The Three Forms of Vishnu: Understanding Maha-Vishnu, Garbhodakashayi, and Kshirodakashayi
In Vedic cosmology, Lord Vishnu expands into three distinct forms to manage creation, maintenance, and presence within the universe: Maha-Vishnu, Garbhodakashayi Vishnu, and Kshirodakashayi Vishnu (Paramatma). This post explores how each form operates at different cosmic levels — from creating countless universes to residing in the heart of every living being — and unveils the deep spiritual significance of the Paramatma, the Supersoul within.
1. How many Vishnus are there in this universe?
In Vedic cosmology (especially Gaudiya Vaishnavism), there is one Maha-Vishnu per material universe, but this concept is layered:
🔹 Three Main Forms of Vishnu (called Purusha Avatars):
- Maha-Vishnu (Karanodakashayi Vishnu)
- He lies in the Causal Ocean.
- From each breath of Maha-Vishnu, millions of universes are created and destroyed.
- Each universe comes out from His pores.
- Garbodakashayi Vishnu
- He enters each universe.
- Lies on the Garbha Ocean inside the universe.
- From His navel, Brahma is born on a lotus.
- Kshirodakashayi Vishnu
- He enters every living being’s heart as the Supersoul (Paramatma).
- He is also present in every atom.
- This form is also worshipped as Lord Vishnu in many temples.
✅ So, in each universe:
- 1 Garbodakashayi Vishnu
- 1 Kshirodakashayi Vishnu (Paramatma in everyone)
But only one Maha-Vishnu is lying outside the universes and breathing them out.
🟢 Summary:
There is one Maha-Vishnu, and each universe has one Vishnu (Garbodakashayi) and one Paramatma (Kshirodakashayi Vishnu) in every being.
2. Who is Paramatma (परमात्मा)?
Paramatma means Supersoul – the divine presence of God within the heart of every living being.
🕉 According to the Bhagavad Gita:
“Ishvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ hṛd-deśe ‘rjuna tiṣṭhati”
(Bhagavad Gita 18.61)
“The Supreme Lord is seated in the heart of all living beings, O Arjuna.”
Three aspects of the Absolute Truth (as per Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.11):
- Brahman – impersonal energy (light)
- Paramatma – localized aspect in everyone’s heart
- Bhagavan – the Supreme Person (Krishna)
➡️ Paramatma is the expansion of Krishna (or Vishnu) who guides the soul from within.
🌼 So, in essence:
- There are countless Vishnu forms (as Kshirodakashayi Vishnu in each being), but one Maha-Vishnu manifests universes.
- Paramatma is the localized aspect of God, guiding all souls from within the heart.
