The Significance of Lord Vishnu in Hindu Philosophy
Hindu philosophy and spiritual traditions heavily emphasize the significance of various deities who are ultimately manifestations of the Supreme Being, Paramaatma. Among these, Lord Vishnu holds a prominent place, often referred to as the preserver in Hindu trinity alongside Shiva (the destroyer) and Brahma (the creator). In this article, we will explore the profound significance of Lord Vishnu within Hindu philosophy and how his names and attributes are deeply intertwined with the Supreme Reality.
The Names and Attributes of Vishnu
According to the Rg Veda and other Vedic scriptures, many names attributed to deities such as Indra, Agni, and Surya originally belong to Paramaatma, the Supreme Being. The Vishnu Sahasranama (114th name) reveals Vishnu's association with the name 'Rudra,' signifying his role in curing the disease of Samsara, or the cycle of birth and death.
“Vishnu is acclaimed Rudra, for He heals the disease of samsara. He is Eeshaana, the ruler, for He rules the lords of the world. He is Mahaadeva, for He is great and splendid. He is known as Pinaakin, for those that have crossed the sea of life and obtained release take their stand on Him and drink in pure pleasure. He is Shiva, for He is absolutely blissful. Hari is Sharva, for He closes the gates of happiness against the wicked. The Lord is called Krittivaasa for He shelters or dwells in the body covered over with skin to guide it in life. He is called Virincha for He produces the world out of Himself. He is Brahma for He is perfect, and He is Indra, for He reigns supreme.”
Refutation of Pseudo-Shaiva Difficulties
Despite the claims of some pseudo-Shaiva fanatics and Hari-dveshis (enemies of Vishnu), who argue that these names applied to Shiva cannot be applied to Vishnu, this notion is refuted by the Narasimha Taapaneeya Upanishad. This Upanishad directly attributes these names to Lord Narasimha, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
“He who is our preserver, our parent, the creator of all who knows our abodes and knows all beings, he is one other beings come to him to inquire. The waters verily first retained the garbha in which all the gods were aggregated single deposited on the navel of the unborn creator in which all beings abide.”
Repetition of Devotional Hymns
The reiteration of devotional hymns in different texts underscores the complex yet consistent representation of Vishnu. For example, the Narasimha Taapaneeya Upanishad repeats sections from the Naarayana Sukta and Shri Rudram, reinforcing the belief that Vishnu holds a central and supreme position in Hindu philosophy.
“Vishnu therefore glorified that by his prowess He is like a fearful ravenous and mountain-haunting wild beast and because of that in his three steps all the Lokas abide.”
This is a direct depiction of the 13th mantra of the Naarayana Sukta. Additionally, the Shvetaashvatara Upanishad further supports this by attributing these names to Vishnu.
“Rudra is truly one for the knowers of Brahman do not admit the existence of a second. He alone rules all the worlds by His powers. He dwells as the inner Self of every living being. After having created all the worlds He, their protector, takes them back into Himself at the end of time.”
The Chaaga Pashu Nyaaya principle from the Purva Meemaamsa Shastra further clarifies that when a name is more specific, it should replace a less specific name in a context. Thus, 'Rudra' and 'Naaraayana' in the Vedic scriptures must refer to Lord Vishnu.
Conclusion
Through the analysis of Vedic texts and Upanishadic verses, it becomes evident that Lord Vishnu is the embodiment of the Supreme Reality, Paramaatma. The names and attributes attributed to deities in the Vedas ultimately point to the indivisibility of Lord Vishnu and his supremacy in Hindu philosophy.
Thank you for reading.
Shri Krshnaarpanamastu