Gurbani on Avatars/Incarnations

In this section, Bhai Kahn Singh clarify how Sikhs see the Avatar/Incarnations of Vishnu, Shiv, Brahma, etc. We worship Vaheguru Ji and it is very evident after reading Gurbani. Even Dasam Bani refers to These Incarnations but not for a point to worship them individually. Everything belongs to Vaheguru Ji and including those powers associated with other beings. The actions where those incarnations may have saved others or helped them, they are all commanded by Vaheguru Themselves.
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You (Hindu’s) perceive the Incarnations as the Forms of Eeshwar/god and worship them but the Sikh Dharam says the following about them:
ਅਵਤਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਨਹਿ ਅੰਤੁ ॥
Avthaar na Jaanah[i] A[n]th[u]
The Incarnations [of Sato, Rajo, or Tamo) do not know Vaheguru Ji’s Limits of...
ਪਰਮੇਸਰੁ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਬੇਅੰਤੁ ॥
Paramaesar[u] Paarbrahm Bae-a[n]th[u]The Supreme God, Beyond Brahm, the Limitless...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Raamkalee, Ang 895)
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ਸੇ ਮੁਖੁ ਜਲਉ ਜਿਤੁ ਕਹਹਿ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਜੋਨੀ ॥
So Mukh[u] Jal-o[u] Jith[u] Kahah[i] TTaakur[u] Jonee
Burn that mouth which says the Master-Vaheguru Ji are subject to Lifeforms/Births...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Bhairo[u], Ang 1136)
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ਕੋਟ ਬਿਸਨ ਅਵਤਾਰ ਸੰਕਰ ਜਟਾਧਾਰ ॥
Kot Bisan Avthaar Sa[n]kar Jataa-dhhaar
Millions of Incarnations of Vishnu and the matted-hair Shiv
ਚਾਹਹਿ ਤੁਝਹਿ ਦਇਆਰ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਰੁਚ ਅਪਾਰ ॥
Chaahah[i] Thujhah[i] Dha-iaar Man[i] Than[i] Ruch Apaar
They all yearn for You - the Merciful Vaheguru - Their minds and bodies are filled with Incomparable Eagerness to meet You Vaheguru Ji
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Aasaa, Ang 455)
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ਦਸ ਅਉਤਾਰਾ ਰਾਜੇ ਹੋਇ ਵਰਤੇ ਮਹਾਦੇਵ ਅਉਧੂਤਾ ॥
Dhas Aouthaar Raajae Ho-i Varthae Mahaadhaev Aodhhoothaa
There were 10 Regal Incarnations of Vishnu and then Shiv - the Renunciate...
ਤਿਨ ਭੀ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਓ ਤੇਰਾ ਲਾਇ ਥਕੇ ਬਿਭੂਤਾ ॥
Thin[h] Bhee A[n]th[u] na Paa-i-O Thaeraa Laa-i Thhakae Bibhoothaa
Could not also find out Your Limits - Oh Vaheguru Ji, [Shiv] grew weary after applying ash onto himself...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Soohee, Ang 747)
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ਬਿਨ ਕਰਤਾਰ ਨ ਕਿਰਤਮ ਮਾਨੋ ॥
Bin Karthaar na Kirtham Maano
Besides the Creator, do not believe/worship the Creation
ਆਦਿ ਅਜੋਨਿ ਅਜੈ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਤਿਹ ਪਰਮੇਸਰ ਜਾਨੋ ॥
Aadh[i] Ajon[i] Ajai Abinaasee Thih Paramaesar Jaano
From the Beginning, not subject to Birth, Unconquerable, the Indestructible -Know that Vaheguru Ji are the Supreme God...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji in Shabad Hazaarae P. 10)
...ਤਾਤ ਮਾਤ ਨ ਜਾਤਿ ਜਾਕਰ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਪੌਤ੍ਰ ਮੁਕੰਦ॥
Thaath Maath na Jaath[i] Jaakar Puthr Pauthr Muka[n]dh
Mukand -Vaheguru Ji  - The Giver of Liberation - does not have a father, nor a mother, nor any caste, nor children, nor grandchildren
ਕਉਨ ਕਾਜ ਕਹਾਂਹਿਂਗੇ ਤੇ ਆਨ ਦੇਵਕਿ ਨੰਦ ॥
Koun Kaaj Kahaahi[n]gae Thae Aan Dhaevak[i] na[n]dh
So from which perspective, are Vaheguru Ji - Krishna [the son of Devaki]
(“”)
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...ਸੋ ਕਿਮ ਮਾਨਸ ਰੂਪ ਕਹਾਏ ॥So Kim Maanas Roop Kahaa-aeSo how can you refer to a human as the Form of Vaheguru...
ਸਿਧ ਸਮਾਧਿ ਸਾਧ ਕਰ ਹਾਰੇ ਕਕੋਹੂੰ ਨ ਦੇਖਨ ਪਾਏ ॥
Sidhh Samaadhh Saadhh Kar Haarae Kayohoo[n] na Dhaekhan Paa-aeThe Sidhha’s in Samadhi (Deep meditation) and the other Saadhu’s have become defeated as they cannot see Vaheguru
(“”)
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ਜਾਕਰ ਰੂਪ ਰੰਗ ਨਹਿ ਜਨਿਯਤ ਸੋ ਕਿਮ ਸਯਾਮ ਕਹੈ ਹੈ ॥
Jaakar Roop Ra[n]g nah[i] Janeeyath So Kim Syaam Kahai Hai
When Vaheguru Ji do not have any recognizable Form nor Colour then how can we call them Shyaam/Krishna?
(“”)
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ਕਾਹੂ ਨੇ ਰਾਮ ਕਹਯੋ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨਾ ਕਹੁ
Kaahoo nae Raam Kahyo Krishnaa Kah[u]
Some call Vaheguru Ji - Sri Raam Chandra, some call Vaheguru Ji - Krishna
ਕਾਹੂ ਮਨੈ ਅਵਤਾਰਨ ਮਾਨਯੋ ॥
Kaahoo Manai Avthaaran Maanyo
Some follow/believe in the Avtar’s/Incarnations
ਫੋਕਟ ਧਰਮ ਬਿਸਾਰ ਸਭੈPhokat Dhharam Bisaar Sabhai
This is a useless religious practice, they all forget that...
ਕਰਤਾਰ ਹੀ ਕਉ ਕਰਤਾ ਜੀਅ ਜਾਨਯੋ ॥੧੨॥
Karthaar Hee Ko[u] Karthaa Jeea Jaanyo...
Only Vaheguru Ji the Doer is the One Being that Does/Acts...
ਕਾਹੇ ਕੋ ਏਸ ਮਹੇਸਹਿ ਭਾਖਤ
Kaahae Ko Aes Mahaesah[i] Bhaakhath
Why do you refer to Shiv as the Supreme God?
ਕਾਹੇ ਦਿਜੇਸ ਕੋ ਏਸ ਬਖਾਨਜੋ ॥
Kaahae Dhij-aes Ko Aes Bakhaanyo
Why do you refer to Brahma as the Supreme God?
ਹੈ ਨ ਰਘ੍ਰੇਸ ਜਦ੍ਹੇਸ ਰਮਾਪਤਿ
Hai na Raghv-aes Jadhav-aes Ramaapath[i]
The Supreme God Vaheguru Ji are not the King of the Raghu (Sri Raam Chandra)nor the King of the Yadav’s (Sri Krishna Ji) 
ਤੈ ਜਿਨ ਕੌ ਬਿਸ਼ੂਨਾਥ ਪਛਾਨਯੋ ॥੧੪॥
Thai Jin Kau Biswa-naathh Pachhaanyo...
nor Vishnu (the Master of Raam ie the Head of the Incarnations) - the one which people call the Master of the Universe.
ਅੰਤ ਮਰੇ ਪਛੁਤਾਇ ਪ੍ਰਿਥੀ ਪਰ
A[n]th Marae Pachh[u]thaa-i Prithhee Par
At the end, they died and regretted their time on this earth...
ਜੇ ਜਗ ਮੈ ਅਵਤਾਰ ਕਹਾਏ ॥
Jae Jag Mai Avthaar Kahaa-ae
Those who were referred to as Avatar/Incarnations in this world. 
ਰੇ ਮਨ ਲੈਲ ਇਕੇਲ ਹੀ ਕਾਲ ਕੇ ਲਾਗਤ ਕਾਹੇ ਨ ਪਾਯਨ ਧਾਏ ॥੨੨॥ 
Rae Man Lail Ikael Hee Kaal Kae Laagath Kaahae na Paayan Dhhaa-ae
Oh my mind which has gone in the wrong direction, why do you not go and fall at the Feet of The Causer of Death - Vaheguru Ji
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji in 33 Savaeyae)
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ਦਸ ਅਵਤਾਰ ਅਕਾਰੁ ਕਰਿ, ਏਕੰਕਾਰੁ ਨ ਅਲਖੁ ਲਖਾਇਆ। ...।੧੪।
Dhas Avthaar Akaar[u] Kar[i], Aek-A[n]kaar na A-lakh Lakhaa-iaa
Vaheguru Ji - caused the 10 incarnations to come to existence,They did not see the Unseeable/Incomprehensible - One Oankaar
(Bhai Gurdaas Ji’s 16th Vaar)
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Hindu: If in the Sikh Dharam, Avthaar’s are not referred to as the form of God and they are not worshipped then why does it say the following in Dasam Granth:
ਮਥਰਾ ਮੰਡਲ ਕੇ ਬਿਖੈ ਜਨਮ ਧਰਿਓ ਹਰਿਰਾਇ ॥੩॥
Mathharaa Ma[n]dal Kae Bikhai Janam DhhariO Har[i]-Raa-i...
Within the region of Mathura, King Vishnu took birth...
ਜੇ ਨਰ ਸਯਾਮ ਜੂ ਕੇ ਪਰਸੈ ਪਗ,
Jae nar Syaam Joo Kae Parsai[n] Pag
If someone falls at the Feet of Sri Krishna then...
ਤੇ ਨਰ ਫੇਰ ਨ ਦੇਹ ਧਰੈਂਗੇ ॥੨੪੮੩॥
Thae nar Phar na Dhaeh Dhharai[n]gae
They will not be subject to reincarnation.(Krishna Avthaar)
There are many other excerpts that prove the Tenth Guru believed in Avthaar’s.
Sikh: The translations of history and the narrations of the Puranas done by the Tenth Guru cannot be understood as teachings to their Sikhs (Dhasam Kathhaa Bhaagouth Kee, Bhaakhaa Karee Banaa-i). There are various teachings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji which are meant to be religious teachings - including Jaap Sahib, 33 Savaiyae, among others. In those teachings, there are praises of Akaal Purakh Vaheguru and the Avthaar’s/Incarnations are said to be the slaves of Vaheguru.
Hindu: There is an Asthothr (a form of poetry that is used to praise a specific deity) in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Maaroo Raag that remembers the name of all the Avthaar’s/Incarnations, as per:
ਮਧੁਸੂਦਨ ਦਾਮੋਦਰ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥ 
Madhh-Soodhan Dhaamodhar Suaamee
The Master - the Destroyer of Demon Madhu, the One with a Rope around his waist
ਰਿਖੀਕੇਸ ਗੋਵਰਧਨ ਧਾਰੀ ਮੁਰਲੀ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਹਰਿ ਰੈਗਾ ॥੧॥
Rikhee-kaes Govardhhan Dhhaaree Murlee Manohar Har[i] Ra[n]gaa
Lord of the Senses, the One who picked up Govardhan Parbat, The One who entices with Their Flute - the Beautiful Colours of Vaheguru Ji
ਮੋਹਨ ਮਾਧਵ ਕ੍ਰਿਸਨ ਮੁਰਾਰੇ ॥
Mohan Maadhhav Krisn Muraarae
The Enticer, The Sweet Lord, The Dark, The One who destroyed the Demon Mur
ਜਗਦੀਸੁਰ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਅਸੁਰ ਸੰਘਾਰੇ ॥
Jagdheesur Har[i] Jee-o[u] Asur Sa[n]ghaarae...
The Lord of This World, Vaheguru Ji who destroyed the Demons
ਧਰਣੀਧਰ ਈਸ ਨਰਸਿੰਘ ਨਾਰਾਇਣ ॥
DhharNee-Dhhar Ees nar-Si[n]gh naaraaiN
The God who gives Support to the Earth, the One behind NarSingh, Narayan - Vaheguru Ji
ਦਾੜਾ ਅਗ੍ਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮਿ ਧਰਾਇਣ ॥
Dhaarraa Agrae Prithham[i] Dhharaa-iN
The One who protects with His Teeth (Vaarah Avtar), the One who Holds the Earth Up
ਬਾਵਨ ਰੂਪੁ ਕੀਆ ਤੁਧੁ ਕਰਤੇ ਸਭ ਹੀ ਸੇਤੀ ਹੈ ਚੰਗਾ ॥੩॥
Baavan Roop[u] Keeaa Thudhh[u] Karathae Sabh Hee Saethee Hai Cha[n]gaa
The One - Vaheguru who created the Incarnation of Baavan Avtar,Everything You do is Great!
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Jin in Maaroo Solhae, Ang 1082)
Sikh: Beloved Hindu brother! Guru Arjan Dev Ji end off this shabad with the following (in the same one you claim to be an Asthothar) in order to explain Guru Sahib’s way of thinking:
ਕਿਰਤਮ ਨਾਮ ਕਥੇ ਤੇਰੇ ਜਿਹਬਾ ॥
Kirtham naam Kathhae Thaerae Jihbaa
The Tongue describes many of Your created Names
ਸਤਿਨਾਮੁ ਤੇਰਾ ਪਰਾ ਪੂਰਬਲਾ ॥
Sathinaam[u] Thaeraa Paraa Poorbalaa
Sathinaam[u] (Vaheguru) is Your Ancient and Primal Name
(“”, Ang 1083)
  Guru Maharaj are explaining: Oh Akaal Purakh Vaheguru Ji! There are many imagined Kirtham Names (names in relation to the creation) that people have developed based on their own perception and firm belief but these are not your real names. Your Name in the beginning and the highest name is “Sathya” which means true in all tenses (past, present, future). Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji explain this in Sri Jap[u]ji Sahib):
ਆਦਿ ਸਚੁ ਜੁਗਾਦਿ ਸਚੁ ॥
Aadh[i] Sach[u] Jug-aadh[i] Sach[u]
True in the Beginning of Time, True Throughout Time
ਹੈ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੋਸੀ ਭੀ ਸਚੁ ॥੧॥
Hai Bhee Sach[u], naanak Hosee Bhee Sach[u]
True right now, Guru Sahib say: They will be True
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There are many names that appear in Gurbani which are especially used to refer to Avthaar’s/Incarnations and Devthae/Deities/Angels but in many places, Guru Sahib appropriate that name to refer to Vaheguru. Without understanding this, a lot of people are fooled and don’t understand the essence of Gurbani.
Look! These Shabads use names like Raam to specifically refer to beings that have taken on a physical form ie Avthaar’s/Incarnations:
...ਹੰਰਿ ਕੇਤੇ ਰਾਮ ਰਵਾਲ ॥
Hor[i] Kaethae Raam Ravaal
Many as powerful as Raam Chandra have turned into dust... (Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji in Aasaa Kee Vaar, Ang 464)
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ਰਾਮੁ ਗਇਓ ਰਾਵਨੁ ਗਇਓ...॥
Raam[u] Ga-iO Raavan[u] Ga-iO
Sri Raam Chandra passed away and so did Raavan...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib Ji in Salok Mahal-aa Naavaa[n])
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....ਕੈਤੇਂ ਕਾਨ ਮਹੇਸ ॥
...Kaethae Kaan Mahaes
There are many Krishna’s and Shiv’s
(Sri Japji Sahib)
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ਬ੍ਰਹਮਾ ਬਿਸਨੁ ਮਹਾਦੇਉ ਤੈ ਗੁਣ ਰੋਗੀ... ॥
Brahma Bisan[u] Mahaa-dhae-o[u] Thrai GuN Rogee...
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv are diseased with the Three Gun’s of Maya (Sato-Rajo-Tamo)
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Raamdhaas Sahib Ji in Ang 735)
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ਪਾਰ ਨ ਪਾਇ ਸਕੈ, ਪਦਮਾਪਤਿ...॥
Paar na Paa-i Sakai, Padhamaa-path[i]...
The Limit or Shore cannot be reached of the One who wields all of this Material World...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji in Thav Prasaadh[i] Savaeyae {Dheenan Kee Prathipaal}, Akaal Usthath)
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And within these Shabads, those type of names are referring to Akaal Purakh Vaheguru:
ਰਮਤ ਰਾਮੁ ਸਭ ਰਹਿਓ ਸਮਾਇ ॥
Ramath Raam[u] Sabh RahiO Samaa-iVaheguru Ji are immersed in everything and all-pervading...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji in Raag Go[n]d, Ang 865)
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...ਟੇਕ ਏਕ ਰਘੁਨਾਥ॥
...Taek Aek Raghunaath Support of the One Vaheguru (the Master of the Raghu lineage)(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib Ji in Salok Mahal-aa Naavaa[n])
...ਸਿਮਰਿਓ ਨਾਹਿ ਕਨ੍ਾਈ ॥
...Simri-O naah[i] Kanhaaee
They don’t remember Vaheguru Ji (Kanhaaee)(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Sahib Ji in Raag Maaroo, Ang 1008)
...ਹਰਿ ਜਪੀਐ ਸਾਰੰਗਪਾਣੀ ਹੇ ॥
...Har[i] Japeeai Saara[n]g-PaaNee Hae
Repeating/Chanting Vaheguru - the Wielder of the Bow...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Raamdhaas Sahib Ji in Raag Maaroo, Ang 1070)
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ਬਿਸਨ ਕੀ ਮਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਹੋਇ ਭਿੰਨ ॥
Bisan Kee Maa-iaa Thae Ho-i Bhi[n]n
Separate from the Maya of Vishnu...
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib in Sri Sukhmani Sahib, Ang 274)
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...ਪਤਿ ਸਿਉ ਕਿਨ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਪਦਮਾਪਤਿ ਪਾਏ ॥੩॥੨੪੫॥
Path[i] Sio[u] Kin Sree Padhamaa-path[i] Paa-i
Who has honourably attained the Husband of Laxmi (ie Lord of Maya)
(Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji in Thav Prasaadh[i] Savaeyae {Dheenan Kee Prathipaal}, Akaal Usthath)
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ਜੇ ਨਰ ਸ੍ਰੀਪਤਿ ਕੇ ਪ੍ਰਸ ਹੈਂ ਪਗ... ॥੮॥੨੮॥
Jae nar Sree Path[i] Kae Pras Hai[n] Pag...
Whoever falls at the Feet of the One who is the Lord of Maya
({Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji in Thav Prasaadh[i] Savaeyae {Sraavag Sudhh}, Akaal Usthath)
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