Depiction of Narayana and Vishnu in the Vedas

In the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, the Vedas provide significant insights into the nature and hierarchy of deities, including Lord Vishnu-Narayana. The Vedas, being the oldest and most sacred texts in Hinduism, contain numerous hymns and verses that mention both names, each with its unique significance. Let's explore these mentions and their interpretations.

Narayana in the Vedas

Primarily found in the Yajur Veda, the Narayana Suktam provides a detailed description of Lord Narayana as the perfect Brahman. The Yajur Veda 36.4.10 mentions, 'Narayana is the imperishable Brahman, the bestower of gifts, the effulgent one' [1]. This verse elucidates the supreme nature of Narayana, portraying him as the ultimate Brahman.

Supreme Cause and Meditation

The Narayana Suktam also refers to Narayana as the supreme cause and the supreme meditation. Yajur Veda 36.4.5 reads, 'Narayana is the cause of all causes, the meditator of all meditations' [2]. These verses highlight his role as the ultimate creator and the one central to meditative practices within Hindu traditions.

Vishnu in the Vedas

While the Vedas emphasize the supremacy of Narayana, Vishnu as a distinct deity is also extensively mentioned. The Rig Veda, one of the oldest scriptures, pays homage to Vishnu, often referring to him as 'the most ancient' [3]. Bhagavad Gītā As It Is, translated by Prabhupada, recounts how Vishnu, as the preserver, balances Dharma by slaying evil, stressing his role in maintaining cosmic order [4].

Vishnu and Shiva

A notable verse from Rig Veda 7.40.5, especially relevant for Shaivas, states, 'Shiva gets his power from Vishnu' [5]. This verse underscores the interdependence and divine connection between Vishnu and Shiva, suggesting that even the powerful Shiva is ultimately dependent on Vishnu for his powers.

Further, Vishnu is often portrayed in the context of his devotion to Lord Shiva. For example, in the Mahabharata, Vishnu is seen worshipping Shiva, even while asleep, by placing Bilva leaves on a Shiva Linga [6]. This practice of offering Bilva leaves to Shiva, known as Belpatra, is also evident in the Anantasayanam Temple at Trivandrum, Kerala, where Vishnu holds a Shiva Linga [7].

Deeply rooted in the teachings of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the Bhāgavata Purā?a and the Bhagavad Gītā affirm Vishnu's role in worshiping Shiva. Vishnu’s reverence for Shiva is a central theme, emphasizing that Vishnu is himself a devoted servant of the supreme Lord Maheshwara [8].

Understanding the Supreme Consciousness

It is crucial to distinguish the concept of Vishnu being supreme consciousness from his role as a supreme sustainer and preserver. While some Vaishnavas may interpret Vishnu's role as supreme, the Vedas do not explicitly state this. Instead, they portray Vishnu as one of the devout forms of the supreme Lord I?a [9], the lord of all gods [10].

Vishnu, regarded as Bhagavān, the greatest Lord of preservation, always holds a Shiva Linga in his consciousness and practice [11]. These practices are not about Vishnu being a demigod but rather about his devotion and service to the Supreme Lord. The fact that Vishnu regularly worships Shiva in his consciousness and practices holding a Shiva Linga clearly points to Shiva's supremacy in this context [12].

Realization through Jnana Path

The Vedas imply that God cannot be named, as naming can lead to misuses and hallucinations [13]. Instead, the focus is on realizing the divine through divine paths such as Jnana Path (Path of Knowledge) [14].

Just as a king addresses his soldiers by the collective name, gods in Hinduism are addressed by collective names like Agni (fire), Varuna (water), Vāyu (wind), and Aaka?a (space) [15]. Similarly, these deities are considered the names of the ultimate reality through their roles in various aspects of creation and maintenance [16].

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Vedas honor both Narayana and Vishnu in various capacities, they consistently portray Vishnu as a devotee and servant of the supreme Lord. The spiritual journey in Hinduism emphasizes the realization of the Supreme Reality, often through diverse paths, as opposed to fixating on names and attributes [17].