Lord Vishnu is a prominent deity in Hinduism and is known as the god of Preservation. He is considered a member of the holy trinity (trimurti) of Hinduism along with Brahma and Shiva. Lord Vishnu appears in various incarnations (avatara) to provide salvation for humanity. In different Indic languages, Lord Vishnu is referred to by several common names such as Hari, Narayana, Madhava, Keshava, Achyuta, Krishna, Shiva, and Brahma.
Lord Vishnu is associated with several main attributes and symbols. He is often depicted with four arms, with two in front representing his presence in the human world and two in the back symbolizing his connection to the spiritual realm. In his hands, he holds four essential symbols: the conch, the chakra or discus, the club, and the lotus flower. Lord Vishnu is regarded as the supreme being in Vaishnavism and is responsible for the creation, protection, and transformation of the universe.
The ten avatars of Lord Vishnu are known as the Dashavatara and represent different aspects of the divine in Hinduism. These avatars include Matsya, the Fish; Kurma, the Tortoise; Varaha, the Boar; Narasimha, the Man-Lion; Vamana, the Dwarf; Parashurama, the Warrior with an Axe; Rama, Prince and King of Ayodhya; Krishna, the Divine Cowherd or Balarama; Buddha, the Enlightened One; and Kalki, the Horseman who is yet to appear.
One of the popular myths related to lord Vishnu is that he gave all the other gods (devatas) the gift of immortality by creating the nectar (amrita) through churning the ocean of milk. Lord Vishnu is also known for his association with other deities, such as Shiva. There are interesting stories in Hindu mythology about the relationships between lord Vishnu and Shiva, including instances where lord Vishnu “rescued” Shiva and when Shiva lost his home to lord Vishnu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Vishnu in Hindu religion? Lord Vishnu is the god of Preservation and a member of the holy trinity (trimurti) of Hinduism along with Brahma and Shiva. He appears in various incarnations to provide salvation for humanity.
- What are the different names of Vishnu in different Indic languages? Vishnu is referred to by several common names in different Indic languages. Some of these names include Hari, Narayana, Madhava, Keshava, Achyuta, Krishna, Shiva, and Brahma.
- What are the ten avatars of Vishnu? The ten avatars of Vishnu, known as the Dashavatara, include Matsya (the Fish), Kurma (the Tortoise), Varaha (the Boar), Narasimha (the Man-Lion), Vamana (the Dwarf), Parashurama (the Warrior with an Axe), Rama (Prince and King of Ayodhya), Krishna (the Divine Cowherd or Balarama), Buddha (the Enlightened One), and Kalki (the Horseman who is yet to appear).
- What are the main attributes and symbols associated with lord Vishnu? Vishnu is often depicted with four arms, holding four essential symbols: the conch, the chakra or discus, the club, and the lotus flower. He is regarded as the supreme being in Vaishnavism and is responsible for the creation, protection, and transformation of the universe.
- What is the significance of Vishnu in Hinduism? Vishnu is known as the god of Preservation and is revered as the protector of the universe in Hinduism. He appears in various incarnations to provide salvation for humanity.
