Vishnu

Vishnu is a major deity in Hinduism, commonly regarded as the preserver and protector of the universe within the traditional trimurti, which includes Brahma the creator and Shiva the destroyer. In many Vaishnavism traditions, Vishnu is viewed as the supreme being who descends to earth in various forms to restore cosmic order (dharma) during times of crisis.

Vishnu is traditionally associated with a cycle of ten principal avatars, known as the Dashavatara, which include Matsya (fish), Kurma (trog), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, and Kalki as the future avatar. In some lists Buddha or Balarama is included instead of one of these. He is typically depicted with blue skin and four arms, wielding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus, and is often shown riding the eagle-like vehicle Garuda or reclining on the serpent Ananta Shesha in the cosmic ocean.

Vishnu’s consort is Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and fortune, and his celestial realm is Vaikuntha. His worship is central to Vaishnavism, a major tradition within Hinduism that emphasizes bhakti (devotion) to Vishnu or his avatars. Important texts include the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Bhagavata Purana, which elaborate his legends and devotional practices. The Vishnu Sahasranama, a revered list of one thousand names, appears in the Mahabharata and is widely recited in devotion to Vishnu.