Archavatara is the murti (consecrated image, murti or vigraham or idol) that is
worshipped in a temple. The meaning and importance of it is associated with Bhagavan Vishnu. It is
one of the five forms of Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu. The rest are Para (the highest); Vyuha
(emanation), vibhav avatara (manifestation) and antaryamin (inner controller).
As per the Archavatara concept, Vishnu lives in this mundane
world to redeem the suffering of humanity.
Vaikhanasa and Pancharatra Agamas extol the greatness of the
Archavatara.