Vishnu is an important god in Hinduism, whose worship dates back to the time of the ancient Rigveda (second millennium BCE). Vishnu is often revered as “The Preserver” in a trinity with Brahma (“The Creator”) and Shiva (“The Destroyer”). Vishnu is said to have many avatars, including Krishna and (according to Hindus) the Buddha. Vishnu’s wife is Lakshmi, and he is often shown to ride on Garuda. Vishnu is usually depicted as a blue peaceful man, often standing on a lotus in the primordial ocean. In his four-armed form, he holds a wheel (Skt. chakra), mace (Skt. gada), conch shell (Skt. shankha), and lotus seed (Skt. padma).