heaven does not belong here no published reliable source says that the avatar is a descent from heaven this is a christian concept that does not apply in this instance the encyclopedia of eastern philosophy says skt lit descent an incarnation of divine consciousness on earth the encyclopedia of eastern philosophy and religion shambhala books boston and the oxford dictionary says the descent of a deity to earth in an incarnate form the oxford english dictionary second edition clarendon press oxford the encyclopedia of eastern philosophy goes on to say according to the traiditional hindu view it is vishnu alone who is incarnated p vishnu does not reside in heaven like jesus does in most christian doctrines in hinduism heaven is a place between births but the goal of life is moksha after which perfection is reached and there is no residing of any such sort