the pious, to destroy the evil and to save the world from calamity and what is told in "Mythology" is true and factual narration of historical events.

The concept of Avathara is explained in all the Agamas, Ithihasas and Puranas. Avathara or Divine Manifestation is the descent of God on earth for the ascent of man, with the establishment of rule and spiritual discipline. The Bhagavathas followed Panchrathra Agamas, with prayers to God as Vasudeva. It greatly emphasized the doctrine of Avathara and popularized the immortal texts of Harivamsa, Vishnu Purana and Bhagavatha Purana. They were based on God's Grace to erring humanity. Similarly, Saiva Agamas and Sakthi Agamas gave rise to the several Puranas and the many manifestations of God. Worship of Deities in these Avatharas and studying their texts helps to get high spiritual attainment and God-realization. Swami Sivananda says: "Worship the Avatharas at all times with all your heart and all your mind. Glorify Him in your heart and keep Him ever in your Thoughts. He will soon reveal Himself to you and you will feel His presence. This will lead on to attaining immortality and eternal bliss."