History of Lord Vishnu – Origin, Avatars, and Role as the Preserver
Lord Vishnu is one of the most revered and central deities in Hindu tradition. Known as the Preserver of the Universe , Vishnu represents stability, balance, and cosmic order. While Brahma is associated with creation and Shiva with dissolution, Vishnu’s role is to protect dharma (righteousness) and restore harmony whenever chaos threatens the cosmos. The history of Lord Vishnu is vast, layered, and deeply philosophical, spanning from the earliest Vedic hymns to epic narratives, Puranic lore, and living devotional traditions followed by millions today. Origins of Lord Vishnu in the Vedic Period The earliest references to Vishnu appear in the Rig Veda , the oldest of the Vedic texts. In these hymns, Vishnu is not yet the supreme god he later becomes, but a cosmic force associated with light, space, and order . He is described as the deity who takes three great strides , measuring the universe and establishing cosmic stability. This concept later evolves into the famous Vaman...