Attributes: Bronze. Cast. (The base can hold sacred objects and be blessed).

Size: 23cm

Description:

Appearance of Vishnu

Vishnu, also known as Vishnu, Narayana, or Paranirvana, is one of the three principal deities in Hinduism. He oversees the maintenance and protection of the universe and possesses a gentle disposition, often considered the protector of all beings. His appearance varies in Hindu iconography and scriptures, but the most classic depiction is of a handsome young prince with deep blue or dark blue skin, symbolizing the boundless universe and the sacred expanse (such as the ocean or sky). He typically possesses four faces and four arms, embodying multifaceted wisdom and power: the four faces resemble blooming lotuses, with the central face possessing a peaceful and benevolent expression, while the remaining three represent knowledge, power, nobility, masculine beauty, and wisdom and brilliance. He is clad in a yellow royal robe (symbolizing the earth and fertility), with feet shaped like lotus flowers and eyes like lotus petals. On his chest is a swirl of hair (Srivatsa), symbolizing auspiciousness. Around his neck is a jeweled necklace and a thick golden garland, often with a sacred thread (Yajnopavita) draped across his chest.

He is often depicted in either sitting or reclining positions: often seated on a lotus throne, symbolizing purity and enlightenment; or lying on the thousand-headed serpent Shesha (also known as Ananda), floating on the cosmic ocean. During these times, he is in a state of yogic slumber, with a lotus emerging from his navel, giving birth to the creator god Brahma. His mount is the divine Garuda, a large, golden-winged bird with a human face and an eagle's beak. It symbolizes speed and power, and can carry him throughout the universe. Another common image is Narayana, representing the "Cosmic Man." At this point, he appears with only two arms, holding no ritual implements, and sleeping on a snake bed, embodying the stillness of the unity of all things. Generally, Vishnu's image emphasizes balance and compassion. He is often accompanied by his wife, Lakshmi (also known as Sri), who holds a lotus, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.

Origins and Allusions of the Instruments He Worshipped

Vishnu's four arms typically hold four primary instruments: the Shankha, the Sudarshana Chakra, the Gada, and the Padma. These instruments are not merely weapons but also symbols of cosmic law. They derive from ancient legends of the Vedas and Puranas, and their origins and allusions often relate to his protective mission. Occasionally, the lotus is replaced by the Shankha or a sword, but the four core instruments remain unchanged. Details are provided below:

- **Shankha (also known as the Five-Life Conch or Paanchakya)**:

Origin: Derived from the myth of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan). The gods and asuras joined forces to churn the cosmic ocean (the Ocean of Milk) in search of the nectar of immortality (Amrita). Treasures emerged during the process, among them a giant conch shell, which Vishnu took as a ritual implement. Legend has it that the demon Panchajana (Five Births) stole the Vedas and hid them at the bottom of the ocean. Vishnu, transformed into a giant fish (Matsya), defeated the demon and retrieved the conch from its corpse, hence the name "Panchajana Conch." Blowing the conch shell emits the sacred sound "OM," which repels demons and purifies space. It symbolizes the five elements (earth, water, fire, wind, and air) and the origin of life. In battle, it reduces the enemy's hearing, representing the call of the universe and the spread of truth. In Buddhism, the conch symbolizes the widespread spread of the Dharma, as exemplified by Shakyamuni Buddha's turning of the Dharma wheel.

**Sudarshana Chakra**:

Origin: Forged from fragments of the sun god Surya, Vishnu received it from Agni, the fire god, or from Vishnu himself. Story: In Vedic times, it symbolized the sun's movement, spanning heaven and earth in three strides (as seen in the story of Vamana's incarnation). The chakra, resembling a six- or eight-axled ring, rotates continuously, possessing immense power and the ability to automatically pursue its enemies, never failing. It symbolizes the cycle of life and death, the eternal renewal of the universe, and the cycle of time. In epic poetry, it is often used to slay demons, such as protecting Shiva in his battle with the demon king Bhasmasura. In Buddhism, it evolved into the Dharmachakra, representing the Buddha's teachings. When Vishnu throws the chakra, it symbolizes the destruction of evil and the restoration of cosmic order.

- **Vajra (Gada):

Origin: One of the treasures that emerged from the churning of the Ocean of Milk, forged by Vishnu himself or obtained from Bhumi, the Earth Goddess. Allusion: It symbolizes primordial wisdom, the foundation of individual existence, and power. In mythology, it is used in close combat to destroy demonic obstacles. For example, when mediating a dispute between Shiva and Brahma, Vishnu threw the Gada, forcing Shiva to close his third eye and avert the destruction of the world. Another allusion is that when Vishnu transformed into the boar (Varaha), he used similar force to lift the earth. The Gada represents solid support. Its shape, like a club or hammer, embodies Vishnu's combination of force and compassion, destroying injustice while protecting the weak.

- **Padma:

Origin: Grown naturally from Vishnu's cosmic ocean or manifested from his hands, it derives from Vedic symbols of purity. Allusion: The lotus blooms from the mud, symbolizing purity, hope, and enlightenment. Emerging from the churning of the Ocean of Milk, it, along with Lakshmi, represents the nurturing power of water and the maternal womb. Holding a lotus, Vishnu performs the Abhaya Mudra, granting peace to devotees. In the creation myth, a lotus emerged from his navel, giving birth to Brahma. This allusion emphasizes the lotus's regenerative power—closing at night and blooming during the day, like the sun's movement. Occasionally, it becomes a divine bow, symbolizing the power of motion and maintaining cosmic balance. Lakshmi is often accompanied by a lotus, reinforcing its connotations of wealth and good fortune.

These ritual implements are not only Vishnu's weapons but also extensions of his divinity, originating from the churning of the cosmic treasure and reflecting his evolution from Vedic sun god to protector.

Mythology of Vishnu

Vishnu's myths are extensively found in texts such as the Rig Veda, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana. He appears in ten avatars (Dashavatara) to save the world from danger. The following are several key stories that highlight his protective role:

1. The Churning of the Ocean of Milk and the Nectar of Immortality:

The gods were defeated by the Asuras and lost the Nectar of Immortality. Vishnu proposed an alliance to churn the Ocean of Milk (the cosmic ocean), using Mount Mandala as a club and the serpent king as a rope. He transformed himself into a giant tortoise (Kurma) and dove into the ocean to hold up the mountain's summit, preventing it from sinking. Treasures emerged during the process, including his instruments and Lakshmi. Ultimately, the divine wheel slew the disruptive demons, and the gods drank the nectar and regained their strength. This story symbolizes cooperation and the manifestation of cosmic treasures, with Vishnu maintaining balance and preventing a war between gods and demons that would destroy the world.

2. The Three-Step Leap (Dwarf Avatar, Vamana):

The demon king Bali conquered the three realms, and the gods sought help. Vishnu, in the form of a small Brahmin dwarf, begged Bali for "three steps of land." After Balī agreed, Vishnu grew up, took his first step on the sky, his second on the earth, and his third on Balī's head, pressing her into the underworld. This allusion, originating from the Vedic tradition, symbolizes the sun's three steps (morning, noon, and evening) illuminating the world, restoring divine order, and emphasizing the superiority of humility and wisdom over force.

3. **Varaha (Boar Avatar) Saves the Earth**:

The demon Hiranyaksha dragged the earth into the sea. Vishnu, transformed into a giant boar, dove into the depths and battled the demon for a thousand years, ultimately slaying his enemy with his tusks and lifting the earth out of the water. This story embodies Vishnu's bravery and protection of the earth. The boar symbolizes primal power and later became the source of blessings for the Year of the Pig.

4. **Mediating the Dispute between Shiva and Brahma**:

Brahma and Shiva argued over the power of their respective gods. Angrily, Shiva drew his sword and slashed off Brahma's fifth head, prompting condemnation from the gods. Vishnu intervened, throwing the conch (to reduce hearing), the lotus (to block vision), and the pestle (to force the third eye), forcing Shiva to retreat and retreat to the Himalayas. This story emphasizes Vishnu's peaceful role, preventing a war between gods from destroying the universe. The instruments here demonstrate non-violent victory.

5. **Mohini Incarnates to Save Shiva**:

The demon king Bhasmatha, through penance, gained the power to turn his head to ash and attempted to harm Shiva. Vishnu, in the form of the beautiful dancer Mohini, seduced the demon king into a dance, which caused him to turn his head to ash. Shiva then sought Mohini's reappearance, leading to his own desires. This story, inspired by the churning of the ocean of milk, symbolizes Maya and gender fluidity, and Vishnu uses this to protect his allies.

6. **Main Avatars: Rama and Krishna**:

The seventh incarnation, Rama, is the protagonist of the Ramayana. Prince Rama leads his army to rescue his wife Sita and defeat the demon king Ravana, embodying justice and loyalty. The eighth incarnation, Krishna, is a hero of the Mahabharata. Born a shepherd boy, he guides the Pandits in their battle against evil and teaches the Bhagavad Gita, which teaches about karma and devotion. The ninth incarnation is Buddha, who confuses evil spirits and maintains order. The tenth incarnation is Kalki, who prophesies the end of the world and arrives on a white horse to end darkness.

These stories highlight the tradition of Vishnu's incarnations, evolving from fish and turtle to human, saving the world from the cycle of kalpas, and influencing Indian culture and even Buddhism (such as the guardian deity Narayana). His myths emphasize compassion, order, and reincarnation, and are still widely celebrated during festivals such as Diwali.