Markandeyapurana 4.44

4.44

sa devo bhagavān sarvaṃ vyāpya nārāyaṇo vibhuḥ /
caturdhā saṃsthito brahman saguṇo nirguṇastathā //

“The waters were called Nāra by Munis conversant with truth; they were originally his place of movement[1]; hence he is called Nārāyaṇa. The adorable god, the lord Nārāyaṇa, pervading all things, lives, O brahman, in a quadruple form: he is possessed as well as devoid of attributes. His first form is inscrutable; the wise behold it bright; it is covered with garlands of flame; it is the acme of perfection to devotees; it is both far and it is near; it is to be understood as transcending attributes; when called Vāsudeva, it is seen devoid of egoism; its shape, colour, etc., are not real but imaginary; it is indeed always pure; it is the sole form of pre-eminence. His second form, called Śeṣa, supports the earth below with its head; it is described as being characterized by the quality of darkness; it belongs to the brute creation. His third form is active, and devoted to the preservation of creatures; it is to be considered as consisting chiefly of the quality of goodness; it is the fashioner of virtue. His fourth form abides in water; it lies on a serpent as its bed; its attribute is passion; and it is always indeed active.