Vishnu, or the ‘All pervasive one’, is the Preserver of the Universe and the One who maintains cosmic order. He is regarded as ‘Purushottam’ (the highest, or most complete manifestation of Godhead) and Narayan (the One in whom all beings reside). The Vedas describe Vishnu as residing in ‘Paramapadam’, the highest realm. This is a place beyond time and space and is the final destination of all beings that have broken free from the cycle of birth and death.

Vishnu is believed to take ‘Avatar’ (incarnate) on Earth during each cosmic cycle of the Universe. The Avatar destroys negative forces, protects the innocent, re-establishes the principles of Dharma and imparts spiritual teachings. Whilst Vishnu takes infinite Avatars, the Scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Purana and Vishnu Purana describe the ‘Lilas’ or pastimes of the 24 main Avatars of which Krishna, Rama and Narasimha are the most popular.

In our Mandir, Vishnu appears as Krishna, the incarnation that appeared approximately 5000 years ago in Mathura, North India. Scriptures such as the Bhagavad Purana and Mahabharata describe the detail of the pastimes of Krishna and his complex personality and roles. As a child, Krishna lives amongst the cow-herders of Gokul and Vrindavan. Here, He is remembered as the adorable child of Yashoda, a mischievous prankster and the Protector of cows. The Vrindavan Krishna is also the Supreme lover of the Gopis (milkmaids), who where enchanted by the melody of Krishna’s flute. Krishna later goes to Mathura to vanquish his evil Uncle Kansa and from there starts His adult pastimes which mostly centre around the Kingdom of Dwarka. Here, Krishna is remembered for His role as the skilled statesmen, ideal husband and Father, valiant warrior and mentor to his cousins, the Pandavas. Most significantly, Krishna acts as a Guru, or spiritual master, to his friend Arjuna, before the great Mahabharata war, where He reveals the ‘Bhagavad Gita’; the summary of the Vedic philosophy and science of yoga.