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The pervader and maintainer of the universe Lord Vishnu is represented in Indian sculpture most usually as standing straight like a pillar. Vishnu's four arms symmetrically hold his main attributes: conch, wheel, mace and lotus. The conch, born from the primordial ocean - with its structure spiraling from a single point, is a symbol of the origin of existence. The wheel signifies the cycle of time. The mace represents the power of knowledge, while the lotus is a symbol of the unfolded universe risen from the ocean of creation.
In addition to the standing image of Lord Vishnu, which is an anthropomorphic version of the concept of the cosmic axis, Vishnu may assume two other positions, seated and reclining. Together, these there postures render the mode of the god’s pervasive presence in the cosmos and during its dissolution, when in yoga nidra Vishnu reclines on Shesha-naga, the serpent whose name means “remainder”.
Vishnu also takes avatara, or incarnation. The general purpose of avatara is to bless his bhaktas with an icon they can express their devotion to. While specifically, each avatara is assumed by the supreme Vishnu for a particular end, as the situation demands. Each avatara or divine descent, though known to have come about at a definite time, remains valid for all times.
The ten avatars (Dasavatar) of Lord Vishnu are: (1) fish (Matsya); (2) tortoise (Kurma); (3) boar (Varaha); (4) man-lion (Narasimha); (5) dwarf (Vamana); (6) Rama with the axe (Parashurama), (7) Rama, the ideal king; (8) Krishna; (9) Buddha; and (10) Kalki, the savior yet to come.
FAQs
Q1. What should not be offered to Lord Vishnu?
According to Vaishnavism philosophy, Lord Vishnu is regarded as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, the standard of worshiping Him should be followed based on the rules and regulations set by the Vedic scriptures and bona fide Guru Paramapara (disciplic succession). It is highly recommended that food items containing onion and garlic (tamasic in nature) should never be offered to Lord Vishnu. The food should be cooked with the consciousness of love and devotion and taking care of proper hygiene.
Q2. What do the objects Vishnu holds represent?
The Supreme Lord Vishnu is usually portrayed as having four arms and each arm holds different objects. Between the two fingers of His upper left hand, He holds the spiral Conch shell named Panchajanya. It represents the spiraling cycle of Samsara (material existence) revolving around birth, death, old age, and disease. With His lower left hand, He carries the Kaumodaki club that symbolizes the power of transcendental knowledge. The Sudarshan Chakra (discus) held in His upper right arm represents that whenever necessary, He restores Dharma by killing the Asuras. Finally, the beautiful lotus flower in His lower right hand represents His purity and transcendence.
Q3. Can we keep Vishnu statue at home?
Keeping the statue of the all-auspicious Lord Vishnu at home will bring all kinds of auspiciousness into your life. One who surrenders unto the lotus feet of the Lord gets liberation from the cycle of repeated births and deaths. It is described in the Vedic scriptures that the purpose of human life is to engage in the loving devotional service of Lord Vishnu and revive our long-lost eternal relationship with Him. The idol of the Lord acts as a medium to offer our heartfelt prayers to Him.
Q4. Which direction should Vishnu face?
Lord Vishnu must sit in the northeast corner or eastern side of the house facing East to West or West to East according to the various temple Vastu tips. It should be a calm and quiet place preferably the puja room of the house. However, one must also consider the rooms nearby. Make sure that it is never placed on adjoining walls of/in a bathroom or a bedroom.
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