Meaning of Vishnu Tattoos

Vishnu is one of the most important deities in Hinduism. He is a supreme being within Vaishnavism, known as ?the preserver?, who creates, protects and transforms the universe. Together with Shiva and Brahma, form the trimurti, the sacred trinity of Hinduism.

According to Indian culture, Vishnu has both benevolent and frightening representations. He is described as an omniscient being who sleeps on the spirals of the Adishesha serpent (which represents time) floating in an ocean. It is said that whenever the world is threatened through evil, chaos and destructive forces, Vishnu descends in the form of an avatar (incarnation) to restore cosmic order.

His image is usually represented by a man in blue, gray or black, with four arms, well-dressed and full of jewels. In each hand he carries a divine attribute: a conch shell, an energy disk, a lotus flower and a staff.

-The shell is called Pantchdjanya and has all the five elements of creationair, fire, water, earth and ether. When you blow on this shell, you can hear the sound that gave rise to the whole universe, Om.

-The energy disk or wheel is called Sudarshana and represents the control of the six feelings, serving as a weapon for cut off the head of any demon.

-The lotus flower is called Padma. It is the symbol of purity and represents the truth behind the illusion.

-The staff is called Kaumodaki and represents the force from which all the physical and mental strength of the universe are derived.