Origin and Nature of Lord Vishnu
In Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, Lord Vishnu is described as eternal, infinite, and all-pervading. His name comes from the Sanskrit root “Vish”, meaning to pervade, showing that Vishnu exists everywhere in the universe.
He resides in Vaikuntha, the divine realm, and rests on the cosmic serpent Sheshnag in the ocean of milk (Kshirsagar).
Form and Symbols of Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu is depicted with a calm and compassionate form, symbolizing balance and protection. He has:
Four arms, holding:
Shankha (conch) – sacred sound and creation
Chakra (Sudarshan Chakra) – protection of Dharma
Gada (mace) – strength and authority
Padma (lotus) – purity and divine beauty
His consort is Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The Dashavatara (Ten Avatars)
Whenever Dharma declines, Lord Vishnu takes avatars (incarnations) to restore balance. His ten major avatars (Dashavatara) are:
Matsya (Fish)
Kurma (Tortoise)
Varaha (Boar)
Narasimha (Half-man, half-lion)
Vamana (Dwarf)
Parashurama
Rama
Krishna
Buddha (in some traditions)
Kalki (yet to come)
Each avatar represents the victory of good over evil.
Role of Vishnu in the Universe
Lord Vishnu’s main role is preservation. He:
Protects the righteous
Destroys evil through divine intervention
Maintains cosmic law (Dharma)
Guides humanity through teachings like the Bhagavad Gita
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