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Vishnu is said to descend in the form of an avatar to restore cosmic order. [1] The word Dashavatara derives from daśa , meaning "ten", and avatāra , roughly equivalent to " incarnation ". The list of included avatars varies across sects and regions, particularly with respect to the inclusion of Balarama (brother of Krishna ) or Gautama Buddha .
[83] The text equates Vishnu to all knowledge there is (Vedas), calling the essence of everything as imperishable, all Vedas and principles of universe as imperishable, and that this imperishable which is Vishnu is the all. [83] Vishnu is described to be permeating all object and life forms, states S. Giora Shoham, where he is "ever-present ...
The chaturvimshatimurti are all represented as standing and holding the four attributes of Vishnu: the Sudarshana Chakra (discus), Panchajanya (conch), Kaumodaki (mace), and Padma (lotus). Symbolising the deity's different visible forms, the only difference between these images is the order of the emblems held by his four hands . [ 5 ]
Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna, is sometimes featured as an avatar of Vishnu in the lists of the Puranas, replacing Buddha, though he is also widely considered in other traditions to be a form of Shesha, the serpent of Vishnu. Other significant forms of Vishnu include Prithu, Mohini, Dhanvantari, Kapila, Yajna, and a third of Dattatreya.
Vaishnavism is centred on the devotion of Vishnu and his avatars. According to Schweig, it is a "polymorphic monotheism, i.e. a theology that recognises many forms (ananta rupa) of the one, single unitary divinity," since there are many forms of one original deity, with Vishnu taking many forms. [78]
In Srimad Bhagavatam, this is explained as: Karanodakashayi Vishnu is the first incarnation of the Supreme Lord, and He is the master of eternal time, space, cause and effects, mind, the elements, the material ego, the modes of nature, the senses, the universal form of the Lord, Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu, and the sum total of all living beings, both moving and non-moving.
Ramanuja differentiates between three types of devotees: power-seekers, liberation-seekers, and those seeking love and communion with the deity. While all three are considered dharmic, they are not equally significant in terms of liberation. Power-seekers pursue goals for overall benefit, while liberation-seekers seek unity with the divine.
Arjuna bows to the Vishvarupa of Vishnu-Krishna. Vishvarupa (Sanskrit: विश्वरूप, romanized: Viśvarūpa, lit. 'universal form'), [1] also spelt as Vishwaroopa and known as Virāḍrūpa, is an iconographical form and theophany of a Hindu deity, most commonly associated with Vishnu in contemporary Hinduism.