Legends of Lord Vishnu-Illustrated Tales of the Preserver of the World

Lord Vishnu has the highest place in Hindu Tradition. 4 Vedas, 6 systems of scriptural studies (shastras) and eighteen puranas sing His shining glories. He protects and runs the whole universe. He operates all the worlds. He has many names and forms as He directs all systems of all worlds. As the negativity mounts in the world, He takes a manifest Form and vanishes all fears and dark apprehensions, looming large.

His lore is infinite-equally pervading in those that move and those who move not. To resolve world's grave problems, He came as Dashrath's son-Rama and the magnificent flute player Krishna-in whose front, no negativity could come. Now, He would appear as Narsimha, protecting His dear devotee Prahlad and at other time as the acceptor of donation-Brahmin boy Vaman, getting better of the despotic demon king Bali.

His abode is the great ocean (Ksheer-sagar'); bedding is Shesha serpent and vehicle-the great eagle Garud. Lakshmi is His consort, signifying and bringing to the devotees, all wealths and majesties.

In this presentation, we narrate some of His tales from various sources of scriptures (puranas). The aim is to familiarize readers of some of the tenets of Hindu culture and traditions, more particularly to those born in Hindu families. English language would spread its reach to more and more people of the world. It is hoped that it would be of interest to those having interest in Hindu thought and its multi aspect spread; also who may have curiosity to know newer things. All the stories, characters, events and the outcomes-convey certain life-processes and their outcomes.

**Contents and Sample Pages**