Garbhodakashayi Vishnu

Garbhodakashayi Vishnu is the second of the three Vishnu expansions in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, following Karanodakashayi Vishnu (Mahavishnu) and preceding Kshirodakashayi Vishnu (Paramatma). According to the Bhagavata Purana (2.10.10-12), after Mahavishnu enters each material universe, He expands as Garbhodakashayi Vishnu and lies down on the serpent Ananta Shesha in the Garbhodaka Ocean, the causal waters within that universe. From His navel sprouts a lotus, and from that lotus arises Brahma, who then creates all planetary systems and living entities. This form is also known as Hiraṇyagarbha, the golden womb, as described in the Rigveda (10.121.1), which speaks of Hiranyagarbha as the primeval source of creation.

The Brahma Samhita (5.10) glorifies Garbhodakashayi Vishnu as the Lord who, by His own potency, manifests the universe and resides within it. Iconographically, He is depicted with four arms holding conch, discus, mace, and lotus, reclining on the thousand-headed serpent Adishesha, with Goddess Lakshmi massaging His feet. The cosmic lotus emerging from His navel symbolizes the creative power of the universe. In Hindu cosmology, Garbhodakashayi Vishnu is the source of all individual souls and the material elements within each universe.

He is also the antaryami (inner controller) of the collective living entities. Worship of this form is prominent in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, especially through the chanting of the mantra 'Om Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇave namaḥ'. Temples such as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, where the deity is reclining, are considered representations of Garbhodakashayi Vishnu. The Bhagavata Purana (3.8.15-16) describes how the Lord, lying in the causal ocean, perceives the universe as a dream and creates by His mere glance.

This form emphasizes the immanence of the divine within the cosmos, serving as the womb from which all creation springs forth.

Reclining on Adishesha within each universe. Four arms. From his navel lotus, Brahma appears to create the universe.