Among the Hindu trinity, Vishnu is the Preserver. He is the guardian of dharma, the principle that orders the Universe and protects all that is good in the world. In Hindu iconography, Vishnu is often depicted reclining upon Adi Shesha, an enormous serpent with multiple hoods, floating upon primordial waters.
According to Hindu belief, when the balance between good and evil forces tips in favor of the latter, Vishnu assumes an earthly avatar to destroy evil and reestablish the moral order. The nine incarnations that have manifested to date each correspond to an era in life on earth. Of these avatars, three are animal forms: Matsya the fish, Kurma the tortoise and Varaha the boar. Narasimha is half-man and half-lion. The human avatars are Vamana the dwarf, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna and Balarama (some versions replace Balarama, Krishna’s half-brother, with the Buddha). Of all avatars, Rama and Krishna are the best known, with dedicated followings. They are also the protagonists of the two great epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Kalki the Destroyer is the tenth avatar, yet to come. The stories of the Dashavatar, the collective term for these incarnations, are among the earliest myths Hindu children hear from their elders; they are also ever popular subjects for films, plays and dance dramas.
One myth in the Rig Veda speaks of Vishnu’s ability to stride across the Universe in three steps. Mankind knows two of those positions – the places where the sun rises and sets. Only Vishnu however, knows the third, the highest point in the sky where the noonday sun blazes. As he strides forth, the dust flying up from his steps become the sun’s rays that cover the world.
As Narayana, Vishnu is the final abode of souls. He lives in Vaikunta, the heaven that his devotees aspire to reach after death. Vaishnavism is the cult dedicated to Vishnu, wherein He is revered as supreme among gods. It is an intensely personal form of worship which recognizes absolute devotion and surrender – rather than ritualism – as the means to attain God.
Vishnu’s divine vehicle is Garuda the eagle. He is four-armed (some representations show more arms), with each hand holding a conch shell, a club, discus and a lotus. Vishnu’s consort is the radiant Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. Their benevolence towards devotees is legendary and their rewards lavish – one reason perhaps, for their enduring and ever increasing popularity in a material minded world!
Pictured above: Hindu God Vishnu Statue from Om Etc.
...