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Oft-Ignored but not Forgotten Vishnu

Ask the Spiritual Explorer

Dear Spiritual Explorer: Could you write more about the Hindu God Vishnu? Corky P., Baltimore, MD

Vishnu Statue

Dear Corky: Thank you for asking that question. I have been remiss in not speaking of Vishnu and hope to make it up to you in this article.  I think perhaps I have ignored Vishnu a bit because of his position as Preserver in the Hindu Holy Triad. I must confess Vishnu just never seemed as interesting to me as Shiva, the Destroyer, being an iconoclast myself, or Brahma, the Creator. Perhaps I am not so much at fault since it appears that most people seem most to ask about the gods that emanate from Vishnu’s lineage, Krishna and Rama. Krishna and Rama are quite popular in Hindu mythology and about whom myriad myths and stories abound. I went to look at the Vishnu Statue that Ma’s India carries.

Contrary to my ignorance, it is said in the Bhagavat Purana that the most benefit can be had from worshiping Vishnu.  It is perhaps that Vishnu is the embodiment of goodness, mercy and compassion, three qualities that people are desperately seeking in this Yuga. Along these lines, the Bhagavat Gita also mentions that the purpose of this holy triad is to rejuvenate dharma and vanquish negative forces. I love the idea of rejuvenating dharma; it sounds so nonjudgmental and clever. I am not here to change dharma, restructure dharma or even purify dharma; I am here to rejuvenate it. Wonderful!

The name Vishnu means one who permeates, or one who has entered into everything.  Talk about a mystic’s dream. Vishnu’s consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty and fortune. Vishnu has four arms indicating his omnipresence and omnipotence. In his right hand he holds a discus, symbol of the wheel of time; his lower right hand holds the conch, symbol of the sound of Om. Vishnu holds the bow in his other hand, the symbol of arising of the universe. In his upper left hand, he holds a lotus, the symbol of the loving universe and all things that are good. His lower left hand holds his mace, a symbol of the option of individual existence.

Most importantly for our understanding, it appears that Vishnu helps souls survive the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, a good reason for paying homage to this god.  This particular statue of Vishnu is made from an ivory-like subtle material that contains microscopic glass beads for shine.  The Vishnu statue is very comely and inviting and will make a wonderful addition to your puja. Om Sri Vishnu Ki Jai!

If you have a question you would like to ask, send me your question. Ask The Spiritual Explorer