Significance of Lord Vishnu
Synonyms: Vishnu, Narayana, Hari, Preserver, Protector, God, Supreme being, Venkateswara, Govinda, Madhava, Kesava, Achyuta
In Dutch: Heer Vishnu; In Finnish: Herra Vishnu; In Spanish: Señor Vishnu; In German: Gott Vishnu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Lord Vishnu'
Lord Vishnu, a principal deity in Hinduism, symbolizes the protector and preserver of the universe. Revered in various forms, he plays a crucial role in salvation, compassion, and divine guidance, embodying both cosmic regulation and devotion.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The Supreme Lord who maintains both the pious and sinful persons and exhibits mercy in his actions.[1] (2) The deity whose throne is climbed by Gauranga Mahaprabhu.[2] (3) Identified as the master and maintainer of everyone, demonstrating His central role in the cosmology presented.[3] (4) A principal deity in Hinduism, worshiped as the protector and preserver of the universe.[4] (5) A principal deity in Hinduism, known as the preserver and protector of the universe.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A principal deity in Hinduism, often associated with preservation and protection.[6] (2) The supreme deity whose abode is sought after through proper worship and scriptural engagement.[7] (3) A significant deity in Hinduism, associated with preservation and protection.[8] (4) A principal deity in Hinduism, often associated with preservation and protection.[9] (5) A principal deity in Hinduism, who is referenced as the benificiary of stories to be heard on ekadashi.[10]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A key deity revered by the Alvar, symbolizing the divine presence and power that must be revered rather than lesser deities.[11] (2) The Supreme Lord from whom all deities derive their power, and the one in whom the Alvar emphasizes placing faith for true salvation and liberation.[12] (3) A principal deity in Hinduism, known for his divine avatars, including the enchanting Mohini form.[13] (4) The supreme Lord who possesses glory and goodness, and is easy to access and worship for those whose minds are directed towards Him.[14] (5) The deity who intervened in the scenarios involving Mavali, Kancan, and Vanan, embodying the principles of dharma and divine justice.[15]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The supreme deity embodying the independence theory and the cause of all existence; the reservoir of all living entities.[16] (2) A deity in Hinduism, known for His incarnations and as the controller of the universe, married to Shri Lakshmi-devi.[17] (3) He appeared in the form of a perfect brahmacari to protect Lord Shiva from the demon Vrikasura.[18] (4) The embodiment of absolute independence and virtuous qualities, identified as the ultimate tattva in Madhvacarya's philosophy.[19] (5) The Supreme Being in whose service the jiva finds liberation and fulfillment of existence.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Vishnu; refers to the divine figure associated with the faultless abode that devotees aspire to reach.[21] (2) Lord Vishnu is a principal deity in Hinduism, revered for his role in maintaining cosmic order.[22] (3) A significant divine figure who takes different forms in various spiritual incarnations.[23] (4) A principal deity in Hinduism, revered as the preserver and protector of the universe.[24]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A principal deity in Hinduism, known as the preserver and protector of the universe.[25] (2) A principal deity in Hinduism, often associated with protection, preservation, and the maintenance of dharma.[26] (3) A principal deity in Hinduism, revered as the preserver and protector, often worshiped in various circumstances.[27] (4) A principal deity in Hinduism, worshipped as the preserver and protector in the universe.[28]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The supreme deity from whom everything has come and who is depicted as the master of opulence and love.[29] (2) The Supreme God, with whom Lord Vishvambhara is often equated, symbolizing protection and sustenance.[30] (3) Another name for Lord Krishna, referenced regarding His prasadam and the significance of receiving it.[31] (4) The deity who is the focus of devotion and whom the gods and goddesses give devotion to.[32]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The Supreme God whom Prahlada worships and who protects him from harm.[33]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The Supreme Personality of Godhead, known for His benevolence towards all living entities and for granting liberation.[34] (2) The Supreme Personality of Godhead who is narrating the story and discussing the glories of the Second Chapter of Bhagavad-gita.[35] (3) A deity mentioned who relates the Tenth Chapter to Lakshmi-Devi, and is considered the protector and source of blessings for devotees.[36] (4) A principal deity in Hinduism, often regarded as the preserver of the universe, who provides divine guidance and blessings to devotees.[37] (5) A principal deity in Hinduism known as the preserver and protector of the universe, often depicted resting on Ananta-Sesha.[38]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A revered god who also dealt with wicked women in the past, serving as a precedent for Rama's actions.[39] (2) The Blessed Lord Vishnu is the first among the gods who dwelt here, observing yogic practices for immeasurable years.[40] (3) The God to whom the other Gods sought refuge for protection against the Rakshasas.[41] (4) The principal deity in Hinduism, associated with preservation and protection of the universe, who returned to Svargaloka as described in the Ramayana.[42] (5) The divine figure associated in the text with the glory of the House of Ikshvaku and the characterizations of King Dasaratha's sons.[43]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The holder of the discus who made up his mind for the destruction of Hiranyaksha.[44] (2) The supreme deity who is central to the narrative, noted for his omnipotent abilities and acts of safeguarding the universe.[45] (3) The divine figure who plays a significant role in the creation and regulation of the four Varnas and the universe.[46] (4) The presiding deity known as the protector and preserver of the universe, who undertakes various incarnations.[47] (5) The Supreme Soul and deity recognized as the protector and savior of the universe, associated with various forms and actions across different Yugas.[48]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Lord Vishnu is a deity that the henchmen were compared to in terms of swiftness, as they were sent to bring the lord of kings in a similar manner to Indra summoning Vishnu.[49] (2) Lord Vishnu placed his first step on the Saumanas peak when he paced through the universe.[50] (3) This is described as an everlasting God, and the speaker circled this deity during a past event.[51] (4) Lord Vishnu’s is a reference to the deity whose might and preeminence were to be tested through the use of the bows.[52] (5) Lord Vishnu is the deity whom the Gods adore and is associated with holy thought and rites of penance.[53]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The supreme deity in Hinduism, representing preservation and protection, who incarnated as Vamana in this narrative.[54] (2) A principal deity in Hinduism from whom Vedavyasa receives wisdom, underscoring the divine connection in the creation of sacred texts.[55] (3) A deity who incarnated as the son of Kasyapa and Aditi, for the benefit of the gods and the Brahmanas, and for chastisement of Bali.[56] (4) A deity who was struck by the melodious sound of Bhagiratha's conch, resulting in the descent of the Ganga.[57]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A principal deity in Hinduism, representing preservation and protection within the divine trinity.[58] (2) The valiant deity who, in the form of an enchantress, deceived the mighty Danavas to retrieve the Amrita.[59]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The deity who stood and worshipped Shankara at Cakratirtha for the sake of obtaining his discus.[60] (2) The creator of the universe, characterized as the bestower of spiritual success and desired objects.[61]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A principal Hindu deity known as the protector and preserver of the universe.[62] (2) The king of the celestials, known for his role in preservation, who bestows emancipation and enjoyment through worship.[63]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The powerful and divine figure who engages in the battle against the Daityas Madhu and Kaitabha.[64]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A manifestation of the Supreme, embodying both aspects as Atma and Antar-atma, dwelling in the hearts of all beings.[65] (2) Considered the Supreme Brahman, who is awake even when the Jivas are in deep sleep and who causes the dreams of the Jivas.[66] (3) Described as the root-soil of the Ashvattha tree, the highest deity from whom all beings diverge, embodying the ultimate reality.[67]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The deity identified with the word Om, symbolizing fullness and transcendence.[68] (2) The supreme deity in this context, regarded as the divine protector and sustainer of the universe.[69]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The divine being described as unchangeable and the true essence from which all existence emanates.[70]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A principal deity in Hinduism whose responses and narratives contribute to the understanding of creation.[71]
The concept of Lord Vishnu in local and regional sources
Lord Vishnu is a principal Hindu deity worshipped through various incarnations like Krishna Vasudeva, revered by the Sharabhapura and Somavamshin dynasties, embodying divine order and virtue, and associated with the sons of Dasaradha.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A classical representation of the divine that embodies order, beauty, and moral virtues.[72] (2) The deity that the sons of Dasaradha, Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Satrughna are associated with in terms of representation and divine essence.[73]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Prahlada insisted that Vishnu was the Lord of the universe, the Beginningless, the Endless, the Omnipotent, and the Omnipresent, and thus, he alone was to be worshipped.[74]