The preserver and protector of the universe, second member of the Trimurti. Vishnu maintains cosmic order (dharma) and appears in various avatars to restore balance when evil threatens.
Vishnu is the second god of the Trimurti, the supreme preserver who maintains cosmic order (dharma). He reclines on the thousand-headed serpent Shesha in the cosmic ocean of milk, dreaming the universe into existence.
The Ten Avatars (Dashavatara)
Whenever evil threatens to overwhelm good, Vishnu descends to Earth in an avatar. His ten principal incarnations include Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki (the future avatar).
Divine Attributes
Vishnu holds four items: the Sudarshana Chakra (discus of cosmic order), Panchajanya (conch of creation), Kaumodaki (mace of mental and physical strength), and a lotus (purity and creation). His mount is the eagle Garuda.
Festivals and Worship
Vaishnavism, centered on Vishnu worship, is one of Hinduism's largest denominations. Major festivals include Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Rama Navami. The mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" is chanted by devotees worldwide.
Origin Story
Vishnu reclines on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the ocean of milk. He is eternal and omnipresent. When dharma declines and chaos increases, Vishnu descends to Earth in different incarnations (avatars) to restore order.
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“I will declare the mighty deeds of Visnu, of him who measured out the earthly regions, Who propped the highest place of congregation, thrice setting down his footstep, widely striding.”
Worship & Cult
How Vishnu was venerated in ancient times
Sacred Temples
•Tirumala Venkateswara at Tirupati
•Srirangam and the 108 Divya Desams
•Jagannath at Puri
Festivals & Celebrations
Vaikuntha EkadashiJanmashtami in Krishna formRama Navami
Worship Practices
Preserver, recumbent on the snake, and every avatara with its own house. Vaishnava temples feed, wake, and put the image to sleep. The cult is attendance on a living icon, not a single Greek-style sacrifice.
