Vishnu

Introduction

Lord Vishnu is the Preserver within the Hindu Trimurti. He sustains and protects creation. Whenever righteousness (dharma) declines on Earth, Vishnu takes an avatar to destroy evil and restore cosmic order. In the Vaishnava tradition, he is worshipped as the Supreme Being.

Vishnu is also known as Narayana (one who rests upon the waters), Hari (remover of sins), and Shripati (consort of Lakshmi). His ten principal avatars (Dashavatara) form a central doctrine of Hindu theology.

Form and Iconography

Vishnu has a dark blue (shyama) complexion. His four arms hold a shankha (conch, Panchajanya), chakra (discus, Sudarshana), gada (mace, Kaumodaki), and padma (lotus). He reclines on the serpent Shesha upon the Kshira Sagara (ocean of milk), with Brahma emerging from his navel on a lotus. His vahana (vehicle) is Garuda, the divine eagle. He wears yellow garments (Pitambara) and bears the Kaustubha jewel and Shrivatsa mark on his chest.

Mythological Stories

Dashavatara: Vishnu’s ten avatars are Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. Each incarnation was undertaken to protect dharma. The Kalki avatar is yet to appear at the end of Kali Yuga.

Churning of the Ocean: Vishnu assumed the Kurma (tortoise) form to support Mount Mandara on his back during the great churning. He then appeared as Mohini to distribute the amrita (nectar of immortality), ensuring the devas received it.

Vamana Avatar: To curb the growing power of the demon king Bali, Vishnu incarnated as a dwarf Brahmin and measured the three worlds in just three strides.

Major Temples

• Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh — The world’s wealthiest and most visited temple
• Srirangam Temple, Tamil Nadu — The largest Hindu temple complex in the world
• Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand — One of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites
• Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha — One of the Char Dham, famed for its Rath Yatra

Associated Festivals

Devshayani Ekadashi (Ashadha) and Devuthani Ekadashi (Kartik) mark Vishnu’s cosmic sleep and awakening. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is the most important Vaishnava observance. Every Ekadashi is dedicated to Vishnu. Holi and Diwali are also connected to Vishnu’s avatars.

Associated Mantras and Prayers

• Ashtakshara Mantra: “Om Namo Narayanaya”
• Dwadasakshara Mantra: “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
• Vishnu Sahasranama: The thousand names of Vishnu from the Mahabharata
• Vishnu Chalisa: A forty-verse hymn in praise of Vishnu