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a) Vishnu (also known as Narayana is the Supreme Being or Ultimate Reality for Vaishnavas and a manifestation of Brahman in the Advaita or Smarta traditions of Hinduism.The Vishnu Sahasranama[1] describes Vishnu as the All-Pervading essence of all beings, the master of and beyond the past, present and future, the creator and destroyer of all existences, one who supports, sustains and governs the Universe and originates and develops all elements within.In the Puranas, Vishnu is described as being the colour of clouds (dark-blue), four-armed, holding a lotus, mace, conch and chakra (wheel). Vishnu is also described in the Bhagavad Gita as having a 'Cosmic Form' which is beyond the ordinary limits of human sense perception [2].It is also within the Puranas that the information regarding Vishnu's avatars is given. Nine of these avatars, or 'incarnations' are described as having occurred in the past, with one still to happen at the end of Kali Yuga. The Bhagavad Gita mentions their purpose as being to rejuvenate Dharma[3] and vanquish negative forces.In the Dvaita[4] Vaishnava traditions, Vishnu is the Supreme Being. Within the Advaita traditions, Vishnu is viewed as one of many 'forms' of the ultimately formless Brahman; however, Smarta adherents worship Vishnu as one of the five principal forms. In virtually all the Sanatana Dharma traditions, Vishnu is worshipped, either directly or through the Narasimha, Rama and Krishna avataras.In the Trimurti, Vishnu is responsible for the maintenance or 'preservation' of the universe, with the other roles of creation and destruction being under the care of Brahma and Shiva, respectively.According to various Purana, Vishnu is the ultimate omnipresent reality, is shapeless and omnipresent. However, a strict iconography governs his representation, whether in pictures, icons, or idols:
- He is to be depicted as a four-armed male-form: The four arms indicate his all-powerful and all-pervasive nature. The physical existence of Vishnu is represented by the two arms in the front while the two arms at the back represent his presence in the spiritual world. The Upanishad titled Gopal Uttartapani describes the four arms of Vishnu.
- The color of his skin has to be new-cloud-like-blue: The blue color indicates his all-pervasive nature, blue being the color of the infinite sky as well as the infinite ocean on which he resides.
- He has the mark of sage Bhrigu's feet on his chest.
- Also on his chest is the srivatsa mark, symbolising his consort Lakshmi.
- Around his neck, he wears the auspicious "Kaustubha" jewel, and a garland of flowers (vanamaalaa).
- A crown should adorn his head: The crown symbolizes his supreme authority.
- He is to shown wearing two earrings: The earrings represent inherent opposites in creation - knowledge and ignorance; happiness and unhappiness; pleasure and pain.
- He rests on Ananta: the immortal and infinite snake
