Mahavishnu

For the album by Mahavishnu Orchestra see Mahavishnu (album)

In Hinduism, Mahavishnu (Devanagari: महाविष्णु) is an aspect of Vishnu, the Absolute which is beyond human comprehension and is beyond all attributes. In Vaishnavite theology, the term is similar to Brahman and Almighty God. It is also often used interchangeably with Vishnu to indicate reverence, as the prefix "Maha" exalts the noun to which it is attached.

Mahavishnu is said to lie in the causal ocean or the Karanodak. He simply glances on Mahamaya and therefore puts in her the seed of this material universe. Mahamaya remains the ever obedient material energy of the supreme lord. All the natural elements like sky, fire, water, air and ether are created and also along with that are created mind, intelligence and false ego.

After, this Mahavishnu enters each of the many universes so created (seeds emerging from the pores of his skin). He is then said to be the Garbodakshayi Vishnu in these individual universes. It can be understood that Garbodakshayi Vishnu is the collective of all souls in a particular universe and Mahavishnu is the collective of all souls in all of the universes.

From the Garbodakshayi Vishnu, then emerges Brahma who is the creator of the planetary systems.

See also

• Parasiva