What is the Difference Between Vishnu and Krishna?

Vishnu and Krishna are both Hindu deities, and many consider them to be different forms or incarnations of the same God. Here are some key points to understand the relationship between Vishnu and Krishna:

1. Krishna as an incarnation of Vishnu: Lord Krishna is considered a complete incarnation of Lord Vishnu, taking birth as a human to fulfill a specific purpose.
2. Different forms: Vishnu is often depicted with four hands, while Krishna is usually shown with two hands. However, there are innumerable forms of Vishnu, and all of them are Vishnu tattvas, or aspects of the same divine entity.
3. Origin: Lord Krishna is considered the origin of all Vishnu tattvas, as explained in the Bhagavata Purana.
4. Maha-Vishnu: Maha-Vishnu is a plenary portion of Lord Krishna, and all the Brahmās, the heads of the universes, live only for the period of His exhaling.
5. Similarity: Both Vishnu and Krishna are considered the same being in two different forms. Some believe that Krishna is the chief Vishnu tattva, who exhibits all godly qualities.

In conclusion, while there are differences in the forms and roles of Vishnu and Krishna, they are ultimately considered to be the same divine entity. The distinction between them is mainly due to their different manifestations and the specific purposes they serve in the Hindu mythological narrative.

Comparative Table: Vishnu vs Krishna

The difference between Vishnu and Krishna can be understood through the following table:

While there are differences between Vishnu and Krishna, some sources argue that they are ultimately one and the same, and that Krishna is a manifestation of Vishnu.