The Preserver of the Universe - Second of the Trimurti
Lord Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism and and the second member of the Trimurti (the Hindu trinity), along with Brahma and Shiva. He is known as the Preserver who maintains the protects the and sustains the universe. Vishnu is often depicted as a blue-skinned deity holding four arms resting on the divine serpent Shesha with his consort Lakshmi at his feet.
Vishnu has ten primary avatars (Dashavatara) who descend to earth to restore cosmic order (dharma) whenever it balance is disturbed by evil forces. His most famous avatars include Rama and Krishna.
ॐ नमो नारायणाय
ஓம் நமோ நாராயணாய
"Om, I bow to Lord Narayana (Vishnu)"
ॐ विष्णु गायत्री
ஓம் விஷ்ணு காயத்ரி
"Vishnu Gayatri - for divine wisdom and grace"
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
ஓம் நமோ பகவதே வாஸுதேவாய
"Om, I bow to Lord Vasudeva (Krishna form)"
Fish avatar - Saved the Vedas
Tortoise avatar - Supported Mount Mandara
Boar avatar - Rescued Earth
Lion-Man avatar - Defeated Hiranyakashipu
Dwarf avatar - Subdued Bali
Warrior sage avatar
Prince of Ayodhya - Ideal man
Divine statesman of Dwarka
Enlightened one - Taught non-violence
Future avatar - Will end Kali Yuga
Andhra Pradesh - Most visited Vishnu temple
Tamil Nadu - Largest functioning Hindu temple
Gujarat - Krishna's kingdom
Uttarakhand - Char Dham pilgrimage
Odisha - Famous Rath Yatra
Kerala - Krishna temple