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Revision as of 20:26, 27 February 2002 by 216.250.162.253 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Vishnu 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.
Vishnu's consort is the 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 include
- Matsya, the Fish
- Kurma, the Tortoise
- Varaha, the Boar
- Narasimha, the Man-Lion
- Vamana, the Dwarf
- Parashurama
- Rama
- Krishna
- Gautama Buddha (some versions have it as Balarama instead)
- Kalki, who is yet to be manifested: an apocalyptic figure