Lesson 4: Vishnu
The incessant battle between the demi-Gods and the Demons are described. Vishnu uses his guile to help the demi-Gods.
The most popular aspect of the mythologies of Vishnu is his ten incarnations, which he assumed to vanquish evil from time to time. Nine are over and the tenth is awaited. The ten incarnations are also discussed in context with some other beliefs.
Introduction
We will begin with an early mythology of Vishnu that best symbolises the incessant battle between the demi-Gods and the Demons. We shall see how Vishnu uses his guile to help the demi-Gods.
The most popular aspect of the mythologies of Vishnu is his ten incarnations, which he assumed to vanquish evil from time to time. As Krishna, the eighth incarnation, He says in the Bhagwad Geeta that whenever the earth will be burdened by evil he will appear to eradicate the wicked and establish the rule of the good. The ten incarnations will also be discussed in context with some other beliefs.
We shall continue to use ‘Hindu Myths’ as a reference and shall refer to relevant material on the Internet.
Optional Exercises
1a. Continue with the reading of the epics.
