Hamsa-avatar - How did he look like?

Hamsa-avatar is described in the 13th chapter of the 11th canto of the Bhagavata. He is sometimes depicted in the actual shape of a swan.

However the narration in the Bhagavata doesn't explicity state that, and it indeed suggests to the contrary, given that "worship of his lotus feet" is described. (Wouldn't it be "lotus palmipeds" ) BhP 4.8.1 mentions Narada, Ribhu, Hamsa, Aruni and Yati as sages who were sons of Brahma. I wonder if this is the same Hamsa.

On the other hand, BhP 10.2.40 lists avatars as follows:


Considering that Hamsa isn't otherwise considered prominent among the avatars, the inclusion in the list above amidst Matsya, Hayagriva, Kurma, Nrisimha and Varaha would suggest his being of the same shape, a zoomorphic avatar.

Admittedly the idea of the Lord appearing in the form of a swan to address the concerns of the sages sounds charming and pictoresque. This is an idea that is very easy to assume, however I would like to have this confirmed from authoritative sources if possible. (And no, I don't mean Google, unless it turns up a very reliable source.)

haMsarUpena in text 19 would suggest that the lord was in the form of a swam. Addressing his lotus-feet, well the Kaliya-naga also folded his palms, which might imply that he had arms. Perhaps it is poetic liscence to express in that way. Also in the Gita Press edition in brackets, which I asume is in referance to some tika or other, that the lord appeared in this form because the swan is credited with the virtue or separating milk from water or the essence from the dregs.

Sometimes I think I’m the only one who has the necessity to wonder. Well, I guess not. Actually it seems to be the fundamentals of human being's nature...

However, I second Madanmohan when he says, “Perhaps it is poetic license to express in that way”. Indeed it appears to be a poetical expression, which suites a divergent reality.... I guess

Also in Narayana Bhattatiri's Narayaniyam it says iti haMsarUpi bhavAn Thou in the form of a swan. Dasaka 95

Need to wonder sure it is called adbhuta rasa and the Bhagavatam is laden with such wonder-referance. One bit that always tickles me is when the Primal being addresses his elder brother in the 10th Skandha. Anyway must dash off to work. Jaya Nitai!

It's continued here

When I picture Lord as 'hamsa', I do remember this beautiful verse by
Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada from 'zrI lakSmI nRsimha karAvalamba stotra':

brahmendrarudramarudarkakirITakoTi -
saN^ghaTTitaaN^ghrikamalaamalakaantikaanta |
lakshhmIlasat kucha saroruha raajahaMsa
lakshhmInR^isiMha mama dehi karAvalambam.h || 2 ||

Your lotus feet are touched by the tips of the crowns of
Brahma, Indra,Rudra, the Maruts and Suurya.
The brilliance of Your lotus feet thus adds to Your effulgence,
O dear one! You are the King of swans sporting
near the beautiful lotus breasts of Lakshmi.

Elpis forwarded me the following.

* * * * *


No, it must refer to the actual physical form assumed. The last half of the verse with my translation:

tasyAhaM haMsarUpeNa sakAzam agamaM tadA

"Then (tadA), I (aham) went (agamam) to nearness (sakAzam) of him (tasya) in the form of a haMsa (haMsarUpeNa)."


* * * * *

Sometimes as two bumblebees among the Yamuna's golden lotuses,
sometimes as two swans in the Yamuna's forest of lotuses , and
sometimes as a golden vine climbing a divine tamala tree,
They enjoy pastimes of meeting.
72. Shataka-16, Vrindavana Mahima-amrita
Sri Prabodhananda Saraswati
from- indiadivine.com/