As the preserver and restorer of the cosmic order, Vishnu plays a major part in Hindu theology. Vishnu stands for divine upkeep and the loving side of the ultimate reality that sustains all existence for anyone wishing to grasp Hinduism and maybe embrace its spiritual traditions.

Vishnu's cosmic position

Hindu cosmology holds that the cosmos passes continuously through creation, preservation, and destruction. Vishnu, in the cycle of eternities, acts as a preserver who preserves a cosmic balance between the creative power (Brahma) and the disintegrative force represented by dissolver Shiva. Vishnu is the refuge of the cosmos in Padma Purana (1.2.23) and the maintainer of dharma, the defender of all beings. 

Perhaps the most approachable Hindu scripture to outsiders is the Bhagavad Gita, which shows Vishnu via the devi Krishna. In the Gita (4.8), Krishna clarifies the divine aim: "To protect the righteous, to destroy the wicked, and to reestablish dharma, I manifest myself age after age." Divine Attributes and Symbolism

Vishnu is usually represented with four arms, holding objects that are symbolic:

The Conch (Shankha) stands for the primal sound of creation 
The Discus (Sudarshana Chakra), symbol of the cycle of time and divine protection The Mace (Gada) stands for mental and physical strength The 
Lotus (Padma) symbolizes spiritual purity and liberation

The Vishnu Purana (1.22.56) describes: "He who understands these divine symbols of Vishnu attains liberation from the cycle of rebirth."

Vishnu reclines on the cosmic serpent Shesha (also called Ananta) floating on the cosmic waters. The Bhagavata Purana (10.3.15) portrays this as: "The Lord who rests upon the waters of creation, whose navel gives birth to the universe."

Vishnu's Avatars: Divine Descents

Perhaps the most approachable aspect of Vishnu for newcomers to Hinduism is his concept of avatars (divine incarnations). The Bhagavata Purana details ten major incarnations (dashavatara) through which Vishnu descends to restore cosmic balance whenever evil threatens to overwhelm good.

The most widely recognized avatars include:

  1. Rama – The ideal ruler and embodiment of dharma celebrated in the Ramayana
  2. Krishna – The divine teacher of the Bhagavad Gita who reveals the paths to liberation
  3. Buddha – Recognized by many Hindu traditions as an avatar who appeared to reform spiritual practices

" He who grasps these divine signs of Vishnu achieves freedom from the cycle of rebirth," says the Vishnu Purana (1.22.56). 

Reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha—also known as Ananta—Vishnu is floating on the cosmic waters. This is presented in the Bhagavata Purana: ' The Lord, who rests upon the waters of creation, whose navel gives birth to the universe.'

Devotional Approach to Vishnu

One of the most accessible subjects regarding Vishnu for any newcomer to Hinduism is that of his avatars (divine incarnations). The Bhagavata Purana lists ten most important incarnations (the dashavatara) used by Vishnu whenever evil threatens to uproot good in order to restore cosmic balance.  

The most recognized avatars are: 

Rama, the epitome of dharma and the perfect king, honored in the Ramayana 

Krishna—The holy guru of the Bhagavad Gita—who exposes the road to emancipation's paths 

Buddha-The Avatar who some Hindu traditions accepted to come to reform the spiritual practices

The Bhagavata Purana (1.3.28) states: "Whenever dharma declines and adharma prevails, the Lord manifests himself in various forms." 
 
Devotional Approach to Vishnu 
 
For devotees attracted to Vaishnavism, developed largely around loving devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu, there is the cult of Vishnu itself. Vishnu Sahasranama-the thousand names of Vishnu found in the Mahabharata-is recited daily by devotees. 
 
The Narayaniya from the Mahabharata (12.326.100) proclaims: "Those who worship Vishnu with undivided devotion cross over all obstacles in life."
 
Starting Your Spiritual Path
 
If you feel attracted to Vishnu and want to integrate the teachings: 
 
Start by reading the accessible translations of the Bhagavad Gita, chapters 9-12 being the most pertinent on devotion 
 
Practice the easy mantra: "Om Namo Narayanaya" (I bow to Narayana, another name for Vishnu) Read the stories of the avatars of Vishnu in the Bhagavata Purana  
 
The Vishnu Purana (6.8.57) also comforts us with: "Even the smallest devotion offered to Vishnu with a sincere heart yields immeasurable results."  
 
Do bear in mind that Hinduism embraces diverse paths to spiritual realization. The compassionate attribute of Vishnu includes all sincere seekers irrespective of background, making him a fitting focus for someone beginning to explore Hindu traditions.