Vishnu is the lord of preservation and is known as the All-Provider. He performs the cosmic function of cohesion. The constructive nature of his cosmic function stands out in contrast against the destructive dispersive power of Shiva. Vishnu’s function is to ensure the sustenance of the universe that Brahma has created. He represents the cosmic cause of existence and the symbolization of eternal life which keeps the universe as one.
Though he is one of the three Gods comprising the Trinity, his status in the minds of a big number of followers of Hinduism (this sect is often known as Vaishnavas) rose with time and eventually he came to be viewed as the Supreme God. He is deemed to be omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. The Padma Purana identifies Vishnu with Brahman, the Supreme Being. Its version of the beginning of creation is thus: When the Supreme Being (identified as Vishnu himself), wanted to create the universe he transformed himself into three powers - the right side of his became Brahma, the Creator, the left became Vishnu, the Preserver and the middle portion became Shiva, the Destroyer.
Vishnu is seen as
being the divine arbitrator of all disputes - whether involving humans
or gods. He ensures the establishment of peace by interceding on behalf
of others. Vishnu personified tolerance and patience and gentleness is
the hallmark of his personality.
The name Vishnu owes its root to the word “Vish”, which indicates
“spreading in or pervading all directions”. It is indicated that he
is the core in all that exists as well as the force which keeps
everything tied. He is said to pervade everything just as an infinite
ocean. It is this ocean from which the universe is said to have emerged.
Since water is also known by the word “Nara”, his name Narayana, has
a natural linkage with water. Narayana literally means he who moves on
the waters.
The Hindu religious texts of the Puranas and some of the minor Upanishads elaborate upon the significance of the symbolization of Vishnu in Hindu religious art form. He has two popular representations - both incorporating his symbol, water. He is often shown as resting on the coils of the thousand headed serpent God, Sheshnag, who in turn is seen surrounded by the waves of a vast ocean (often an ocean of milk - or the Ksheersagara), with its hood open over the head of Vishnu. The river Ganga is said to originate from Vishnu’s feet. Another frequent presence in this representation is the depiction of Brahma, the creator, sitting on a lotus that grows out of Vishnu’s navel. Vishnu is shown as having four arms, each of which holds one each of the four divine objects that Vishnu carries. The other popular representation shows him with his four hands and four divine possessions, standing on the waves of a vast ocean (again, often of milk).
This ocean of milk on which Vishnu resides is the symbol of our inner self, or our Anthakarana - the consciousness in Man which is as pure as the white in an ocean of milk. God is thus shown as residing in our own inner self. It is said that one can become aware of one’s inner self only by ridding oneself of all negative thoughts and feelings, controlling one’s senses and by the practice of Namasmarana (reciting God’s name), service and meditation. The abode of Lord Vishnu is called Vaikuntha, which according to Hindu mythology, is a place of great riches and where there is no sorrow. Vaikuntha basically points towards an ideal state of mind free of sorrow or grief or pettiness when the mind unites with God.