Lord Vishnu is one of the principal gods of the Hindu religion and one of the most important and widely revered Hindu deities. Lord Vishnu is the god of preservation, responsible for maintaining cosmic order and protecting the world from harm. Along with Brahma and Shiva, Vishnu forms the divine trinity of supreme gods in Hinduism, known as the Trimurti.
Lord Vishnu’s celestial abode is on Mount Meru in Vaikuntha, where everything is covered with gold and decorated with jewels.
Featured Image: Bob King, Vishnu Hood2 Deogarh, CC BY 2.0
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Table of Contents
- What is the Trimurti?
- The Origin of Lord Vishnu
- What is Vaishnavism?
- Vishnu Sahasranama: The Thousand Names of Lord Vishnu
- Vishnu Iconography, Symbols & Meaning
- Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu
- The Four Wives of Vishnu
- Dashavatara: The Ten Avatars of Vishnu
- Dashavatara Variations
- Lord Vishnu’s Breath
- Festivals and Celebrations associated with Lord Vishnu
- Vishnu Temples
- Vishnu and Bhakti Yoga
What is the Trimurti?
The word “Trimurti” derives from the Sanskrit language and means “three forms” or “three manifestations”. The Trimurti refers to the three supreme deities of the Hindu pantheon: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Brahma is the creator god who is responsible for the creation of the universe and all living beings. He is often depicted with four faces and four arms, representing the four Vedas and his creative power.
Vishnu is the preserver god who is responsible for the maintenance of cosmic balance, order and righteousness.
Shiva is the destroyer god who is responsible for the destruction of the universe in order to make way for a new cycle of creation. He is often depicted as a yogi with a trident, a serpent around his neck, and a crescent moon on his forehead.
The Origin of Lord Vishnu
The story of Vishnu’s birth is closely related to the concept of creation in Hindu mythology. In the beginning, there was only darkness and chaos. Vishnu was lying in a state of cosmic sleep on the waters of the universe. Then Brahma emerged from a lotus flower that grew from the navel of Vishnu. Brahma then set about creating the world and all its creatures, but soon realized that he could not maintain order on his own.
To help him, Brahma called upon Vishnu, who emerged fully formed from the lotus flower that grew from his own navel. Vishnu became the preserver and protector of the universe, responsible for maintaining balance and preventing evil from taking over.
The mythology of Lord Vishnu is rich and complex, with many stories and legends that have been passed down through Hindu scripture and tradition. Most of these stories are known mainly through his avatars.
What is Vaishnavism?
Vaishnavism is the largest Hindu sect with nearly two thirds of all Hindus considering themselves as a Vaishnava. Vaishnavism emphasizes the worship of Lord Vishnu, his avatars, such as Rama and Krishna and his consort Lakshmi.
According to Vaishnavism, Vishnu is the supreme deity and the ultimate source of creation. By devotion to Vishnu, Vaishnavas believe that one can attain spiritual liberation and achieve union with the divine. Vaishnavas typically mark their foreheads with the Urdhva Pundra, a U-shaped tilaka with a line beneath it that forms a Y.
Vishnu Sahasranama: The Thousand Names of Lord Vishnu
The Vishnu Sahasranama (meaning “one thousand names”), is considered to be one of the most powerful hymns in Hinduism. It is a sacred chant of the one thousand names of Lord Vishnu, each of which represents a different aspect of his divine nature.
The chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama results in the purification of the mind and body, and the attainment of inner peace. It also helps develop a deeper connection with the divine. The hymn is often chanted as a form of meditation or as part of religious ceremonies and rituals.
Vishnu Iconography, Symbols & Meaning
In art and iconography Vishnu is typically depicted with blue skin, which represents his cosmic and divine nature. He is covered in jewels and wears a crown, the Mukuta, which represents his supreme power and authority.
One of the most iconic depictions of Vishnu is his reclining form, known as Ananta-Shayana or Shesha Shayana. In this form, Vishnu is shown lying on his back on the coils of a giant serpent named Ananta Shesha, who has many heads and represents the infinite universe.
Vishnu’s Four Arms
Vishnu is depicted with 4 arms, each holding a different object. One pair of arms is at the front of his body symbolizing his presence in the material world. The other pair at the back denote his presence in the spiritual realm. In each of his four hands Vishnu holds one of his symbols:
Conch shell (Shankha): The Shanka represents the primordial sound of creation and the call to spiritual awakening. It can be used as as trumpet to be blown at the start of a puja (ritual) in temples and homes.
Discus (Sudarshana Chakra): The Sudarshana Chakra represents Vishnu’s power to cut through ignorance and illusion and reveal the truth of the universe. For this, Vishnu is also known as the Lord of Truth.
Lotus flower (Padma): The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and enlightenment, and it is often associated with Vishnu’s birth from a lotus flower.
Mace (Gada): The Gada is Vishnu’s weapon and represents the elemental force from which all physical and mental powers derive.
The Kaustubha Jewel
Vishnu is often depicted wearing a large jewel, the Kaustubha, around his neck. According to legend, when the gods and the demons performed the churning of the ocean of milk, fourteen jewels emerged from the ocean. Among the first was the Kaustubha, an “excellent gem, the lotus-hued ruby”. It is believed that the divine jewel grants its wearer immortality.
Garuda, The Vehicle of Vishnu
Garuda the giant eagle, is the king of birds and a minor deity. He enables Vishnu to travel to many different realms and to his abode in Vaikuntha. As Vishnu’s mount, he serves as a guardian and defender, using his strength and agility to protect his master.
Shesha, The Thousand-Headed Serpent
Vishnu is often depicted in a reclining position, known as Ananta-Shayana, which means “reclining on the serpent Ananta”. He lies on his back, with his head resting on the coils of the serpent Shesha, who represents the eternal and infinite nature of the universe. For this, Shesha, who is the king of serpents, is also known as Ananta (meaning “eternal”).
Vishnu’s consort, the goddess Lakshmi, is often shown sitting at his feet, massaging them or holding them in her lap. She represents the divine energy that sustains and nourishes the universe.
Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is one of the most popular and revered goddesses in Hinduism, worshipped by millions of Hindus.
According to Hindu mythology, Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean or Samudra Manthan. She is depicted as a beautiful woman with four arms, standing or seated on a lotus flower. In her hands, she holds a lotus, a pot of gold or coins, and sometimes a symbol of protection or auspiciousness.
Lakshmi is worshipped during Diwali, the festival of lights. However, people also offer prayers to her during other auspicious occasions such as weddings and business ventures.
The Four Wives of Vishnu
According to Hindu texts, Vishnu had four wives or consorts, who are all goddesses in their own right. Except Lakshmi, who is considered to be the most important wife of Vishnu, the other three were:
Bhumi Devi, the goddess of the earth
Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and the arts
Ganga, also known as the River Ganges
However, the ongoing quarreling among his wives, forced Vishnu to send Saraswati to Brahma and Ganga to Shiva. It is important to note that these four wives of Vishnu are not considered to be separate entities, but rather different manifestations of the same divine energy.
Dashavatara: The Ten Avatars of Vishnu
When Vishnu descends to earth, he manifests in the form of a human, animal or other being. Each of these manifestations is called an avatar, and according to the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu’s avatars are countless. However, ten of them, collectively known as the Dashavatara, are particularly revered as his most important :
Matsya avatar (The Fish)
In his first avatar, Vishnu took the form of a giant fish to rescue the first man, Manu, and other living beings from a great flood that threatened to destroy the world. According to a variation of this legend, Vishnu became Matsya in order to recover the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva. The Matsya avatar symbolizes the importance of preserving life and wisdom.
Kurma avatar (The Tortoise)
In his second avatar, Vishnu took the form of a giant tortoise to support the mountain that was used to churn the ocean of milk and bring forth treasures and the nectar of immortality. The Kurma avatar represents the idea of selflessness and sacrifice.
Varaha avatar (The Boar)
In his third avatar, Vishnu took the form of a boar to battle a demon named Hiranyaksha who pulled the earth to the bottom of the ocean. The Varaha avatar represents the idea of protecting the weak and helpless.
Narasimha avatar (The Lion-Man)
In this avatar, Vishnu took the form of a lion-man to defeat the demon king Hiranyakashipu. The Narasimha avatar represents the idea of confronting evil and restoring justice.
Vamana avatar (The Dwarf)
In his fifth avatar, Vishnu took the form of a dwarf to defeat the demon king Bali and restore the balance of power in the universe. This legend is also known as Vishnu’s three steps (trivikrama). The Vamana avatar represents the idea of humility and balance.
Parashurama avatar (The Warrior)
In his sixth avatar, Vishnu appeared in the form of a warrior to rid the world of the corrupt and oppressive Kshatriya rulers. The Parashurama avatar represents the idea of justice and righteousness.
Rama avatar (The Prince)
In his seventh avatar, Vishnu took the form of prince Rama to defeat the demon king Ravana and restore order to the world. The Rama avatar represents the idea of honor and duty.
Krishna avatar (The Divine Cowherd)
In his eighth avatar, Vishnu took the form of the divine cowherd Krishna to teach the world about the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment. The Krishna avatar represents the idea of love and devotion.
Buddha avatar (The Sage)
In his ninth avatar, Vishnu took the form of the sage Buddha to teach the world about the importance of compassion and wisdom. The Buddha avatar represents the idea of spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.
Kalki avatar (The Future)
In his tenth avatar, Vishnu will appear riding a white horse, to restore order and usher in a new era of peace and enlightenment. The Kalki avatar is prophesized to appear at the end of Kali Yuga (current age). This representation of Vishnu denotes the idea of hope and renewal.
Dashavatara Variations
There are different versions of the list of Vishnu’s avatars, depending on the region and tradition. Some lists include Krishna as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and the Buddha as the ninth. Others, like the Shiva Purana, name Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna, as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and Krishna as the ninth.
According to many Vaishnavites, Balarama was the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu rather than Lord Buddha. Nonetheless, it is generally believed that Balarama was an incarnation of Shesha, Lord Vishnu’s celestial serpent.
Lord Vishnu’s Breath
According to Hindu cosmogony, one day of god Brahma’s life is equivalent to 4.32 billion human years. Each such day is called a “kalpa” and is the period of time for one cycle of creation and destruction of the universe.
The cycle of creation and destruction is believed to repeat for a total of 100 Brahma years or 311.04 trillion human years. This period is called “maha kalpa” and when it ends, Lord Brahma is believed to merge into the ultimate reality or Brahman.
For the duration of the “maha kalpa”, Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver of the universe, takes one breath. According to texts, when Vishnu inhales, the universe goes in a state of dissolution, known as “Pralaya”. Similarly, when he exhales, Brahma is reborn and starts the process of creation anew.
Festivals and Celebrations associated with Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu is worshipped and celebrated in many festivals and celebrations throughout India. Here are some of the most important ones:
Janmashtami: This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. It is observed in August or September and is marked by elaborate puja (worship) ceremonies, fasting, and feasting.
Diwali: Also known as the Festival of Lights, it is observed in October or November and is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana.
Holi: Also known as the Festival of Colors, it is observed in February or March, and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Holi is marked by the throwing of colored powders and water, singing and dancing, and the exchange of sweets and snacks.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi: This festival is celebrated in December or January and is considered one of the most important festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It marks the day when Lord Vishnu opened the gates of his celestial abode, Vaikuntha, to allow his devotees to enter.
Rama Navami: This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, another avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated in March or April and is marked by the recitation of the Ramayana, puja ceremonies, and the distribution of sweets and snacks.
Vishnu Temples
There are many important temples and places of pilgrimage associated with Lord Vishnu throughout India and other parts of the world. The most significant ones are:
Tirupati: Tirupati is one of the most famous and popular Vishnu temples in India, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the richest and most visited temples in the world.
Badrinath: Badrinath is a temple located in the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four holiest sites in Hinduism and an important pilgrimage site.
Ranganathaswamy Temple: The Temple is located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu and is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world.
Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple is located in Puri, Odisha. It is one of the four holiest sites in Hinduism and an important pilgrimage site.
Dwarkadhish Temple: The Dwarkadhish Temple is located in Dwarka, Gujarat. The temple is an important pilgrimage site, particularly for followers of the Vaishnavism tradition.
Angkor Wat: The Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in Cambodia, and is one of the most important Hindu temples outside of India.
Vishnu and Bhakti Yoga
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, teaches the path of Bhakti Yoga to his disciple Arjuna. He explains that the path of devotion (bhakti) is the easiest and most direct way to achieve union with the Divine. By surrendering oneself completely to God and offering all actions to him, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Through Bhakti Yoga, devotees strive to cultivate the qualities of Lord Vishnu within themselves, such as love, compassion, and selflessness. This way they aim to develop a deep and loving relationship with him. They believe that by doing so, they can ultimately merge with Lord Vishnu and attain spiritual liberation.
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