Vishnu
VISHNU
Vishnu is part two of the three main gods of Hinduism. He is
known to be the preserver of the universe and of all beings
that Brahma creates. Vishnu has also been known to come down
to the Earth in different forms called "avatars" at
different periods of time to defeat evil beings who
threatened the existence of humans. There have been 9 avatars
already, and it is believed that one more will appear named
Kalki, who, with his fiery sword, will defeat all the
evilness on the planet and bring the good and the wise to
heaven to live eternally. Vishnu is the most-worshiped god of
Hinduism. Vishnu's consort, is the goddess Laxmi, the goddess
of luxuries and wealth. Vishnu has four hands. The first
holds a conch shell (sankha) indicating spread of the divine
sound "Om"; one holds a discus (chakra), a reminder of the
wheel of time, and to lead a good life; one holds a lotus
(Padma) which is an example of glorious existence and the
fourth hands holds a mace (gada) indicating the power and the
punishing capacity of the Lord if discipline in life is
ignored.
His vehicle is the swift-flying bird Garuda which can spread
the Vedic knowledge with great courage. The dark color of
the Lord represents the passive and formless ether, a great
quality for a pervading god. He rests on the bed of the
powerful, coiled serpent, Seshanag who represents the
sleeping universe. Lord Vishnu is also known as Hari, the
remover.
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