Vishnu, Preserver of the Universe

Vishnu is called “the Preserver of the Universe.” He is said to be omnipresent and without shape, but is usually shown as crowned, four-armed, and blue (the color of clouds full of water); wearing earrings, with a jewel and a garland of flowers around his neck; holding a mace, chakra, lotus, shankha (conch used as a trumpet); and resting on Ananta, the infinite, immortal snake.

Vishnu and Shiva often cooperated in their exploits, and sometimes lines became blurred as to which one was which, resulting in, among other things, the god HariHara, half Vishnu (blue) and half-Shiva (white).

Vishnu’s vehicle is Garuda, the eagle, and he is commonly depicted as riding on his shoulders.