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India: Sandstone carving of the Hindu deity Vishnu represented in his cosmic sleep. Madhya Pradesh, c. 12th century CE

India: Sandstone carving of the Hindu deity Vishnu represented in his cosmic sleep. Madhya Pradesh, c. 12th century CE

Vishnu is the Supreme God of Vaishnavism, one of the three main sects of Hinduism. Vishnu is also known as Narayana and Hari.

The Vishnu Sahasranama declares Vishnu as Paramatman (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, the creator and destroyer of all existences, one who supports, preserves, sustains and governs the universe and originates and develops all elements within.

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