Vishnu

Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, known as the preserver and protector of the universe. In Sanskrit, his name probably means "all-pervasive," derived from the root विष् (viṣ) meaning "to pervade, to spread through." This etymology reflects his role as the immanent presence that sustains cosmic order. Within the Rigveda, Vishnu appears as a minor deity associated with three strides across the universe, a motif that later developed into his famous avatar Vamana (the dwarf). In post-Vedic literature, such as the Puranas and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, Vishnu emerges as a central figure, embodying divine mercy and protection.