Deities & devotionNarayana, one of the Trimurti
Vishnu
The preserver, who returns as avatars.
Try it at home
On Ekadashi or a Thursday, chant Om Namo Narayanaya or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya 11 times.
Optional, as always. Adapt it to your family, region and health.
The wisdom
Vishnu, also called Narayana, is worshipped as the preserver of the world, who descends as avatars such as Rama, Krishna and Narasimha when order needs restoring.
Vishnu stands for steadiness and care: holding the world together, and stepping in when things fall apart.
What the evidence says
Evidence: TraditionalThe value rests on lived tradition and reasoning, not on tests.Research doesn't test devotion to a deity. Studies of chanting and prayer in general report calmer mood (see Mantra chanting); claims of blessings or results are matters of faith.
How we rate evidenceSignificance
What it means to the people who keep it. Faith-based meaning is described as belief, not as proven fact.
Ekadashi, Thursdays and the Satyanarayan katha are dedicated to him. He is shown resting on the serpent Shesha, with Lakshmi at his side.