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HINDU GOD - VISHNU
PRESERVER OF THE UNIVERSE
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 considered
the creator and destroyer of the
universe, respectively.
As the preserver of the cosmos, Vishnu upholds the
universal laws. Unlike Shiva, who often seeks refuge in the
forest to meditate, Vishnu constantly participates in
worldly affairs. Ensuring that all is well.
When order prevails in the universe, Vishnu sleeps on the
coils of Sesha, ruler of the Nagas. As Sesha
floats along the cosmic ocean supporting Vishnu, the
universe unfolds from Vishnu's dream. But when there is
disorder in the universe, Vishnu either mounts his vehicle,
Garuda, and battles with the forces of chaos, or he sends
one of his Avatars (or incarnations) to save the world.
Vishnu uses both force and guile to ensure the stability
of the universe. His consort Laxmi, goddess of wealth and
power, offers him the wherewithal to maintain the integrity
of the world.
Today, Vishnu is one of the most highly revered
deities, but he has not always been so popular. In the earliest
Hindu writings, the Vedas, he is mentioned infrequently, and is
associated with the major Vedic god Indra. Through the later epics,
notably the Ramayana and Mahabharata, he is glorified through the
Avatars Rama and Krishna. |
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