Legends of Lord Vishnu state about various mythological stories and fascinating tales that portray him as the all pervading and adoring Lord among the Trinity. Lord Vishnu worshipped as the Supreme Being in Vaishnavism. Commonly known as Narayana or Hari, Vishnu is known as the preserver of the universe. Vishnu is regarded as one of the most influential member of the Hindu trinity of Gods, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva. He is the force and light that pervades in all the directions.
The all pervading Lord is associated with several interesting legendary fables in different forms. Some of the legends have been mentioned below:
Legend of Lord Vishnu and Sage Bhrigu
The legend of Lord Vishnu and Sage Bhrigu states about the test of the Lord. Sage Bhrigu visited the three lords to decide the qualities of the Gods with a view to make a decision who deserved their worship. After visiting Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, the sage visited Lord Vishnu who was then sleeping. In order to test his nature, the sage kicked him on his chest. The Lord however, instead of losing his temper asked the sage whether he was hurt. The sage impressed with his modesty and decided that he alone among the trinity of Gods deserved to be worshipped.
Legend of Lord Vishnu and Shukra
According to a legend, once the Devas waged war on the demons. Sage Shukra, the priest of the Asuras then assured them to provide support. Sage Shukra"s mother then helped them by defeating Lord Indra with her magical powers. The later petrified and alarmed asked Lord Vishnu to annihilate her. Vishnu, as requested by Indra, chopped off her head but was cursed by Sage Shukra to be born seven times in the mortal earth.
Legend of Lord Vishnu and Vrinda
According to a legend, Lord Vishnu was once cursed by Vrinda, the wife of Jalandhara, for deceiving her. Enraged at this deception of Lord Vishnu, Vrinda cursed that in his next birth as Lord Rama, his consort Sita would be kidnapped by Ravana with the help of Maricha.
Legend of Lord Vishnu and Bhasmasura
Bhasmasura, a devotee of Lord Shiva, was once blessed with the boon of turning to ashes anyone on whose head he placed his hand. The demon, to test the efficacy of this boon, tried to put his hands on Shiva. To save him, Vishnu took the form of a beautiful seductress Mohini and began dancing with him. Bhasmasura tried to copy all the mudras that Mohini enacted. The dancer then put her hands on her own head while dancing and following her Bhasmasura too placed his hand on his head that turned him to ashes.
Legend of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma
According to a legend, once Lord Brahma was eulogising about himself to his devotees. Lord Vishnu, to make him realise his mistake took him to a realm of the universe. There Lord Brahma met few sages meditating for eons. Upon seeing them and recognizing their deep knowledge, the Lord realised his mistake and shunned his ego.
