For other meanings, see
Vishnu (disambiguation). Vishnu (
IAST ,
Devanagari ), (honorific:
Sri Vishnu) also known as
Narayana is the Supreme Being (i.e.,
God ) or Ultimate Reality for
Vaishnavas and a manifestation of
Brahman in the
Advaita or
Smarta traditions of
Hinduism. The
Vishnu Sahasranama 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 'Universal Form' (
Vishvarupa) which is beyond the ordinary limits of human sense perception .
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[Hindu] In Hindu myth, the original Supreme Being who lies on the body of Shesanaga, the huge serpent on the Ocean of Milk. In some sources he is identified with the original man, and in others with Vishnu.