Significance of Vishnu
Synonyms: Krishna, Hari, Narayana, Vasudeva, Kesava, Govinda, Madhava
In Dutch: Vishnu; In German: Vishnu; In Finnish: Vishnu; In Swedish: Vishnu; In French: Vishnu; In Spanish: վú; In Malay: Wisnu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Vishnu'
Vishnu is a central figure in Hinduism, revered as the supreme deity of preservation, protector of the universe, and embodiment of mercy. He plays a vital role in ethical discussions, divine blessings, and spiritual salvation.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A significant deity in Hinduism whose perspectives are referenced alongside those of Manu in discussions about ethical behavior.[1] (2) Another ancient text referenced for its verses.[2] (3) An authoritative figure noted for providing similar directives concerning self-observation and conduct.[3] (4) An authoritative text that discusses guidelines for not giving information regarding cattle.[4] (5) An authority who discusses the status of a son cast off by his parents in relation to those who receive him.[5]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Another deity invoked during rituals, often associated with preservation and stability.[6] (2) A deity referred to in the context of providing protection to the sacrificer.[7] (3) A deity referred to in the context of offerings, signifying the spiritual essence of clarified butter.[8] (4) A deity referenced in the context of sacrifice and offerings.[9] (5) A deity referred to in the context of the sacrifice, indicating his blessings and presence during the rituals.[10]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) One of the principal deities in Hinduism associated with the lunar mansion Shravana.[11] (2) A deity invoked during the rituals, associated with care for the womb.[12]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Preserver of the universe, who originates from smaller Virat forms and ensures the continuity of creation.[13] (2) The Preserver in the trinity that includes Brahma and Shiva, also characterized by the attributes of Sattvaguna.[14] (3) A major deity who the Devas turn to for assistance in relieving the burden of the Earth, known for his incarnations to restore dharma.[15] (4) A major deity who represents preservation in the cosmic order, associated with strength and divinity.[16] (5) A deity in Hinduism representing preservation and protection, often meditated upon by Yogis in connection with divine qualities.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Vishnu is the one who slain Narak, as referenced by Trishiras, establishing a parallel to the potential fate of Raghu's son.[18] (2) This is the name of a deity, from whose vigour Rama was born and from whose essence Lakshman and Shatrughna also came.[19] (3) Vishnu is a deity whose post Shunahshepha is tied to, and who, upon hearing the hymns, gives Shunahshepha long life, as the text narrates.[20] (4) Vishnu is a deity mentioned in the text, whose bow was planned by the Heavenly Artist, and who slew demon foes.[21] (5) This individual, who sought to be born on earth from a great king, was the reason for the Gods' actions and the subsequent events described.[22]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A divine figure representing the supreme Brahma, whose forms must be meditated upon for spiritual enlightenment.[23] (2) The principal deity that represents the supreme spirit, governing all things and existing as the essence of creation and dissolution.[24] (3) A principal deity in Hinduism, whose incarnations, including Kalki, are vital for the restoration of cosmic order.[25] (4) The supreme being who preserves, creates, and destroys the universe, manifesting in various forms throughout the ages.[26] (5) The deity to whom the Bhagavata is dedicated, representing the Supreme in the context of the work.[27]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A deity referred to metaphorically to illustrate the fear invoked in enemies during the battle.[28] (2) A major deity who undergoes various incarnations to restore dharma and defeat evil forces.[29] (3) A formless entity transcending attributes, perceived as the unifying aspect that connects all knowledge and existence.[30] (4) A name used by men to describe the Lord Hari, emphasizing his omnipresence in the universe.[31]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The incomparable deity to whom Sita is compared when she is described alongside Rama.[32] (2) A major deity in Hinduism, to whom Rama is identified, reinforcing his divine heritage.[33] (3) The Chief of the Gods whom Vedavati has chosen as her consort, embodying the principles of dharma.[34] (4) A major deity in Hinduism, whose heroism is compared to that of Kakutstha, indicating the king's exceptional qualities.[35]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The great Ishvara, considered the god of gods, who is meditated on and adored, described as the essence of all.[36] (2) A divine being worshipped in Hinduism, symbolizing virtues, wealth, and spiritual emancipation.[37] (3) The supreme lord central to the worship practices detailed, known for sustaining creation and protection of devotees.[38] (4) The lord associated with Shalagrama stone.[39]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The supreme deity portrayed as the creator, preserver, and destroyer; he embodies wonders and blessings.[40] (2) One of the principal deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver and protector of the universe.[41] (3) The eternal and great deity with whom Muni Narada wishes to obtain favor and habitation.[42]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The preceptor of the universe who intervened to protect Brahma and defeated the Rakshasas using his discus.[43] (2) A deity who stands in personal form at the location of the Kapila Sangama, known for bestowing pleasures and salvation.[44]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The form that Rama resumed after reigning for eleven thousand years, indicating his divine nature and return to heaven.[45] (2) The preserver deity who receives his name after falling into a deep slumber on the water, embodying maintenance.[46]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A deity associated with creation who created a lake that alleviates sins.[47]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The deity representing maintenance, connected with the Yajus hymns and the concept of permanence.[48]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The preserver god in Hinduism, who embodies mercy and goodness and is often involved in the cosmic balance.[49]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A deity in Hinduism, representing the ultimate divine being to whom Advaita Acarya is advocating for devotion.[50] (2) A principal deity in Hinduism, recognized as the preserver of the universe and often manifesting in various incarnations.[51] (3) A form of the Supreme Lord that some sinful persons may falsely claim to represent, thereby misleading others.[52] (4) One of the principal deities in Hinduism considered the Supreme Being by many followers and revered for his role in protecting creation.[53] (5) Vishnu is mentioned as a recipient of the rice offered by the Lord, indicating his significance within the religious context.[54]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The deity whom Sri Gaursundar embodies in principle and teaches His followers to serve, representing ultimate truth and divinity.[55] (2) The Divine Personality who manifests Himself to communicate the Truth and fulfills specific roles at different periods of creation.[56] (3) The Supreme Godhead in various forms, particularly in the context of His Avataras and manifestations alongside divine qualities.[57] (4) The preserver among the Hindu Trinity, who possesses the power to delude as well as reveal divine truths.[58] (5) A principal deity in Hinduism, worshipped by the Lord during His domestic rituals, signifying the continuation of spiritual practices.[59]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the name of a major deity, Shri Vishnu, who is present in various forms found within the heavens mentioned.[60] (2) The presiding Deity associated with the journey of yogis across realms and the ultimate destination of Vaikuntha.[61]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A major deity in Hinduism known for his roles as the preserver and protector within the cosmic order.[62] (2) A principal deity in Hinduism, whose remembrance is central to the teachings of the Padma Purana.[63]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The form of the Lord who attends to the function of sustentation within the Trinity, embodying both the Lord and the aspects of creation and order.[64]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) He is Vishnu, another significant form of the supreme deity in Hindu belief.[65]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Regarded as the soul of all, signifying the underlying presence of the divine in the corporeal form of the universe.[66] (2) A divine figure that symbolizes the ultimate destination of a spiritual journey.[67] (3) Vishnu is identified as the cause of origination, subsistence, and destruction within the universe and is associated with the highest Self.[68] (4) A deity considered the highest abode, mentioned in relation to the ultimate reality that the wise perceive.[69] (5) A divine figure synonymous with the Supreme Person in Vedic and Vedanta texts, embodying the principle of preservation and order in the universe.[70]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Regarded as the Supreme Goal and the highest among the Devas, surpassing even Brahman in significance.[71] (2) One of the principal deities in Hinduism, considered the preserver and protector of the universe, and often equated with the ultimate reality.[72] (3) A deity in Hindu philosophy, considered as the preserver and protector within the divine trinity.[73]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A deity that embodies the principle of maintenance in the universe; seen as a protector and preserver.[74] (2) A principal deity representing the aspect of preservation in the universe.[75]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) An important deity, often identified with the divine presence in various forms including Agni.[76]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The term referring to the all-pervasive aspect of Brahman, as mentioned in the text.[77]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A principal deity in Hinduism, known as the preserver and protector, and associated with 'The Self' in this text.[78]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The divine figure referenced as the embodiment of inner perception and the cause of the ability to perceive subtle objects.[79]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The Supreme Lord referenced in the text, associated with the state of rest and the central figure in the experiences of the Jiva.[80]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A deity revered in Hindu mythology, depicted here as the granter of desires and protector of his devotees.[81] (2) A major Hindu god who oversees the cosmic order and intervenes to help Pururavas reunite with Urvashi.[82]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A deity from whom a lotus arises, symbolizing the origin of greatness and purity.[83]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A principal deity in Hinduism, representing preservation and the maintenance of order in the universe.[84] (2) A principal deity in Hinduism, revered as the preserver and protector of the universe.[85]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The Supreme Lord in Madhva's philosophy, characterized as independent, free from imperfections and endowed with inexhaustible excellences.[86]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A deity for whom offerings are made in the sacrifice, symbolizing the supreme destination of the oblation.[87]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A principal deity in Hinduism, associated with the Sasbahu temple, where the remaining structure is a portion dedicated to him.[88]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) A principal deity in Hinduism, known as the preserver and protector of the universe.[89]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The divine cause or the embodiment of preserving energies in the cosmos, often referenced in the context of dissolution practices.[90]
Jain concept of 'Vishnu'
In Jainism, Vishnu is seen as a pivotal narrative figure, associated with divine characteristics, representing key aspects of the Ara congregation, and recognized for his role as the preserver and protector in Hindu mythology.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An important figure in the narrative, associated with divine aspects, indicated by the dreams.[91] (2) One of the figures mentioned in Ara’s congregation, representing a significant aspect of the narrative.[92] (3) A significant figure in Hindu mythology and theology, often depicted as a preserver and protector within the cosmic order.[93]
The concept of Vishnu in local and regional sources
Vishnu is a principal deity in Hinduism, associated with preservation and protection, invoked in various contexts such as temples, narratives, and social work, representing moral conflicts, and revered for his transformations and divine qualities.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The name of the husband, who is destined to be a great worker among the poor, and he eventually goes to an Ashram for social work.[94] (2) An icon of Lord Vishnu found in the garbhagriha, shown in a protective stance with symbols representing his divinity.[95] (3) One of the principal Hindu deities, associated with preservation and protection, whose name is referenced in the context of Lal Ded's inclusive view of God.[96] (4) A chief deity in Hinduism, representing preservation, who has conflicts related to moral actions, specifically related to the concept of sin and rebirth.[97] (5) A principal deity in Hinduism, who disguises as Jalandhar and is ultimately involved in the transformations of Vrinda and Tulsi.[98]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This is the name of a Hindu deity, also known as Narayana, considered a preserver of the universe, which is also referenced in the provided text.[99] (2) This term is a noun that signifies one of the three main deities venerated within the Hindu religious tradition, playing a crucial role.[100]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is one of the names for God, and a deity worshipped in a specific sect, and is not different from Shiva, according to the teachings, with both being names of the same God.[101] (2) He says that Brahman means Vishnu, not Shiva at all, because there is no salvation except through Vishnu.[102]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The deity whose Life is expressed as being well pleased with those who attentively listen to the sanctifying stories of the bhaktas.[103]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a unit of time, and is used in the context of defining time in Vishnu-loka, and is related to the nimesha, and the text also mentions his brightness.[104]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A deity invoked by the Parrots to express their wish for vengeance against the Crow for the danger it brought upon them.[105]