Vishnu

Vishnu is a major god in Hinduism and Indian mythology, he is considered "the protector" of the universe. Other gods, Brahma and Shiva, are the creator and the destroyer of the universe. The original worship of Vishnu, by the Aryan conquerers or the Dravidian inhabitants is not known. In the ancient Vedas, Vishnu was ranked among the lower gods, and was associated with Indra, who in the epics fought the dragons and the demonic forces. He was raised to higher rankings within the Hindu pantheon, he became the prominent second god of the Trimurti, the Hindu Triad, with Brahma first and Shiva third. In Puranic literature, he is said to be an eternal, all prevading spirit, and is associated with the primeval waters. The primeval waters believed to have been omnipresent before the creation of the universe. Being the preserver evolved from two other beliefs: that men attain salvaton by faithfully following predetermined paths of duty, and that the two powers of good and evil (gods and demons) are in contention for domination over the world. Vishnu is pictured always with blue or black skin, and usually four arms. The four arms express dominon over the four directions of space. 1. The Quest for Knowledge 2. Family Life 3. Retreat into the Forest 4. Renunciation They further signify the four aims of life, these are: a. Duty and Virtue b. Material Goods, Wealth, and Success c. Pleasure, Sexuality, and Enjoyment d. Liberation

Vishnu means "all prevading", and is the protector of the world and the restorer of moral order (dharma). He is described as being peaceful, compassionate, and merciful. Vishnu is often pictured with his consort, Lakshmi, and usually has four arms, and each hand is holding something that symbolizes his divinity: the conch, the discus, the lotus, and the club. A curl of hair on his chest symbolizes immortality, he also wears the jewel of Kaustubha around his neck. Vishu is best known through his ten avatars (or incarnations), which appear on earth when there is disorder in the world: 1.Matsya (fish) 2. Kurma (turtle) 3. Varaha (boar) 4. Narasimha (man-lion) 5. Vamana (dwarf) 6. Parashurama (warrior-priest) 7. Rama (prince) 8. Krishna (cow herd) 9. Buddha (sage) 10. Kalki (horseman, who has yet to appear)

"The world rests as the lotus in the palm of my hand, and the cosmos revolves around my finger like a discus. I blow the music of life from my conch, and wield my mace to protect all creatures." - Vishnu

=Citations=

__Vishnu.__ Alan G. Hefner. 26 May 1999. Encyclopedia Mythica. 7 September 2009. www.pantheon.org/articles/v/vishnu.html

__Vishnu.__ Nita Kumar. 2002. India Exotic Arts and Religion Facts. 7 September 2009. www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/deities/vishnu.htm

"Vishnu." //World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras//. ABC-CLIO, 2009. Web. 9 Sep. 2009. .

For this project we used both the MICDS library databases and we used the search tactics which Ms. Williamson taught us on Tuesday. The library databases are great tools which offer very detailed and high class information for use in projects just like these. The databases offer information that is there specifically for use by students like us. It is trusted and accurate information so we know that what we are using is correct.The search tactics that we learned on Tuesday are also great to use for projects like these. These strategies will eliminate most unwanted search results. This makes the project both easier and simpler.