Lord Vishnu - Supreme god of Vaishnavism

Author : Peter Vredeveld

One of the supreme Hindu deities of Trimurti, Lord Vishnu is the supreme God of Vaishnavism

"The causeless mercy of Lord Vishnu is unparalleled and such mercy is perceived by the devotees only by the grace of the Lord ."

Most beautiful Hindu Gods

Lord Vishnu, a prominent deity in Hinduism, is revered by various names that reflect his divine attributes and cosmic significance. Commonly known as Vishnu, other appellations include Narayana, Hari, Govinda, and more. These names capture the multifaceted nature of Vishnu, signifying his role as the preserver and protector in the Hindu pantheon.

Iconography

Lord Vishnu's iconography is rich and symbolic:

• Blue Skin:

Vishnu is often depicted with blue skin, symbolizing his cosmic and metaphysical nature. The blue hue represents the infinite expanse of the sky, emphasizing Vishnu's omnipresence.

• Four Arms:

Each arm of Vishnu holds symbolic objects—a mace (gada), a lotus (padma), a conch shell (shankha), and a discus (chakra). These attributes signify power, purity, sound, and cosmic order.

• Attire and Mounts:

Vishnu is adorned in royal attire, reflecting his regal stature. His mounts, Garuda (eagle) and Adishesha (serpent) highlight his mastery over air and water, underscoring his universal dominion.

In Hinduism, Lord Vishnu is represented in two positions:

• Standing on a Lotus flower with his consort, Goddess Lakshmi close to him.
• Reclining on the bed of a Serpent, with Goddess Lakshmi massaging his feet amid a milky ocean.

The Trimurti

Vishnu in the Divine Trinity:

In Hindu cosmology, the Trimurti comprises three principal deities — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Vishnu, as the preserver, maintains cosmic order and prevents chaos. This divine trinity embodies the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and dissolution in the cosmos.

Avatars (Dashavatara)

Ten Incarnations of Vishnu:

Vishnu incarnates in various forms, known as avatars, to restore cosmic balance and annihilate evil forces. The Dashavatara, meaning ten avatars, includes:

1. Matsya, The Fish:
   In Satya Yuga, Lord Vishnu takes the form of a fish (Matsya) to save Manu, a progenitor of humanity, and the seven sages from the great disaster of the deluge. 
    
2. Kurma, The Tortoise:
   In Hinduism, during Satya Yuga, Demons and Gods worked together to churn the Ocean of Milk to release the Amrita, the nectar of immortal life. Lord Vishnu took this form to bear the weight of the Mount Mandara, which Demons and Gods used as the churning staff.
    
3. Varaha, The Boar:
   In Hinduism, a demon, Hiranyaksha, had carried the Earth to the bottom of a cosmic ocean when Lord Vishnu fell asleep. So Lord Vishnu incarnated as the boar to defeat this evil demon and lifted the earth above the cosmic ocean. The battle between Varaha and Hiranyaksha was said to last one thousand years.
    
4. Narasimha, The half-man/half-lion:
   In Satya Yuga, Hiranyakashyap, the elder brother of Hiranyaksha, received a powerful blessing from Lord Brahma that he would not be killed by a man or an animal, inside or out, day or night, on earth or the stars, with a weapon either living or inanimate. Due to these powerful blessings, Hiranyakashyap started ruling cruelly. Hence, Lord Vishnu took this magnificent form of the half-man/half-lion and killed the rakshasa with his claws at dusk. In contrast, the rakshasa lay on his thigh.
    
5. Vamana, The Dwarf:
   In Treta Yuga, Bali, the fourth descendant of Hiranyakashyap, defeated God Indra and took over the authority over the three worlds. So, to restore peace and order in these three worlds, Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf, Vamana. Vamana approached Bali and asked for three paces of the land, and Bali gracefully accepted and thenVamana, the dwarf, changed himself to a giant size and stepped over the heaven in his first stride and the netherworld in his second stride. Bali realized that the dwarf was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and offered his head for the third place for Vamana to place his foot. Thus, Lord Vishnu blessed Bali with immortality and made him the ruler of the Netherworld.
    
6. Parashurama, a warrior with an axe:
   Parashurama was the first Brahmin-Kshatriya in Hinduism and was the warrior incarnation of Lord Vishnu, he got an axe with the blessings of Lord Shiva. During the reign of King Kartavirya Arjuna in Treta Yuga, the king visited the ashram of Parashurama’s father. He demanded the animals, but his father, Jamadagni, refused them. So, the king and his army destroyed the ashram. In revenge, Parashurama killed the king in the palace des, destroyed the army, and swore to kill every Kshatriya on earth for revenge over his father's death. He is immortal and is believed to exist even today.
    
7. Rama, The King of Ayodhya:
   One of the most worshipped avatars of Lord Vishnu is Rama. Rama was a romantic man and the king of Ayodhya. His story is mentioned in the widely-read Hindu scripture, Ramayana. When Rama was the prince of Ayodhya, he was exiled with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. Later, Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, abducted Sita, the wife of Rama, and took her to Lanka. Rama was accompanied by his brother, Lakshman, an ardent devotee of Rama, Hanuman. He traveled to Lanka, defeated the demon king, and saved Sita.
    
8. Krishna:
   Krishna is a widely worshiped deity in Hinduism, and many Hindu followers follow Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. His story is mentioned frequently in widely read Hindu scripture, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. Krishna appeared on earth with his brother Balarama. Balarama is believed to be the incarnation of Shesh Naga. Still, in Vaishnavism, Balarama is listed as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Krishna played an essential role in aiding Pandava to win the battle against their brothers. Krishna is also worshiped as combined Radha Krishna.
    
9. Gautama Buddha:
   Gautama Buddha, who founded Buddhism, is believed to be the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. Buddha attained “Enlightenment” and helped the people free themselves from suffering and pain, the cycle of birth, life, and death.
    
10. Kalki, Destroyer of Filth:
    Kalki is believed to be the last incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is thought that Kalki will appear to end the Kali Yuga. Kalki is the precursor of the end time and will destroy all evil at the end of Kali Yuga.

Literature - Vaishnava Theology

Vaishnava theology explores profound philosophical concepts:

• Moksha and Ekatva: Vaishnavism emphasizes the pursuit of moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Ekatva, the concept of oneness, underscores the soul's union with the Supreme.
   
• Bhakti Path: The Bhagavad Gita outlines the Bhakti path, where devotion to Bhagavan (Vishnu) leads to spiritual realization. It presents a synthesis of various paths, emphasizing love and devotion.
   
• Non-dualism and Monism: Vaishnava thought incorporates elements of non-dualism and monism, akin to Advaitic philosophy. The Bhagavata Purana parallels ideas of Nirguna Brahman and non-duality.

Associated Deities

Divine Companions and Forms:

1. Lakshmi: Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi, symbolizes wealth and prosperity. When Vishnu incarnates, Lakshmi takes forms such as Sita and Radha.
    
2. Garuda: Garuda, a demigod eagle, serves as Vishnu's mount. Vishnu is commonly depicted riding on Garuda, signifying divine supremacy.
    
3. Shesha: Shesha, the World Snake, is a primordial being on whom Vishnu rests during his cosmic slumber. Shesha represents the eternal foundation of the universe.
    
4. Vishvaksena: Vishvaksena, the army chief of Vishnu, holds a significant position in Vaishnavism.
    
5. Harihara: Harihara is a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva, showcasing the synthesis of these two major deities in Hinduism.

Beyond Hinduism

Influence Beyond Hinduism:

• Sikhism: In Sikhism, Vishnu is called Gorakh, highlighting the harmonious synthesis of Hindu deities within the Sikh tradition. The Gurus are sometimes seen as avatars of Vishnu.
   
• Buddhism: Vishnu's influence extends to Buddhism, especially in Southeast Asia. Some Hindus consider Buddha an avatar of Vishnu, while Buddhists in Sri Lanka venerate Vishnu as a guardian deity.
   
• In Science: Vishnu's influence transcends mythology, with an asteroid 4034 Vishnu and geological features like Vishnu rocks in the Grand Canyon. This showcases cultural motifs influencing scientific nomenclature.

Outside the Indian Subcontinent

Global Presence of Vishnu:

• Indonesia: In Indonesia, Vishnu, known as Wisnu, is a prominent figure in wayang (Indonesian Puppetry). The tales depict various incarnations, emphasizing the cultural diffusion of Hindu mythology.

Temples

Sacred Abodes Dedicated to Vishnu:

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia: The iconic Angkor Wat, built as a dedication to Vishnu, is a testament to the spread of Vaishnavism in Southeast Asia.
    
2. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram: A significant Vishnu temple in Kerala is known for attracting substantial gold and precious stones donations.
    
3. Prambanan Temple, Indonesia: The Prambanan Trimurti temple compound features a Vishnu temple, showcasing the cultural exchange between Hinduism and Buddhism in Indonesia.
    
4. Venkateswara Temple: Situated in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, this temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara is a significant pilgrimage site.
    
5. Jagannath Temple, Puri: Famous for the Rath Yatra festival, this temple is dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu.

List of Temples

• 108 Divya Desams: These are revered shrines dedicated to Vishnu, mentioned in the Divya Prabandha, a collection of Tamil hymns.
   
• 108 Abhimana Kshethram: Temples with significance in the worship of Vishnu spread across different regions.
   
• Swaminarayan Temples: Temples were built in the Swaminarayan tradition, emphasizing devotion to Vishnu.
   
• Birla Mandir: Vishnu temples were made by the Birla family, known for their architectural grandeur.
   
• Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh: A temple highlighting the ten avatars of Vishnu, reflecting the rich mythological heritage.
   
• Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasaragod: A unique lake temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its serene setting.

Conclusion

Lord Vishnu symbolizes preservation, cosmic order, and divine grace. From his rich iconography to the profound concepts explored in Vaishnava theology, the multifaceted nature of Vishnu has left an indelible mark on Hindu philosophy and culture.

The ten avatars, each with a unique purpose, showcase Vishnu's unwavering commitment to restoring balance in the cosmos. As we explore the associated deities, temples dedicated to Vishnu, and his influence beyond Hinduism, it becomes evident that Vishnu's reach extends far beyond the boundaries of religious beliefs.

Lord Vishnu inspires and guides believers on their spiritual journeys, whether in the vibrant narratives depicted in temples such as Angkor Wat or the timeless teachings embedded in Vaishnava literature. As we reflect on Vishnu's global presence and impact, we witness a testament to the enduring legacy of this revered deity.

In conclusion, exploring Lord Vishnu's multifaceted existence transcends religious boundaries, weaving a cultural and spiritual tapestry that resonates across diverse landscapes and civilizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Lord Vishnu?
   Lord Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is considered the preserver of the universe. He is a member of the Holy Trinity, or Trimurti, along with Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer).
    
2. What does the name Vishnu mean?
   The name Vishnu is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vish," which means to pervade. Thus, Vishnu is often interpreted as the "All-Pervading One" or the "Preserver."
    
3. What is the role of Lord Vishnu in Hindu cosmology?
   Lord Vishnu is believed to sustain and preserve the balance of the universe. He incarnates in various forms (avatars) whenever there is a decline in righteousness (dharma) and an increase in evil forces (adharma).
    
4. How many avatars does Lord Vishnu have?
   Lord Vishnu is said to have ten main avatars, known as the Dashavatara. These include well-known incarnations such as Rama and Krishna.
    
5. What are some famous stories associated with Lord Vishnu?
   There are many stories and legends associated with Lord Vishnu, including the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), his role in the Ramayana as Lord Rama, and his childhood exploits as Lord Krishna.
    
6. What is the significance of Lord Vishnu's symbols, like the conch (shankha) and the discus (chakra)?
   The conch represents the cosmic sound that creates the universe, and the discus symbolizes the wheel of time and the cycle of creation and destruction.
    
7. How is Lord Vishnu worshipped?
   Devotees worship Lord Vishnu through prayers, rituals, and elaborate ceremonies. Temples dedicated to Vishnu, such as the famous ones at Tirupati and Vaikuntha, are also places of worship.
    
8. What is the relationship between Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi?
   Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu and is revered as the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The union of Vishnu and Lakshmi symbolizes the harmony between the preserver and the nourisher.
    
9. In which scriptures is Lord Vishnu prominently featured?
   Lord Vishnu is prominently featured in various Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the two great epics—the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
    
10. How does Lord Vishnu inspire followers in their daily lives?
    Devotees of Lord Vishnu seek inspiration from his qualities of compassion, righteousness, and protection. Following the path of dharma and leading a virtuous life are central aspects of worshiping Vishnu.