Vishnu-The Lord of the Universe-Chapter#8

Lord Vishnu- the most enchanting person of the Universe

FIVE FORMS OF MANIFESTATION OF LORD

The Supreme Lord manifests Himself in five different forms for the benefit of His devotees. These forms are 1) Para, 2) Vyuha, 3) Vibhava, 4) Antaryamin and 5) Archa.

Each one of these five forms is briefly described below:

1. Parama Roopa

Para is the transcendental form of the Supreme Lord in His Highest Abode called the Parama Pada. Those who are residents in the Paramapada called the Nitya Suris or the eternally free celestials, the souls released from bondage. This form of Lord Vishnu is therefore not open to the mortal people of the mundane world.



Vishnu and Lakshmi riding on Garuda-The Eagle

2. Vyuha Roopa

From the Puranas it is learnt that the Devas or demi-gods when in serious trouble approach Brahma the First-born and seek ways to solve their problems. The gods headed by Brahma reach the Milky Ocean where the Supreme Lord Vishnu is resting in His serpent couch in meditative sleep. The main purpose of manifestation in the Vyuha form seems to be to provide an opportunity to the Vedic gods to experience the blissful presence of the Lord so as to render devotional service to Him. This form is not available for ordinary humans who have to be satisfied with the Para and the Vyuha forms portrayed in images and murtis.




Lakshmi Idol

3. Vibhava Avatar

The descent of the Supreme Lord by way of incarnations is called Avatar. The need and purpose of such incarnations in various forms are found in Bhagvad Gita. Lord Krishna says ”Arjuna, whenever there is a decline of righteousness and unrighteousness takes the upper hand I will incarnate to save justice, for the protection of dharma and for the destruction of the wicked, therby re-establishing Dharma".

The two epics namely Ramayana and the Mahabharata describe in great detail the exploits of the Supreme Lord in His various incarnations.

Vibhava or descents of the Lord has its particular time and place and this form is available only to those who are living during the period of these Avatars. Others have to console themselves by hearing or reading about the Lord.




Lord Vishnu is resting on the Divine snake-Moolavar form
The Murti form can be seen in front.

4. Antaryamin Form

The term Antaryamin refers to the indwelling spirit form of the Supreme Lord in all humans. The Lord resides in each human beings, animals, plants. The Lord resides in a very subtle form in the inner recess of the human heart for the purpose of meditation in order to realize Him by His grace.



A portrait of Lord Vishnu

5. Archa Avatara

The words Archa avatara denote the descent of the Supreme Lord in image or murti form for adoration, prayer and worship. Of all the forms of the Lord, the Archa or murti form is visible to everyone and easily accessible for worship. Formless or attribute less Brahman (Creator), besides being incomprehensible, reduces the spiritual practice into a sterile, soul-less and tedious exercise. Name, images, idols add more interest to any subject. Murtis and images are the most favourable items for the concentration of mind for worship and meditation. Image worship serves the very useful purpose of prompting religious fervor, stimulating devotion and creating a spiritually elevating divine atmosphere.

Next Chapter#9: Idol Worship