A Bhakti's Guide to Hindu Deities

Vishnu–the Sustainer and Peace Maker


THE GOD VISHNU


Vishnu, the Supreme Being for the people of Vaishnavism and part of the triumvirate that completes the Hindu belief of the sustainment, creation, and destruction of the world. He is the second god after Brahma and precedes Shiva as the sustainer and preserver of the world.


The role of Vishnu is believed to be that of a peace creator. He is incarnated on Earth to maintain peace and eradicate evil so turmoil is put to an end. He is said to have had nine reincarnations so far and the Hindus await the tenth one which is supposed to come near the end of the world. His incarnations vary between animals such as fish and human forms.


Vishnu, in the older books, is said to be an identity that can be linked to the sun and the solar power. Some even say that his head was severed as a trick or illusion and it became the sun. the discus he holds in his hand is also sometimes referred to as the chakra that is illuminated and radiates the light of the sun, removing the darkness that plagues its way.


THE SYMBOLISM IN THE ICONOGRAPHY OF VISHNU


Blue Complexion

Vishnu is shown to have a darker, bluish complexion in his pictures and paintings, the reason being to show his connection with a cosmos as a whole and confirming his metaphysical presence. It also shows his connection to the gods of rain and thunder and his connection to our physical world.


Ocean
The ocean in the center of which Vishnu is present shows bliss and awareness.


Serpent
He is shown to be laying or floating on the coils of a serpent in the middle of the ocean. This serpent represents many things, such as the desire of worldly pleasures and emotions as well as the illusion of our egos.


Conch
The spiral conch Vishnu holds in his hand is representative of the interconnectedness of everyone and everything in this world and how existence itself is also in the form of a cycle.


Mace
The mace represents the superiority and utter power of knowledge and wisdom over all other aspects and elements of the world.


Lotus
He also holds a lotus in his hand. This flower has always been known to symbolize beauty and purity in its utter form, along with self realization, consciousness, and the element of water.


Discus
Vishnu holds a chakra in his hand which is his weapon against evil. He uses this war discus initiate a war in the world if evil begins to unbalance the equilibrium of the world and its peace.