**Vishnu: The Preserver of the Universe**
**Full Name:** Vishnu
**Origin/Culture:** Vishnu originates from Hinduism, an ancient religion and way of life that has its roots in the Indian subcontinent.
**Domain/Role:** Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, known chiefly as the Preserver within the Trimurti, which also includes Brahma the Creator and Shiva the Destroyer. Vishnu’s primary role is to protect the universe from cosmic disorder (adharma).
**Symbol/Iconography:** Vishnu is commonly associated with a conch shell (shankha), a discus (chakra), a lotus flower, and a mace. These items symbolize his divine qualities.
**Mythology/Stories:** One of the most famous myths involving Vishnu is his Dashavatara, the ten avatars he assumes to restore cosmic order. These include Rama, Krishna, and Buddha among others, each avatar coming in response to a specific evil or disorder in the world.
**Family Relationships:** Vishnu is married to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. He does not have biological parents in the traditional sense, as he is considered a supreme being, but he is part of the Trimurti alongside Brahma and Shiva.
**Attributes/Qualities:** Vishnu is known for his compassion, mercy, and maintaining order. He is often depicted as a kind and benevolent god who intervenes in the affairs of the cosmos to bring balance.
**Depictions/Representations:** Vishnu is often depicted lying on the serpent Ananta, with Lakshmi massaging his feet, in the cosmic ocean. He is portrayed with four arms, each holding his symbolic items.
**Worship/Temples:** Vishnu is worshipped across India and in many parts of Southeast Asia. Famous temples dedicated to him include the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. His followers celebrate festivals like Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Krishna Janmashtami with great fervor.
**Symbols/Animals:** The eagle Garuda is considered Vishnu’s mount and one of his symbols, embodying the strength and speed Vishnu possesses in protecting the righteous.
**Historical Influence:** Vishnu’s worship has significantly influenced Hindu culture, arts, and philosophy, embedding his stories and teachings in the fabric of Indian civilization.
**Sacred Texts:** Vishnu is prominently mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas, Puranas, and the Mahabharata, which contains the Bhagavad Gita, a dialogue between Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) and Arjuna.
**Evolution:** Over millennia, Vishnu’s role and representations have evolved, absorbing local deities and traditions, making him a central figure in Hindu worship and theology.
**Modern Influence:** Vishnu’s influence extends into modern culture, with his stories and teachings inspiring literature, art, and cinema. His principles of dharma and balance resonate with contemporary spiritual seekers.
**Titles/Epithets:** Vishnu is known by several names, including Narayana, Hari, and Vasudeva, each reflecting different aspects of his divine nature.
**Sacred Sites:** The holy city of Dwarka in Gujarat, believed to be the kingdom of Krishna, is considered one of the four principal holy places (Char Dham) sacred to Vishnu.
**Attributes/Artifacts:** The Sudarshana Chakra, a spinning, disc-like weapon, is Vishnu’s most powerful artifact, symbolizing the mind’s power to overcome all obstacles.
**Allies/Adversaries:** Vishnu’s allies include his consorts, notably Lakshmi, and his mount Garuda. His adversaries are the demons and forces of chaos he combats to restore dharma.
**Cosmology:** Within Hindu cosmology, Vishnu is the central figure maintaining the universe’s balance, his avatars descending to earth whenever cosmic order is threatened.
**Philosophical/Religious Significance:** Vishnu embodies the concept of preservation and love, teaching devotees the importance of righteousness, compassion, and the pursuit of truth.
**Power Score:** Out of a score of 200, Vishnu would stand at a formidable 190, given his central role in maintaining the cosmos and his divine powers manifest through his avatars.
**Weapons/Tools:** Besides the Sudarshana Chakra, Vishnu wields a mace named Kaumodaki, a bow called Sharanga, and a sword named Nandaka.
**Attack Points:** Considering the divine nature and the mythological significance of Vishnu’s weapons, his attack points would be at the maximum, 50, symbolizing his unparalleled might in the pantheon of gods and deities.