Feb 04, 2007 09:23 PM
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(Updated Feb 04, 2007 10:20 PM)
Vishnu is regarded as a major god in Hinduism and Indian mythology. He is thought as the preserver of the universe while two other major Hindu gods Brahma and Shiva, are regarded respectively, as the creator and destroyer of the universe.
*Vishnu** also known as **Narayana** is the Supreme Being or Ultimate Reality for Vaishnavas and a manifestation of Brahman in the Advaita or Smarta traditions.
The Vishnu Sahasranama describes Vishnu as the All-Pervading essence of all beings, the master of and beyond the past, present and future, the creator and destroyer of all existences, one who supports, sustains and governs the Universe and originates and develops all elements within.
In the Puranas Vishnu is described as being the color of clouds(dark-blue), four-armed, holding a lotus, mace, conch and chakra. Vishnu is also described as having a'Cosmic Form' which is beyond the ordinary limits of human sense perception in the Bhagavad Gita
It is also within the Puranas that the information regarding Vishnu's avatars is given. Nine of these avatars, or'incarnations' are described as having occurred in the past, with one still to happen at the end of Kali Yuga. The Bhagavad Gita mentions their purpose being to rejuvenate Dharma and vanquish negative forces.
In the Dvaita Vaishnava traditions, Vishnu is the Supreme Being. Within the Advaita traditions, Vishnu is viewed as one of many'forms' of the ultimately formless Brahman, however Smarta adherents worship Vishnu as one of the five principal forms. In virtually all the Sanatana Dharma traditions, Vishnu is worshipped, either directly or through the Narasimha, Rama and Krishna avataras.
In the Trimurti, Vishnu is responsible for the maintenance or'preservation' of the universe, with the other roles of creation and destruction being under the care of Brahma and Shiva, respectively.
