Lord Vishnu, the preserver deity among the Trinity, is considered the master of dharma, compassion, and harmony. Residing in Kshirsagar, reclining on Sheshnag, Vishnu's form is described as blue-colored, four-armed, holding conch, chakra, mace, and lotus.
According to mythological stories, whenever unrighteousness increases on earth and dharma is in crisis, Vishnu takes avatar to destroy unrighteousness and establish dharma. The Dashavataras include Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashuram, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. These avatars are symbols of salvation from various crises of humanity.
Vishnu's wife Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity and fortune. The form of Narayan-Lakshmi shows the balance of dharma and wealth in life. Vishnu is also known by many names like Narayan, Govind, and Jagannath.
Vishnu worship is especially prominent in the Vaishnava sect. South India's Srirangam Temple, Puri's Jagannath Temple, and Badrinath Dham are major centers of Vishnu devotion. Ekadashi fast is an important part of Vishnu devotion.
Vishnu's glory is specially described in religious texts like Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Mahabharata. He is not only a preserver but also a dharma-establisher and liberator. Devotees worship him as the protector of those who take refuge.
Among the Trinity, Brahma is the creator, Shiva is the destroyer, and Vishnu is considered the preserver. Preserver means—protecting living beings, maintaining balance in the world, and establishing dharma. Whenever unrighteousness increases, Vishnu takes avatar to protect dharma.
What are Vishnu's Dashavataras?
Vishnu's Dashavataras are: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashuram, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. Each avatar appeared for a special purpose—such as Narasimha protected Prahlad, Rama killed Ravana, and Krishna gave the teachings of Gita.
What is the importance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi?
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated on Margashirsha or Paush Shukla Ekadashi. It is believed that by fasting and worshipping Vishnu on this day, the path to liberation opens. In South India, at Srirangam Temple, 'Heaven's Gate' is opened, and millions of devotees have darshan.
Who is Vishnu's vehicle and what is its symbol?
Vishnu's vehicle is Garuda, which is a symbol of power, courage, and speed. Vishnu mounted on Garuda remains ready to protect dharma in the world.
What is held in Vishnu's four arms?
Vishnu holds Sudarshan Chakra, Panchajanya Conch, Kaumodaki Mace, and Lotus in four arms. These respectively symbolize time, sound/creation, power, and peace.
What are Vishnu's major pilgrimage sites?
Major Vishnu pilgrimage sites include Badrinath Dham (Uttarakhand), Puri's Jagannath Temple (Odisha), Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple (Tamil Nadu), Tirupati Balaji (Andhra Pradesh), and Dwarkadhish Temple (Gujarat).
Which fasts and dates are important in Vishnu worship?
Ekadashi fast is the most important part of Vishnu devotion. Devotees keep fasts on Ekadashi of Shukla and Krishna Paksha of every month. Additionally, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi are especially connected with Vishnu devotion.
What is Vishnu's spiritual significance?
Vishnu is not only the preserver of the material world but also the guide of the soul. He represents dharma, compassion, and truth. By taking refuge in him, one attains balance in life, mental peace, and ultimately liberation.
What does the relationship between Vishnu and Lakshmi indicate?
Vishnu is the deity of dharma and protection, while Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity and wealth. Their combination shows the balance of dharma and artha (wealth) in life. This balance is considered necessary for household life and society.
Is Lord Vishnu worshipped only in Hinduism?
Mainly Vishnu is worshipped in Hinduism, but Vishnu and his avatars are also worshipped in countries like Nepal, Bali (Indonesia), Thailand, and Cambodia. Vishnu and avatars like Krishna-Rama have a special place in the temples and art there.
