Materials for the Study of the Early History of the Vaishnava Sect c8.7

c8.7

Vishṇu worship is as old as the Rig Veda. Vishṇu is, as is well known, one of the manifestations of the sun. He envelops the earth on every side with rays of light (mayukhaiḥ).¹ He is often mentioned along with the Ādityas and is later reckoned as one of them.² He represents the sun in its daily and yearly course.³ His fame rests on the three strides with which he crosses heaven:—