Vishnu is one of the most important gods in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe. He is considered one of the Trimurti, along with Brahma and Shiva. Vishnu is also one of the principal deities of Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism.
The name Vishnu is derived from the Sanskrit word “viṣ” which means “to enter” or “to pervade”. This is fitting, as Vishnu is believed to pervade and sustain the universe. He is often depicted with four arms, holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower. These symbols represent his power and ability to protect and preserve the universe.
In Hindu mythology, Vishnu is associated with many stories and legends, including his ten avatars or incarnations. These avatars include Matsya (fish), Kurma (turtle), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (half-man, half-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama (warrior), Rama (prince), Krishna (cowherd), Buddha, and Kalki (the future incarnation). Each avatar has a specific purpose and represents a different aspect of Vishnu’s power and personality.
Overview
Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, known as the preserver god. He is responsible for maintaining the order and balance in the universe. Vishnu is also known as Narayana and Hari, and is considered the supreme being within Vaishnavism.
According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu has ten avatars or incarnations, each with a specific purpose. These avatars include Matsya (the fish), Kurma (the turtle), Varaha (the boar), Narasimha (the half-man, half-lion), Vamana (the dwarf), Parashurama (the warrior with an axe), Rama (the prince of Ayodhya), Krishna (the cowherd), Buddha (the enlightened one), and Kalki (the destroyer of evil).
Vishnu is often depicted with four arms, holding various objects symbolizing his attributes. He is usually shown holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower. The conch shell represents the sound of creation, the discus represents the power of knowledge, the mace represents the power of mental and physical strength, and the lotus flower represents purity and enlightenment.
In Hindu mythology, Vishnu is married to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. They are often depicted together, with Lakshmi sitting on a lotus flower and Vishnu holding her hand. Vishnu is also believed to have many other consorts and children, including Shesha (the serpent god), Garuda (the eagle god), and Hanuman (the monkey god).
Overall, Vishnu is a central figure in Hinduism, representing the ideals of preservation, balance, and order in the universe.
Etymology
Vishnu is a Sanskrit word that means “all-pervading,” “all-encompassing,” or “omnipresent.” It is derived from the root word “vish,” which means “to enter” or “to pervade.” Therefore, Vishnu is often referred to as the “Pervader” or the “All-Pervading One.”
In Hindu mythology, Vishnu is one of the three major deities, along with Brahma and Shiva. He is considered the preserver of the universe and is responsible for maintaining cosmic order. Vishnu is often depicted as having blue skin and four arms, with each hand holding an object that represents his various attributes and powers.
The name Vishnu is also associated with the concept of “vishnupada,” which means “the feet of Vishnu.” This refers to the idea that the ultimate goal of human existence is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death by reaching the feet of Vishnu.
Overall, the etymology of the name Vishnu reflects the central role that this deity plays in Hindu mythology and the belief that he is the all-pervading force that sustains the universe.
Attributes
Symbols
Vishnu is often depicted holding various symbols that represent his power and status as a deity. One of the most common symbols is the conch shell, which he holds in his left hand. The conch shell symbolizes the sound of creation and is used to call devotees to worship. Another symbol is the discus, which he holds in his right hand. The discus represents the power of the mind and is used to cut through ignorance and illusion.
Weapons
Vishnu is also associated with a number of weapons, which he uses to defeat evil and protect the world. One of his most famous weapons is the Sudarshana Chakra, a spinning discus that can cut through anything. He also carries a mace, which represents his strength and power.
Vehicles
In addition to his symbols and weapons, Vishnu is often depicted riding on various vehicles. One of the most famous is Garuda, a giant eagle that is said to be his mount. Garuda represents speed and freedom, and is often shown with his wings spread wide. Vishnu is also associated with the serpent Shesha, which he uses as a bed when he sleeps.
Family Tree
Vishnu is commonly depicted with his consort, the goddess Lakshmi. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and is often shown seated on his left lap. Together, they represent the ideal of marital bliss and are the parents of several offspring.
Consorts
Lakshmi is the primary consort of Vishnu. However, in some traditions, he is also associated with other goddesses such as Bhu Devi and Nila Devi. Bhu Devi is the goddess of the earth, while Nila Devi is the goddess of the sky.
Offspring
Vishnu has several offspring, who are either his direct descendants or his avatars. His most famous avatar is Krishna, who is considered to be the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Other important avatars include Rama, Narasimha, and Vamana.
In addition to his avatars, Vishnu is also believed to have fathered several children. His son Ayyappa is the result of his union with the goddess Mohini, who is a female form of Vishnu. He is also said to have fathered the god of love, Kamadeva.
Overall, Vishnu’s family tree is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse traditions and beliefs of Hinduism.
Mythology
Avatars
As per Hindu mythology, Vishnu has ten avatars, known as the Dashavatara. These avatars were taken by Vishnu to restore dharma and defeat evil. The ten avatars are Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (half-man, half-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama (the warrior with an axe), Rama (the prince of Ayodhya), Krishna (the cowherd prince), Buddha (the enlightened one), and Kalki (the destroyer of evil).
Legends and Stories
There are numerous legends and stories associated with Vishnu. One of the most popular ones is the story of Lord Rama, who defeated the demon king Ravana and restored dharma. Another popular story is that of Lord Krishna, who is known for his mischievous acts as a child and his role in the epic battle of Mahabharata. Vishnu is also associated with the creation of the universe, as per Hindu mythology.
Worship and Festivals
Vishnu is one of the most worshipped deities in Hinduism, and there are numerous festivals associated with him. The most popular ones are Diwali, which celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, and Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Vishnu is also worshipped in various forms, such as Venkateshwara, Jagannath, and Balaji, among others. Devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and offer food to the deity as a part of their worship.