Vishnu

Vishnu is depicted with blue skin and four arms holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus. He is the most worshipped deity in Hinduism with extensive temple networks across India and the world. His primary role involves periodically descending to Earth as an avatar whenever dharma (cosmic law) is threatened by evil forces. These avatars span geological ages—from aquatic forms like the fish and turtle during primordial chaos, to humanoid forms addressing specific threats. The Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna (his eighth avatar) teaches Arjuna, is Hinduism's most revered philosophical text. Vaishnava traditions regard Vishnu as the supreme brahman, while other schools view him as one aspect of ultimate reality. His festival Diwali celebrates the victory of his Rama avatar over Ravana, while Janmashtami celebrates Krishna's birth. Vishnu worship encompasses diverse practices from devotional singing (bhajans) to philosophical inquiry.