Vishnu

After emerging from the ocean, Lakshmi held a swayamvara. All gods and demons vied for her attention, but she garlanded Vishnu alone - choosing him because he was free of flaws and embodied righteousness rather than seeking power for its own sake.

Years after the war, Yudhishthira found Vidura performing extreme tapasya. Without a word, Viduras life-force left his body and merged into Yudhishthira. Vyasa revealed Vidura was Dharma incarnate, completing his mortal mission.

The demon Hiranyaksha dragged Earth (Bhudevi) to the depths of the cosmic ocean. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha (the cosmic boar), composed of Vedic sacrificial elements, dove into the primordial waters, battled Hiranyaksha for a thousand years, slew the demon, and lifted Earth on his tusks to restore cosmic order.

Sage Kashyapa married thirteen daughters of Daksha and became father of all beings - Devas through Aditi, Asuras through Diti, Nagas through Kadru, Garuda through Vinata. His progenys eternal conflict represents cosmic struggle.

In Pancharatra theology, the supreme Para-Vasudeva progressively emanates into four forms for cosmic administration: Vasudeva governs the soul; Sankarshana separates individual souls from matter; Pradyumna upholds dharma and governs the mind; and Aniruddha sustains the material world and facilitates liberation.

When asuras seize the pot of Amrita after ocean churning and fight among themselves, Vishnu assumes the form of Mohini - a woman of extraordinary beauty. Through charm and clever strategy, she distributes the nectar exclusively to devas, beheading demon Rahu with Sudarshana Chakra when Sun and Moon expose his disguise.

Vishnu appears as a dwarf brahmin during Balis great sacrifice. Despite guru Shukracharyas warnings, Balis generosity compels him to grant Vamanas request for three steps of land. The dwarf assumes cosmic form covering earth and heaven in two strides, placing his third step on Balis head - rewarding his surrender by making him lord of the netherworld.

Uluka, son of Shakuni, served as Duryodhanas final messenger before war, delivering deliberately provocative insults to ensure peace negotiations would fail. His name means owl and his fathers epithet Kaitavya suggests his low status made the embassy itself an insult. On the 18th day, Sahadeva decapitated him just before killing Shakuni.

When Sage Bhrigu kicked Vishnu on the chest, Lakshmi left in anger. Vishnu incarnated as Venkateswara to find her as Princess Padmavati. To marry her, he borrowed 1.14 crore gold coins from Kubera with a promise to repay by Kali Yugas end. Devotees believe their offerings help repay this divine debt.

Adishesha, the divine serpent serving as Vishnus couch, was mesmerized by Shivas cosmic dance and wished to learn this art. He had a vision of yogini Gonika praying for a son. As she offered water to the Sun God, a tiny snake appeared in her cupped palms and transformed into a human child - Patanjali, from pata (fallen) and anjali (prayer hands).

King Bhartrihari of Ujjain was disillusioned when he discovered his beloved wifes infidelity - revealed by Gorakhnath through illusions of multiplying queens. Shattered, the king sought Gorakhnaths guidance, who initiated him into the Nath tradition. Bhartrihari renounced his kingdom and became one of the most famous yogi-poets of India.

During Rathayatra in Puri, Lord Jagannathas chariot refused to move despite being pulled by wrestlers and elephants. Chaitanya placed His head against the back of the chariot and pushed lightly, causing it to roll forward effortlessly while the ropes lay slack.

As an infant, Nimai would cry constantly until the ladies around him chanted Hari Hari - only then would He smile radiantly. This pastime taught everyone to always chant the Lords holy names.

The leper Vasudeva, whose body was covered with worms, would carefully replace any worm that fell. When he missed meeting the Lord, he fainted in grief. Mahaprabhu returned and embraced him, instantly curing his leprosy and transforming him into a beautiful devotee.

The great scholar Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya lectured on Vedanta to Chaitanya for seven days. When he finished, the Lord brilliantly refuted Shankaracharyas impersonal interpretations and established devotional service as the true meaning. Sarvabhauma surrendered and became one of the greatest Vaishnavas.

The 16th-century Marathi poet-saint practiced social equality by sharing meals with the untouchables. His commentaries on Hindu scriptures and abhangas made spiritual wisdom accessible to common people.

When Chaitanya expressed concern about how Muslims could be saved, Haridas Thakur explained namabhasa - the shadow of the holy name. Even unintentionally uttering Gods name grants liberation, just as Ajamila was saved by calling for his son named Narayana.

The sage Atri and his companions were trapped by the Dasyus in narrow straits and earth fissures filled with heat. The Ashvins, responding to his prayers, freed him from his confinement and restored him to safety.

The story involves Lord Vishnu teaching Sage Narada about a sacred fast to help suffering humanity. It includes tales of a poor Brahmin, a woodcutter, and a sea-merchant who receive prosperity through worship, while those who break their promise are punished.

During a battle between Lord Vishnu and the demon Mur (Murdanav), Vishnu retreated to rest. To defeat the invincible demon, Lord Vishnu created Ekadashi - a being neither god, human, nor animal - who battled and defeated the demon, saving the three worlds.