Blue-skinned Vishnu and Rama are Earth-preserving deities, whose role is to keep the moral and natural orders intact and in balance. Rama works to defeat base human emotions such as greed, anger and fear, while Vishnu and his Earth-regenerating serpent Ananta protect the planet itself. They symbolize right livelihood, the husbanding of resources, and masculine nurturance. The archetype of the Husbandman, the All-Pervasive Sustainer Depicted as a mighty king, Vishnu is a kind and adaptable god who works continuously for the world's welfare. Traditionally associated with the sun, he always descends to earth in avataric (bodily) forms when the danger of total destruction is imminent. The three best-known of Vishnu's 10 avatars are Rama, Krishna, and Buddha. Others include Minha the fish avatar, Narasinha the lion avatar, Kalki the horseman avatar, and, according to some traditions, Jesus the son of Mary. |
