Lord Vishnu
Vaishnava
The preserver of the universe, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Vishnu maintains cosmic order (dharma) and descends as avatars to restore balance. His ten principal avatars (Dashavatara) include Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki.
Worship of Lord Vishnu — Puja, Vrat & Offerings
Lord Vishnu, the preserver, is worshipped on Thursdays and on every Ekadashi — the eleventh tithi sacred to Him. Offerings of tulsi (holy basil) leaves are essential; no Vishnu puja is complete without tulsi. Devotees chant "Om Namo Narayanaya" or the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names) for protection, prosperity and peace. Ekadashi fasting — abstaining from grains and beans — is considered one of the most meritorious observances in the Vaishnava tradition, granting spiritual merit equal to visiting many pilgrimages.