विष्णु
Vishnu
The Preserver · Narayana
“The all-pervading sustainer who descends whenever dharma declines.”
Vishnu is the Preserver in the Trimurti, responsible for maintaining cosmic order (dharma). He incarnates on Earth as avatars whenever dharma declines. The Dashavatara (10 avatars) include Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha (in some traditions), and Kalki.
- Vahana
- Garuda
- Consort
- Lakshmi
- Abode
- Vaikuntha
- Tradition
- Vaishnava
Devi's Insight · What few people know
Three strides before ten avatars
Long before the famous ten avatars, the Rig Veda praises Vishnu for three mighty strides that measured out the earth, the sky and a highest realm beyond sight, where a fountain of honey flows. That Vedic image is the seed of the later Vamana story, where a dwarf grows to cover all three worlds in three steps.
Source: Rig Veda, Mandala 1, Hymn 154
Iconography
Reading the sacred form
- 1
Four arms holding: Sudarshana Chakra (discus — protection of dharma), Kaumodaki Gada (mace — strength), Panchajanya Shankh (conch — primordial sound of creation), Padma (lotus — purity and spiritual liberation).
- 2
Dark blue/black complexion: represents the infinite like the sky and ocean.
- 3
Rests on Shesha Naga (cosmic serpent) on the Kshira Sagara (ocean of milk).
- 4
Consort: Lakshmi (prosperity, grace).
- 5
Vehicle: Garuda (eagle — speed, power, devotion).
From the scriptures
Did you know?
“Narayana” is explained as “one whose first resting place was the waters (nara).”
— Manusmriti, Chapter 1
The Bhagavata Purana lists 22 avatars and says they are as countless as streams from an endless lake.
— Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 1, Chapter 3
The Vishnu Sahasranama, his thousand names, is taught by Bhishma from his bed of arrows.
— Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva
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