Vishnus

Vishnus, in Hinduism, refers to Vishnu and to the multiplicity of forms in which he is believed to manifest. Vishnu is a central figure in the Hindu trinity, the Trimurti, where he serves as the preserver of the cosmos alongside Brahma the creator and Shiva the destroyer. The name is traditionally traced to the Sanskrit root viś, meaning “to pervade” or “to extend throughout,” reflecting Vishnu’s perceived universal reach. In iconography, Vishnu is typically depicted with blue skin and four arms, holding a conch, a discus, a club, and a lotus; he is often shown with Lakshmi, his consort.

Vishnus encompasses the belief in many avatars or manifestations through which he descends to restore dharma during times of upheaval. The most widely known sequence is the Dashavatara, traditionally including Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, and Kalki; some traditions substitute Buddha for Krishna or Balarama as the ninth avatar. These avatars illustrate Vishnu’s role as protector and regulator of cosmic order in various ages and contexts.

Worship of Vishnu is central to Vaishnavism, a major branch of Hinduism that regards Vishnu as the supreme deity. Sacred literature for followers includes the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Puranas, notably the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana. Vaikuntha, Vishnu’s celestial abode, is described as a realm of eternal bliss. Devotees honor Vishnu and his avatars in temples and home shrines, and observe festivals such as Janmashtami, Rama Navami, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi, which emphasize dharma, compassion, and cosmic stewardship.