Lord Vishnu’s Origin: Evidence from the Vedas and Scriptures

In the ancient religious texts of Hinduism, the Vedas and Puranas, Lord Vishnu is described as a divine being who originated from the ultimate supreme being, Lord Shiva. This article explores the evidence from these texts that substantiate the origin of Lord Vishnu from Lord Shiva, shedding light on the complex relationship between these deities.

Evidence from the Vedas

The Vedas, sacred texts of Hinduism, are believed to contain the words of the supreme Brahman, from whom all other deities, including Lord Vishnu, originate. In these texts, Lord Shiva, known also as Rudra, is often depicted as the creator and sustainer of the cosmic order, including the gods such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Indra. Here are some verses from the Vedas that provide evidence of Lord Vishnu’s origin from Lord Shiva.

Svetasvatara Upanishad

The Svetasvatara Upanishad explicitly mentions Vaishnava deities like Rudra as the creator and sustainer of the universe. The pertinent verse is as follows:

"yō dēvānā prabhavacōdbhavaca vivādhipō rudrō mahari. hirayagarbha janayāmāsa pūrva sa nō buddhyā ubhayā sayunaktu" - Sve Upa. 3:4

Here, Rudra, a form of Lord Shiva, is described as the creator and sustainer of the gods including Vishnu, who is born as Hiranyagarbha in the primordial cosmic egg. This verse emphasizes the divine origin of Vishnu, attributing his creation to Lord Shiva.

Vayu Purana

The Vayu Purana, an important Hindu text, also confirms the origin of Lord Vishnu from Lord Shiva. The relevant passage is:

"sa vivakd vivavidātmayōnirja kālakālō guī sarvavid ya pradhānakētrajapatirguēa sasāramōkasthitibandhahētu" - Vētāvatāra Upaniad 6:16

This verse portrays Lord Rudra, a different manifestation of Lord Shiva, as the singular cause of the universe and its boundless existence.

Shiva Purana

The Shiva Purana further reinforces the notion of Lord Vishnu’s origin from Lord Shiva. In one of its verses, it states:

"brahmvāca: yato vāco nivartate aprāpya manasā saha yasmātsarvamida brahmaviurudredrapūrvakam sahabhūtedriyai sarvai prathama saprasūyate ea devo mahādeva sarvajo jagadīvara aya tu parayā bhaktyā dyate nā ‘nyathā kvacit" - Shiva Purana 1:3:10-12

This verse, spoken by Brahma, declares that Vishnu was born from the supreme Shiva, and that through great devotion, he can be worshipped and seen.

Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Further support for the origin of Lord Vishnu from Lord Shiva can be found in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. In one of the verses, Lord Krishna (Vishnu) refers to Lord Shiva as his devotee and protector:

"sa ea rudra bhakta ca keavo rudra sabhava sarvabhūtabhava jātvā lige 'rcayati ya prabhum tasminn abhyadhikā prīti karoti vabhadhvaja" - MBH 7:172:89-90

These verses describe Kesava (another name for Lord Vishnu) as a devoted worshipper of Rudra (Lord Shiva). Vishnu venerates the Linga, the emblem of the universe.

Conclusion: The evidence from the Vedas and other ancient Hindu texts supports the idea that Lord Vishnu originated from the supreme being Lord Shiva, affirming his importance within the broader context of Hindu cosmology.