Vishnu
The Divine Story
Lord Vishnu, hailed in the Vishnu Sahasranama as 'Sarva-loka-maheshvara' (lord of all worlds), is described in the Bhagavad Gita as the eternal protector. The Vishnu Purana declares him 'Jagat-pati' - the master and sustainer of the universe.
First Manifestation
Vishnu is timeless (Sanatan), first manifesting during the cosmic creation as Narayana resting on Shesha in the cosmic ocean, before the universe's birth as described in the Vishnu Purana.
Divine Purpose
To preserve dharma (righteousness) across all yugas, protect devotees through divine avatars, maintain cosmic order, and guide souls toward spiritual evolution and ultimate liberation (moksha).
Spiritual Significance
In the Bhagavad Gita (4.7-8), Krishna reveals Vishnu's dharma: 'Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati' - whenever righteousness declines, he incarnates to protect dharma and guide devotees to moksha.
Sacred Stories & Legends
Dashavatara - Ten Divine Incarnations
The Bhagavata Purana chronicles Vishnu's ten primary avatars from Matsya to Kalki, each appearing to restore cosmic balance and protect dharma in different yugas.
Teaching: Demonstrates 'Avatar-vada' - the divine principle of incarnation for 'Lokasamgraha' (world maintenance) and 'Bhakta-vatsalya' (compassion for devotees)
Shesha-shayana - Cosmic Rest
The Vishnu Purana describes Vishnu resting on Ananta Shesha (the cosmic serpent) during 'Pralaya' (cosmic dissolution), maintaining the universe in potential form.
Teaching: Symbolizes the eternal consciousness that transcends creation and destruction, as taught in the Mandukya Upanishad
Divine Family
Divine Consort
Mata Lakshmi (Shri, goddess of prosperity and fortune)
Divine Children
Through avatars: various divine sons
Divine Parents
Eternal and self-manifested (Svayambhu)
Sacred Festivals
Vaikunta Ekadashi
Timing: Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi (December/January)
Significance: The Padma Purana states this as the day when 'Vaikunta-dwara' (gates of Vishnu's abode) open. Observing this Ekadashi grants 'Moksha-prapti' (liberation)
Janmashtami
Timing: Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (August/September)
Significance: Celebrates Krishna avatar's birth. The Bhagavata Purana describes this as the day divine consciousness descended to earth
Sacred Temples & Holy Shrines
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Location:Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Period:Ancient temple, major renovations in 11th-12th century CE
Architecture:Dravidian temple architecture with golden vimana
Sacred Features:
Divine Significance: One of the richest and most visited temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu)
Jagannath Temple
Location:Puri, Odisha, India
Period:12th century CE, built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga
Architecture:Kalinga style architecture
Sacred Features:
Divine Significance: Sacred temple of Lord Jagannath (Vishnu), famous for the annual Rath Yatra
Ranganathaswamy Temple
Location:Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India
Period:Ancient origins, major construction 10th-16th century CE
Architecture:Dravidian architecture with 21 gopurams
Sacred Features:
Divine Significance: Largest functioning Hindu temple complex, dedicated to Ranganatha (Vishnu)