Lord Vishnu
Vishnu, known as 'The Preserver' or 'The Protector', is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the central figure of Vaishnavism and a member of the Trimurti (Holy Trinity), along with Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva. He is the husband of Goddess Lakshmi.
Iconography and Symbolism
Vishnu is traditionally depicted with blue skin and four arms, reclining on the serpent Shesha in the cosmic ocean. His four attributes are:
- Sudarshana Chakra (Discus): Symbolizes the cosmic mind and the destruction of ignorance.
- Panchajanya (Conch): Its sound represents the vibration of creation.
- Kaumodaki (Mace): Represents elemental force and the power of knowledge.
- Padma (Lotus): Symbolizes purity, fertility, and spiritual liberation.
The Dashavatara (Ten Incarnations)
To restore cosmic order (Dharma), Vishnu descends to Earth in various forms. The ten most famous incarnations are:
- Matsya (The Fish)
- Kurma (The Tortoise)
- Varaha (The Boar)
- Narasimha (The Half-Man, Half-Lion)
- Vamana (The Dwarf)
- Parashurama (The Warrior with an Axe)
- Rama (The Ideal King)
- Krishna (The Divine Statesman)
- Buddha (The Enlightened One) or Balarama
- Kalki (The Final Incarnation, yet to come)
Significance
Vishnu represents the sustaining force of the universe. He is the embodiment of mercy and goodness, always intervening to protect his devotees from chaos and evil.
Major Festival
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is one of the most important days dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where it is believed the gates to his celestial abode are wide open for devotees.