Vishnu

Vishnu is one of the most important deities in Hinduism, revered as the Preserver God in the Trimurti (the Hindu trinity of supreme divinity, which includes Brahma the creator and Shiva the destroyer). The name itself is derived from the Sanskrit root 'vish', meaning 'to pervade' or 'to enter into everything', signifying his omnipresence. He is often depicted as a blue-skinned being, resting on a cosmic serpent, Shesha, and is associated with cosmic order, righteousness, and protection.

The worship of Vishnu dates back to ancient Vedic times, though his prominence grew significantly in the Puranic era. Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism, centers its worship on Vishnu and his various avatars (incarnations), such as Rama and Krishna. The Vishnu Sahasranama, a list of 1,000 names of Vishnu, is a popular prayer that highlights his numerous attributes and forms.