Vishnu

(vish'noo.) [Sansk, the per vader.] (Hind. Myth.) One of the great deities of the Hindoo triad, ranking as the " Preserver," after Brahma, the " Creator," and before Siva, the " Destroyer." It is believed 670.-VISHNU AS NARAYANA. that he has appeared on earth nine times, his tenth avatar, or incarnation, having yet to come. The sects into which his worshippers are divided are very numerous. V. is often represented as Narayana (literally, floating on the waters). When floating on the primeval waters (Fig. 670), and resting on Sesha, his serpent of infinity the god Brahman coming out of a lotus, as a type of creative power, and Lakshmi or Srt, his wife, being seated at his feet. [s. 941] IMG:p0994_0.jpg:Gravür