विष्णु
Trimurti · Sacred Day: Thursday
Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe — the supreme deity for the Vaishnava tradition. Whenever dharma (cosmic order) declines, Vishnu incarnates on earth in one of his ten primary avatars (Dashavatara) to restore balance. His consort is Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and fortune. Vishnu reclines on the thousand-headed serpent Shesha (Ananta) on the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara). From his navel grows the lotus on which Brahma sits and begins each cycle of creation. Vishnu is worshipped in forms including Narayana, Hari, Vasudeva, and Jagannatha.
Dark-blue complexion like a rain cloud, four arms holding the Shankha (conch), Chakra (Sudarshana discus), Gada (mace named Kaumodaki), and Padma (lotus). The Kaustubha gem rests on his chest and the Srivatsa mark above it. Yellow silk garment (pitambara). His vahana is Garuda, the celestial eagle. Lakshmi is often shown at his feet.
ॐ नमो नारायणाय ॥
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
ॐ विष्णवे नमः ॥