Vishnu

Vishnu is the preserver of the Trimurti (Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwar), the god who sustains and protects the universe. He is depicted four-armed, holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus, riding the eagle Garuda; during the intermediate period of creation he is believed to rest on the cosmic serpent Shesha on the ocean of milk. Through his ten principal avatars (from Matsya to Kalki) he protects the world — among them Rama and Krishna, described separately in this app. The Ekadashi fast is observed in his honour, and the Bhagavata and Vishnu Puranas are the principal texts of his worship.