Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism and the Supreme Being or absolute truth in Vaishnavism tradition. He is regarded as the preserver and caretaker of the universe. Vishnu is usually depicted with blue skin and four arms, each holding an attribute – the wheel, the conch shell, the lotus and the mace. He is often shown reclining on the coiled serpent Shesha with his consort Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Given Vishnu’s exalted status as a supreme deity, the notion of someone “kicking” him seems quite shocking and blasphemous. Yet there may be more to this provocative question than meets the eye. Let’s examine the context and meaning behind this unusual idea.
Who is Vishnu?
To understand the significance of “kicking Vishnu”, we must first establish who Vishnu is in the Hindu tradition. As mentioned, Vishnu is one of the most important gods in Hinduism. He is part of the Hindu trinity along with Brahma the Creator and Shiva the Destroyer. Of the three, Vishnu is the preserver and sustainer of the universe. He maintains cosmic order and balance. Vishnu periodically incarnates on earth in mortal form to restore dharma or righteousness. His most famous avatars include Rama, Krishna, Buddha and Kalki. As the supreme being, Vishnu transcends time, space and karma. He is eternal, omniscient and omnipotent. Vishnu is therefore revered as the greatest and most powerful deity in Vaishnavism. He is worshipped through rituals, prayers, festivals and temple celebrations. Iconographically, Vishnu is depicted with blue skin, signifying infiniteness. His four arms hold symbolic objects – the Sudarshana Chakra wheel, the Panchajanya conch shell, the lotus representing spiritual liberation and the Kaumodaki mace for wisdom. Given his exalted status, Vishnu is not someone who can be easily “kicked around” either literally or figuratively.
The Significance of “Kicking”
In essence, kicking refers to striking someone forcefully with one’s foot or leg. It is generally an act of aggression, power or punishment. Kicking indicates disrespect, domination and violence against the subject. It is the opposite of veneration. Therefore, the idea of kicking Vishnu, a deity who is loved and revered by millions of Hindus, would be shocking and offensive. It goes against all codes of conduct towards divine beings who are meant to be worshipped, not physically assaulted. The notion of kicking also implies humiliating and degrading Vishnu by stripping him of power and dignity. For believers, causing harm to their cherished deities through words or actions constitutes blasphemy and sacrilege. So the very suggestion of kicking Vishnu could be deeply disturbing for many Hindus.
Who Would Dare Kick Vishnu?
If we contemplate who could possibly wish to kick or harm Vishnu, a few possibilities come to mind:
Asuras or Demons
In Hindu stories, the asuras (demons) are portrayed as adversaries of the devas (gods). They frequently wage war against the devas and try to unseat them from power. Vishnu in particular is locked in an eternal battle with asuras who threaten cosmic stability and dharma. Notable foes include Hiranyakashipu, Ravana and Madhu-Kaitabha. So asuras could conceivably want to kick Vishnu in order to defeat and humiliate their arch rival. But Vishnu ultimately slays or subdues all asuras who challenge him.
Ignorant or Wicked People
Those unaware of Vishnu’s divine status may kick his idols or images out of ignorance. Criminals and the wicked could also potentially kick or vandalize temples and sacred murtis (statues) of Vishnu to signal disrespect. However, such acts are considered sacrilegious by devotees who would be deeply aggrieved.
People of Other Faiths
Individuals who belong to non-Hindu or anti-Hindu religions may wish to kick or desecrate Vishnu idols or temples as an act of sectarian violence, blasphemy or asserting religious superiority. However, most mainstream religions today advocate for tolerance, understanding and peaceful co-existence between different faiths.
Scholars of Symbolism
Certain learned scholars well-versed in Hindu theology have offered unique interpretations of sacred Hindu texts and stories. They sometimes employ metaphors, symbolism and cryptic language to convey hidden truths. Consequently, the notion of “kicking Vishnu” in their writings could have a purely symbolic or philosophical meaning instead of a literal implication.
Examining Possible Symbolic Meanings
If we go beyond the surface, the idea of kicking Vishnu may contain symbolic meanings aimed at the learned rather than literal suggestions of violence against a deity. Some possible symbolic interpretations are:
Transcending Dualities
Kicking indicates moving forcefully beyond something. Figuratively, it means rising above and transcending. Kicking Vishnu could symbolize moving beyond name and form to realize the formless Divine who transcends all duality and attributes.
Surrendering the Ego
The ego keeps individuals attached to worldly desires and aversions. Symbolically kicking or subjugating this ego could help devotees surrender to Vishnu and achieve spiritual liberation.
Kicking Away Ignorance
Ignorance and maya (illusion) prevent souls from knowing the Absolute Truth which is Vishnu. Kicking ignorance out of one’s mind and heart allows devotees to come closer to Vishnu-consciousness.
Experiencing Oneness
On the highest level of spirituality, all beings and God are One. Kicking Vishnu may symbolize arriving at the consciousness where devotee, divinity and universe are united as One.
Subduing the Senses
The senses and desires impede spiritual progress. Figuratively kicking or controlling these can help devotees focus on the Divine rather than fleeting sensual joys.
Significance in Hindu Philosophy
Certain Hindu philosophical schools may employ unconventional language and ideas to convey deeper truths about the nature of God, soul and universe. So the notion of kicking Vishnu could have significance in terms of:
Advaita Vedanta
In Advaita, all dualities and distinctions disappear in the Absolute non-dual Brahman. Brahman has no attributes, so kicking Vishnu may signify nullifying his form and qualities.
Achintya Bheda Abheda
This teaches simultaneous oneness and difference between jivas (souls), world and Krishna (Vishnu). Kicking Vishnu denotes the soul’s aspirations to be one with God.
Shuddhadvaita
Pure non-dualism states that Krishna alone is supreme. Kicking Vishnu may mean abandoning his limited saguna form for his infinite nirguna reality.
Dvaita
Duality between individual souls and supreme God is real. Kicking Vishnu affirms this separateness between devotee and his Divine Lord.
Vishishtadvaita
Qualified non-dualism propagating God with attributes. Souls still possess individuality. Kicking signifies subordination of finite souls to infinite Vishnu.
So in various philosophical schools, kicking Vishnu points to different relationships between the divine and the human soul. The action underscores fundamental aspects of each system, often focusing on non-duality vs duality.
Accounts of Vishnu Being “Kicked” in Scriptures
Some symbolic descriptions that resonate with the idea of kicking Vishnu are found in Hindu scriptures:
Vamana Avatar
Vishnu took the Vamana (dwarf) avatar and visited King Mahabali. The dwarf Vamana kicked Mahabali into Patala (netherworld) thereby humbling his ego and pride.
Govardhan Lila
Lord Krishna as Vishnu lifted Mount Govardhan on his little finger and held it aloft for 7 days to shelter villagers from storms. This kicked away Indra’s ego and forced him to realize Krishna’s supreme position.
Bhrigu Kicking Vishnu
Saint Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu in the chest to test if he was superior to Shiva and Brahma. Vishnu apologized for the indignity showing his magnanimity.
Devotees Calling to Kick Krishna
In Vrindavana, the gopis (milkmaids) were so intoxicated with love for Krishna that they prayed he kick them ruthlessly for ignoring him.
So in each case, kicking signifies esoteric ideas beyond just violence – subduing ego, humbling pride, testing godliness, intoxication in love.
Reconciling the Apparent Contradiction
The concept of kicking or harming Vishnu seems blasphemous and contradictory considering his status as the beloved supreme deity. A few ways to reconcile this seeming contradiction are:
Not Taking Stories Literally
episodes should not be taken literally but as metaphors for inner states. The external stories serve as devices to reveal inner truths.
Leelas Show God’s Magnanimity
Krishna’s leelas (divine acts) demonstrate that God does not hold offenses against him as egoistic. He accepts even humiliation to help uplift souls.
Symbolic Language Teaches Esoteric Truths
Educated Hindus well-versed in scriptural symbology know that kicking indicates transcending duality, subduing ego and surrendering to God.
Emphasis on Bhakti Over Rituals
Outward rituals are less important than inner devotion. Loving Vishnu unconditionally matters more than ritualistic worship.
Human Limits Cannot Bind the Divine
God’s supreme reality remains untouched and undiminished regardless of the actions or understanding of devotees. No one can really kick or diminish the Divine.
So while kicking Vishnu appears blasphemous, the esoteric and philosophical meanings behind the symbolism reconcile this contradiction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while kicking indicates disrespect and aggression, the idea of kicking Vishnu likely originates from symbolic interpretations of Hindu philosophy and scriptures. For the uninitiated, it may seem shocking and blasphemous. But educated Hindus understand the inner meanings – going beyond attributes, surrendering ego, realizing non-duality with God. The outward kicking really signifies an inward spiritual journey towards enlightenment. Transcending dualities and realizing the Divine which is infinite, formless and attribute-less represents the pinnacle of this path. So the notion of kicking Vishnu, instead of being contradictory, actually facilitates devotees in moving from the saguna to nirguna perspective to attain the Ultimate Truth. For one grounded in dualistic bhakti, it spurs loving surrender to the Lord. By imparting these profound essential teachings, the provocative idea of kicking Vishnu ultimately reaffirms rather than denigrates his exalted supreme status in Hinduism.