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India / Bangladesh: Vishnu with Lakshmi and Sarasvati, Bengal, 12th century

India / Bangladesh: Vishnu with Lakshmi and Sarasvati, Bengal, 12th century

Vishnu (Sanskrit विष्णु Viṣṇu) is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God.

The Vishnu Sahasranama declares Vishnu as Paramatma (supreme soul) and Parameshwara (supreme God). It describes Vishnu as the All-Pervading essence of all beings, the master of - and beyond - the past, present and future, one who supports, sustains and governs the Universe and originates and develops all elements within. Vishnu governs the aspect of preservation and sustenance of the universe, so he is called 'Preserver of the universe'.

Lakshmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī, Tamil: லட்சுமி latchumi, Telugu: లక్ష్మి, Lakshmi) is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm.

Saraswati (Sanskrit: सरस्वती, Sarasvatī , Tamil: சரஸ்வதி, Sarasvatī , is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. She is the daughter of Brahma, sometimes also described as his consort.

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