Lord Vishwaksena (Sanskrit: विष्वक्सेन, romanized: Viṣvaksenā, lit. 'all-conqueror') is the commander-in-chief of the army of the Hindu deity Vishnu, additionally serving as a gatekeeper and chamberlain of his celestial abode of Vaikuntha. As the embodiment of the tantras, Vishvaksena is worshipped before any ritual or function in the Vaikhanasas and Sri Vaishnavism sects. He occupies an important place in Vaikhanasa and Pancaratra temple traditions, where temple festivals often begin with his worship and procession.

Lord Vishwaksena (Sanskrit: विष्वक्सेन, romanized: Viṣvaksenā, lit. 'all-conqueror') is the commander-in-chief of the army of the Hindu deity Vishnu, additionally serving as a gatekeeper and chamberlain of his celestial abode of Vaikuntha. As the embodiment of the tantras, Vishvaksena is worshipped before any ritual or function in the Vaikhanasas and Sri Vaishnavism sects. He occupies an important place in Vaikhanasa and Pancaratra temple traditions, where temple festivals often begin with his worship and procession.

Vishvaksena is described in the Kurma Purana to have born out of a portion of Vishnu, carrying a conch (shankha), Sudarshana Chakra (discus) and gada (mace) and wearing yellow clothes like his master. The Kalika Purana describes him as an attendant of Vishnu, who has four arms, and is red and brown in complexion. He seats on a white lotus, has long beard and wears matted hair. He carries a lotus, gada, shanka, and chakra in his hands.

Vishvaksena is often depicted as having an elephant head, similar to Lord Ganesha. However, he differs from Ganesha in having two tusks, while Ganesha has only one.

Vishvaksena is a revered figure in Vaishnavism, and is worshipped for his wisdom, strength, and loyalty to Vishnu. He is also invoked for protection and success in all endeavors.

Lord Vishvaksena, also known as Senai Mudalvar and Senadhipathi, is the commander-in-chief of the army of the Hindu god Vishnu and the gatekeeper and "chamberlain" of Vishnu's abode Vaikuntha. His name literally means "all-conqueror" or "universal army commander".

Vishvaksena is often depicted as a four-armed deity with an elephant head, similar to Ganesha. However, he differs from Ganesha in having two tusks. He is also sometimes depicted as a human-like figure with four arms, carrying Vishnu's weapons, the conch, discus, mace, and sword.

Vishvaksena is worshipped in some Vaishnava sects before any ritual or function. He is also revered as the embodiment of the tantras and is considered to be a source of knowledge and wisdom.

In the Vaikhanasa and Sri Vaishnavism sects, Vishvaksena occupies an important place in temple traditions. Temple festivals often begin with his worship and procession.

Vishvaksena is also mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas and the Mahabharata. In the Kurma Purana, he is described as being born out of a portion of Vishnu. In the Kalika Purana, he is described as an attendant of Vishnu who has four arms and is red and brown in complexion.

Vishvaksena is a beloved and revered deity in Hinduism. He is seen as a protector and guide, and his blessings are sought by devotees everywhere.

Lord Vishvaksena is the commander-in-chief of the army of the Hindu deity Vishnu, additionally serving as a gatekeeper and chamberlain of his celestial abode of Vaikuntha. As the embodiment of the tantras, Vishvaksena is worshipped before any ritual or function in the Vaikhanasas and Sri Vaishnavism sects. He occupies an important place in Vaikhanasa and Pancaratra temple traditions, where temple festivals often begin with his worship and procession.

* **Vishvaksena** (Sanskrit: विष्वक्सेन, romanized: Viṣvaksenā, lit. 'all-conquering') or Vishwaksena, is the commander-in-chief of the army of the Hindu deity Vishnu, additionally serving as a gatekeeper and chamberlain of his celestial abode of Vaikuntha. As the embodiment of the tantras, Vishvaksena is worshipped before any ritual or function in the Vaikhanasas and Sri Vaishnavism sects. He occupies an important place in Vaikhanasa and Pancaratra temple traditions, where temple festivals often begin with his worship and procession.

* **Vishwaksena is often depicted with an elephant head, similar to the Hindu god Ganesha. However, he is distinguished from Ganesha by having two tusks instead of four.**

* **Vishvaksena is also known as Senai Mudaliyar and Senadhipathi, which all mean "army chief" in Sanskrit.**

* **In the Kurma Purana, Vishvaksena is described as being born out of a portion of Vishnu, carrying a conch (shankha), Sudarshana Chakra (discus) and gada (mace) and a lotus, wearing yellow clothes like his master.**

* **The Kalika Purana describes him as an attendant of Vishnu, who has four arms, and is red and brown in complexion. He seats on a white lotus, has long beard and wears matted hair. He carries a lotus, gada, shanka, and chakra in his hands.**

Vishvaksena is a popular deity in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. He is also worshipped in other parts of India, as well as in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

**Why is Lord Vishvaksena worshipped?**

Lord Vishvaksena is worshipped for a variety of reasons, including:

* **He is the commander-in-chief of Vishnu's army, and is therefore seen as a powerful protector against all enemies, both spiritual and material.**

* **He is the gatekeeper of Vaikuntha, and is therefore seen as the one who grants access to Vishnu's abode.**

* **He is the embodiment of the tantras, and is therefore seen as a source of spiritual knowledge and power.**

* **He is a benevolent deity who is always willing to help his devotees.**

Vishvaksena is often worshipped before any ritual or function, as he is believed to ensure the success of the event. He is also worshipped by those who are seeking protection from enemies, success in their careers, and spiritual enlightenment.