Lord Vishnu - 10 Amazing Facts About Lord Vishnu You Should Definitely Know

August 27, 2020

Lord Vishnu - 10 Amazing Facts About Lord Vishnu You Should Definitely Know

In Hinduism, Vishnu is one of the three principal gods. There's a tradition in Hinduism of honoring 3 major deities: Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. Vaishnavas claim that the Supreme Lord is Vishnu.

Here are some facts that you should definitely know!

1. According to Vaishnav Purana, Lord Brahma is born from a lotus out of the navel of Lord Vishnu after which he sets out to create the rest of the universe.

2. 10 Incarnations of Lord Vishnu: Collectively known as the “Dashavatara’s” have similarities with Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

i. Matsya (Fish)

ii. Kurma (Turtle)

iii. Varaha (Boar)

iv. Narasimha (Half man – Half lion)

v. Vamana (Dwarf)

vi. Parshurama

vii. Rama

viii. Balaram

ix. Krishna

x. Kalki (Future avatar)

3. Vishnu’s Only Female Avatar:

Vishnu's only female incarnation is Mohini, was originally introduced in the great epic Mahabharata. Myths suggest that during Samudra Manthan, she was among the most significant character in which she acquires 'amrita' from Asuras and offers it to Devas to make them immortal.

4. Vishnu’s Vahana:

Lord Vishnu rides on Garuda, the King of Birds who is an eagle. Garuda is the son of Rishi Kashyap and Vinita.

5. Vishnu Rocks found in Arizona:

There are volcanic sediment rocks found in Arizona, Grand Canyon that is named after Lord Vishnu

6. Which Astras does Vishnu carry?

Lord Vishnu has 4 arms and each carries Chakra, Gada, Padma, and conch.

7. When Lord Vishnu got cursed:

During a war between the Devas and Asuras, Bhrigu rishi’s wife “Kavyamata” agreed to shelter the Asuras who asked for her help to save them in her ashram. When Lord Indra reached the ashram and asked Kavyamata to handover the asuras, she denied. Then, all the gods requested Lord Vishnu to help them, so he used his Sudarshan Chakra against the armour of Asuras. while doing so Kavyamata's head got cut-off who was protecting her guests. Drowned in rage, Bhrigu Rishi cursed that Vishnu would have to take countless avatars on Earth and suffer pain and confinement due to his sin.

8. Who is the son of Vishnu and Lakshmi?

Lord Kamadeva/ Madana/ Manmatha is said to be the son of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi who also incarnated as Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukmini.

9. Four Headed Vishnu of Kashmir:

The Vishnu Chaturmukha is a very rare form of Vishnu once worshipped in Kashmir from the 8th and 9th centuries. The only location outside Kashmir where this 4 headed illustration can be found is in Khajuraho, which was built in the 10th century.

10. River Ganga is called “Vishnupadi”:

According to the Vishnu Purana, Ganga was created from the sweat of Lord Vishnu’s feet. Before descending to Bhulok (Earth), Ganga resided in the Devalok. Because Ganga directly touches Vishnu’s lotus feet, it is also known as “Vishnupadi” or “Bhagwat-Padi”. At the request of Sage Bhagiratha, Ganga descended to Earth after settling in “Brahma-Loka” (Lord Brahma’s abode).

According to another legend, Ganga is the daughter of Lord Brahma and was born out of his ‘Kamandalu’ when Brahma was washing Vamana’s feet (Vishnu avatar).