Vishnu · विष्णु

Vishnu is the preserver of the universe, who takes avatars such as Ram and Krishna to restore dharma.

Vishnu is shown resting on the serpent Shesha in the ocean of milk with Lakshmi, or standing with the conch, discus, mace and lotus in his four hands, riding Garuda. Tradition lists ten principal avatars (the Dashavatara), among them Narasimha, Vaman, Ram and Krishna. Many devotees worship him as Narayan or Satyanarayan.

Ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day of each fortnight, is the main observance for Vishnu; in many families Thursday is associated with him. Practices vary by tradition.