Lord Vishnu is one of the trinity of Hinduism and is worshipped as the preserver of the universe. Of the trinity, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. The worship of Lord Vishnu and his glories are widely described in the Vedas, Puranas and other religious texts.
Appearance of Lord Vishnu
The appearance of Lord Vishnu is extremely divine and symbolic. He is a four-armed deity in which he holds various weapons and clothing.
Conch (Panchajanya): Which symbolizes the origin of the universe.
Chakra (Sudarshan Chakra): Which symbolizes Dharma and justice, and is used to destroy Adharma.
Gada (Kaumodaki): Symbolizes power and authority.
Lotus: It is a symbol of purity and truth.
Lord Vishnu's vehicle is Garuda, a huge bird, which can carry him anywhere swiftly. His abode is Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk), where he sits on Sheshnag.
Avatars
Lord Vishnu has taken ten incarnations (Dashavatara) in different ages to destroy adharma and establish dharma. The major incarnations among these are:Matsya Avatar: As a fish, who saved Vaivasvat Manu from Pralaya.
Kurma Avatar: As a turtle, who supported Mount Mandarachal in the Samudra manthan by the gods and demons.
Varaha Avatar:As a boar (boar) who saved the earth from the demon Hiranyaksha.
Narasimha Avatar:As a half lion and half human who killed Hiranyakashipu to protect the devotee Prahlad.
Vamana Avatar:As a dwarf Brahmin who asked for three steps of land from King Bali and measured the entire earth, sky and netherworld in three steps.
Parashurama:As a Brahmin warrior who destroyed the unrighteous Kshatriyas.
Rama:As the king of Ayodhya and the epitome of character who killed the demon king Ravana.
Krishna: As the hero of Mahabharata and preacher of Gita, who performed many Leelas to destroy Adharma and establish Dharma.
Buddha: The one who teaches to follow the path of truth and non-violence.
Kalki: This incarnation will take place in the future at the end of Kali Yuga, when Lord Vishnu will appear on horseback to destroy Adharma.
Vishnu Sahasranama
Vishnu Sahasranama is a collection of one thousand names of Lord Vishnu, which describe his various forms, qualities, and powers. This text is given in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata and by reading and listening to it, devotees gain immense virtue and peace.
Vishnu Puja and Importance
Lord Vishnu is worshipped especially in the Vaishnav sect, and he is worshipped as the protector and savior of the world. Conch, chakra, and Tulsi leaves are especially used in Vishnu Puja. His major festivals are Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Ramnavami, Krishna Janmashtami, and Diwali.
The life of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations teach that one should always be ready to protect religion, truth, and justice. His worship inspires prosperity, peace, and following religion in life. The ideal of Lord Vishnu is that God is always ready to protect his devotees and whenever unrighteousness increases in the world, he takes incarnation and establishes religion.
