In Vaishnava theology, especially in the Bhagavata Purana and Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Vishnu is described in three primary cosmic forms (often called the Three Vishnus):
1.
Mahā Viṣṇu
(Kāraṇodakaśāyī Viṣṇu)
- Lies in the Causal Ocean (Kāraṇa-jala)
- From His breathing, innumerable universes emanate
- The source of all material creation
- Exists outside the material universes
➡️ He is the first expansion involved in creation
2.
Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu
- Enters each individual universe
- Lies on the Garbhodaka Ocean inside the universe
- From His navel emerges Brahmā, the creator
- Maintains the universe from within
➡️ One form per universe
3.
Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu
(Paramātmā)
- Resides in the Ocean of Milk (Kṣīra Sāgara)
- Dwells in the heart of every living being as Paramātmā
- Also present within every atom
- The form humans often worship as Viṣṇu
➡️ The Supersoul guiding all beings
Summary Table
|
Form of Vishnu |
Role |
|
Mahā Viṣṇu |
Creates innumerable universes |
|
Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu |
Maintains each universe |
|
Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu |
Guides all living beings |
If you want, I can also explain this with a simple diagram, or relate it to Krishna in different Vaishnava traditions 🙏
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