Lord Vishnu as the Sustainer of the Universe: Debunking the Myths and Understanding His Role
Lord Vishnu as the Sustainer of the Universe: Debunking the Myths and Understanding His Role
Lord Vishnu, the preserver among the Hindu triumvirate, is often a subject of fascination and misunderstanding in contemporary discussions of Hindu mythology. Many mistakenly believe that Vishnu is the supreme god, claiming that He operates everything in the universe. However, a careful analysis of Hindu scriptures, particularly the Bhagwata Purana and the Shiva Purana, reveals the nuanced roles each deity plays in the divine cosmos.
Understanding the Roles of the Hindu Gods
In the grand scheme of Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, along with Brahma and Shiva, forms the holy trinity known as the Trimurti. Their roles are not interchangeable or redundant; each deity has a distinct and essential function. Vishnu is often misunderstood as the supreme or ultimate god, when in reality, He is seen as the sustainer of the universe during times of harmonious balance, while Brahma and Shiva undertake roles in creation and destruction, respectively.
Why is Lord Vishnu Considered Sustainer?
Most people understand that Lord Vishnu’s existence and function on earth are crucial during the intermediate phases of the cosmic cycle. Unlike Brahma and Shiva, who are respectively responsible for creation and annihilation, Vishnu maintains the status quo, ensuring that the universe remains balanced and harmonious. Vishnu's primary duty is to uphold and protect dharma (righteousness) and preserve the essence of creation.
Interpreting Vishnu as a Supreme God
Some religious sects have misunderstood Vishnu's role, elevating Him to the position of a supreme god. It's important to note that while Vishnu’s role is vital, He is not viewed as the ultimate or sole creator of the universe. This misinterpretation arises from a misunderstanding of various texts, such as the Bhagwata Purana, which incorrectly portrays Vishnu as the supreme god in certain chapters. In reality, the Bhagwata Purana also acknowledges that Vishnu and Brahma were created from the Aadi Anant Jyotir Stambha of Shiva, highlighting Shiva's supremacy.
Roles of Brahma and Shiva
Brahma, the creator, initiates the cycle of creation, manifestation, and maintenance. On the other hand, Shiva, the destroyer, ensures the end of the cosmic cycle to facilitate the rebirth of the universe. While these roles might seem contradictory, they are interdependent. Brahma activates the process, Shiva ensures its timely conclusion, and Vishnu maintains the balance in between, thus embodying the constant flux of the universe.
The Significance of Vishnu's Invisibility
It is often said that Vishnu is 'invisible' to us, similar to the way a prime minister (PM) remains less visible than a president in the working of a country. The PM handles crucial tasks such as politics, current affairs, and foreign relations, while the president's role is more symbolic. However, when emergencies arise, like war, the PM's actions become paramount. Similarly, Vishnu’s role as the sustainer is often less visible, making Him seem less impactful compared to Brahma and Shiva. However, during critical times, His actions become more apparent, such as during periods of warfare or natural calamities.
The Worship Dynamics in Hinduism
In Hinduism, the relationship between Vishnu and other gods, particularly Shiva, is one of mutual respect and worship. Shiva, often seen as the "Adi Guru" (first teacher) and the "Ajanma Akarta (unborn Creator) and Abhokta (Unborn Enjoyer), does not worship anyone, as He embodies absolute spiritual existence. Shiva is considered the biggest devotee of Narayana (Vishnu); in every incarnation of Vishnu, Shiva himself appears to honor Vishnu's form.
The Shiva Purana explicitly states that Shiva is the biggest devotee of Narayana, and this vandana (worship) performed by Shiva towards Vishnu symbolizes the mutual respect and reverence. This internal worship, akin to the puja performed by Lord Rama and Lord Krishna towards Shiva, underscores the deep spiritual connections between these deities.
Clearing the Misconceptions
It is essential to understand that the concept of Vishnu as the supreme god is a misinterpretation. The role of Vishnu, as given by the Scriptures, is clear: He is the preserver and upholder of dharma. While He is a crucial part of the cosmic cycle, He cannot be considered supreme in the sense of being the ultimate source of creation. Instead, He is seen as a supreme among equals, embodying the essence of the universe during periods of stability and harmony.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lord Vishnu is revered as the preserver and sustainer of the universe. His role, though crucial, does not overshadow or negate the supremacy of other deities like Brahma and Shiva. Understanding the complex dynamics of Hindu mythology can help demystify the roles of each deity and their interdependence within the cosmic framework. By respecting the divine balance represented by the Trimurti, we can better appreciate the multifaceted nature of Hindu spiritual beliefs.