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| '''Vishnu''' (also called '''Hari''') is a ] god. He is the second god of the ] (also called the Hindu Trinity), along with ] and ]. The triumvirate signify the cycle of life: Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the protector, and Shiva is the destroyer. | '''Vishnu''' (also called '''Hari''') is a ] god. He is the second god of the ] (also called the Hindu Trinity), along with ] and ]. The triumvirate signify the cycle of life: Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the protector, and Shiva is the destroyer. He is a ]. | ||
| Vishnu's consort is ], the Goddess of wealth. His mount is ], the eagle. | Vishnu's consort is ], the Goddess of wealth. His mount is ], the eagle. | ||
Revision as of 08:26, 25 September 2002
Vishnu (also called Hari) is a Hindu god. He is the second god of the Trimurthi (also called the Hindu Trinity), along with Brahma and Shiva. The triumvirate signify the cycle of life: Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the protector, and Shiva is the destroyer. He is a life-death-rebirth deity.
Vishnu's consort is Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. His mount is Garuda, the eagle.
He is often depicted as sitting or resting on a lotus.
It is believed that he manifested himself as a human being in ten Avatars. His avatars are said to be
- Matsya, the Fish
- Kurma, the Tortoise
- Varaha, the Boar
- Narasimha, the Man-Lion (Nara = man, simha = lion)
- Vamana, the Dwarf
- Parashurama
- Rama
- Krishna (meaning dark or black)
- Siddharta Gautama, the Buddha (some versions have it that Balarama is the ninth avatar instead)
- Kalki, who is yet to be manifested: an apocalyptic figure
Vishnu is the chief god of Vaishnavism.