Vishnu MCQ Questions and Answers
1. Who is traditionally considered the chief consort of Viṣṇu?
A) Sarasvatī
B) Lakṣmī
C) Durgā
D) Parvatī
Answer: B) Lakṣmī
2. Which of the following is one of Viṣṇu’s principal weapons symbolized by a spinning disk?
A) Shankha
B) Gada
C) Chakra (Sudarśana)
D) Padma
Answer: C) Chakra (Sudarśana)
3. On which serpent does Viṣṇu recline in the cosmic ocean?
A) Vasuki
B) Ananta (Śeṣa)
C) Takshaka
D) Kaliya
Answer: B) Ananta (Śeṣa)
4. Which bird is the vahana (mount) of Viṣṇu?
A) Swan
B) Garuda
C) Eagle (Jatayu)
D) Peacock
Answer: B) Garuda
5. Which jewel worn by Viṣṇu is called Kaustubha?
A) Ear-ring
B) Divine gem (on the chest)
C) Crown ornament
D) Armlet
Answer: B) Divine gem (on the chest) — Kaustubha
6. What is the name of Viṣṇu’s conch?
A) Pāñcajanya
B) Kaustubha
C) Nandaka
D) Sudarśana
Answer: A) Pāñcajanya
7. Which avatar of Viṣṇu rescued the Vedas from the demon-submerged sea?
A) Kurma
B) Matsya
C) Varāha
D) Nārasiṃha
Answer: B) Matsya
8. Which avatar of Viṣṇu supports the churning mountain on his back?
A) Matsya
B) Kurma
C) Varāha
D) Vāmana
Answer: B) Kurma
9. Which avatar of Viṣṇu lifted the Earth (Bhūmi) out of the cosmic waters?
A) Matsya
B) Varāha
C) Vāmana
D) Nārasiṃha
Answer: B) Varāha
10. Who is the fierce man-lion incarnation of Viṣṇu?
A) Varāha
B) Nārasiṃha
C) Rāma
D) Vāmana
Answer: B) Nārasiṃha
11. Which dwarf Brahmin incarnation took three strides to measure the universe?
A) Parashurāma
B) Vāmana
C) Buddha
D) Rāma
Answer: B) Vāmana
12. Which avatāra is known as the warrior-sage carrying an axe?
A) Rāma
B) Parashurāma
C) Kṛṣṇa
D) Buddha
Answer: B) Parashurāma
13. The prince of Ayodhyā who is an incarnation of Viṣṇu is:
A) Kṛṣṇa
B) Rāma
C) Balarāma
D) Pradyumna
Answer: B) Rāma
14. Which avatāra of Viṣṇu is central to the Bhagavad-gītā?
A) Rāma
B) Kṛṣṇa
C) Buddha
D) Vāmana
Answer: B) Kṛṣṇa
15. In many traditions the tenth avatāra yet to appear is named:
A) Kalkin
B) Kalki
C) Buddhi
D) Yudhisthira
Answer: B) Kalki
16. Which scripture is primarily a Vaishnava Purāṇa dedicated to Viṣṇu?
A) Śiva Purāṇa
B) Viṣṇu Purāṇa
C) Skanda Purāṇa
D) Kūrma Purāṇa
Answer: B) Viṣṇu Purāṇa
17. The lotus that emerges from Viṣṇu’s navel bears which deity?
A) Indra
B) Brahmā
C) Śiva
D) Agni
Answer: B) Brahmā
18. Which mark on Viṣṇu’s chest symbolizes an auspicious curl or emblem associated with Śrī?
A) Tilaka
B) Śrīvatsa
C) Urdhva-pundra
D) Bindi
Answer: B) Śrīvatsa
19. Viṣṇu is often called “Nārāyaṇa.” What does this epithet emphasize?
A) Warrior nature
B) He who rests on the waters; refuge of beings
C) Destroyer aspect
D) Forest-dweller
Answer: B) He who rests on the waters; refuge of beings (Nārāyaṇa)
20. Which of these is a common epithet of Viṣṇu meaning “remover of sins” or “one who takes away”?
A) Rudra
B) Hari
C) Ishvara
D) Balarāma
Answer: B) Hari
21. Viṣṇu belongs primarily to which tradition of Hinduism?
A) Śaiva
B) Vaiṣṇava
C) Śākta
D) Smartism
Answer: B) Vaiṣṇava
22. Which ocean is Viṣṇu depicted as resting upon in classical imagery?
A) Sarasvatī
B) Kṣīra Sāgara (Ocean of Milk)
C) Ganges
D) Yamuna
Answer: B) Kṣīra Sāgara (Ocean of Milk)
23. The mace carried by Viṣṇu is called:
A) Pāñcajanya
B) Kaumodaki (Gada)
C) Nandaka
D) Prasravaṇa
Answer: B) Kaumodaki (Gada)
24. Which of these is NOT traditionally one of Viṣṇu’s primary attributes?
A) Chakra
B) Trident (Trishula)
C) Shankha
D) Gada
Answer: B) Trident (Trishula)
25. The discus (Sudarśana) is associated with which symbolic ability of Viṣṇu?
A) Growth of crops
B) Protection and warding off evil
C) Healing only
D) Bestowing kingship alone
Answer: B) Protection and warding off evil
26. Which of the following texts is a central devotional text for Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa worship?
A) Rāmāyaṇa
B) Bhāgavata Purāṇa (Śrīmad Bhāgavata)
C) Śiva Mahāpurāṇa
D) Devi Gītā
Answer: B) Bhāgavata Purāṇa (Śrīmad Bhāgavata)
27. In iconography Viṣṇu is commonly shown with how many arms?
A) Two
B) Four
C) Six
D) Eight
Answer: B) Four
28. Which object is NOT usually held by Viṣṇu in the four hands?
A) Chakra
B) Shankha
C) Trident
D) Lotus
Answer: C) Trident
29. Which name of Viṣṇu means “the refuge of all beings”?
A) Śiva
B) Nārāyaṇa
C) Rudra
D) Brahmā
Answer: B) Nārāyaṇa
30. The blue color often used to depict Viṣṇu symbolizes:
A) Fire
B) Infinite sky and ocean—boundless nature
C) Earth
D) Mountain peaks
Answer: B) Infinite sky and ocean—boundless nature
31. The temple town closely associated with Viṣṇu’s Venkateswara form is:
A) Kashi
B) Tirupati
C) Madurai
D) Rameswaram
Answer: B) Tirupati
32. Viṣṇu’s role in the Trimūrti is primarily:
A) Creator
B) Preserver
C) Destroyer
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Preserver
33. Which avatāra appears as teacher and charioteer to Arjuna?
A) Rāma
B) Kṛṣṇa
C) Buddha
D) Vāmana
Answer: B) Kṛṣṇa
34. Which avatāra is famous for defeating the demon Hiranyakashipu?
A) Varāha
B) Nārasiṃha
C) Matsya
D) Rāma
Answer: B) Nārasiṃha
35. Viṣṇu’s consort Lakṣmī is most closely associated with which concept?
A) War
B) Prosperity and fortune
C) Destruction
D) Agriculture only
Answer: B) Prosperity and fortune
36. Which of the following is often invoked first in many Viṣṇu-related prayers as a name meaning “one who takes away”?
A) Rāma
B) Hari
C) Bhrigu
D) Durvasa
Answer: B) Hari
37. Which avatāra is associated with the Kurukṣetra war narrative?
A) Rāma
B) Kṛṣṇa
C) Vāmana
D) Parashurāma
Answer: B) Kṛṣṇa
38. The Sudarśana Chakra is sometimes personified as a:
A) River
B) Weapon with its own form and agency
C) Mountain
D) Flower
Answer: B) Weapon with its own form and agency
39. Viṣṇu’s abode is called:
A) Kailāsa
B) Vaikuṇṭha
C) Mount Meru
D) Lanka
Answer: B) Vaikuṇṭha
40. The divine wish-fulfilling cow associated with Viṣṇu’s treasures is:
A) Surabhi (Kāmadhenu)
B) Nandini
C) Rohiṇī
D) Aditi
Answer: A) Surabhi (Kāmadhenu)
41. The festival most associated with Kṛṣṇa’s birth (an avatāra of Viṣṇu) is:
A) Diwali
B) Janmashtami
C) Holi
D) Navaratri
Answer: B) Janmashtami
42. Which city is associated with Rāma’s story and many Rāma temples?
A) Mathura
B) Ayodhyā
C) Dwarka
D) Kanchipuram
Answer: B) Ayodhyā
43. Dwarka is traditionally linked to which avatāra of Viṣṇu?
A) Rāma
B) Kṛṣṇa
C) Vāmana
D) Parashurāma
Answer: B) Kṛṣṇa
44. Viṣṇu is sometimes depicted reclining on the cosmic serpent while creation emerges from his:
A) Toe
B) Navel
C) Eye
D) Hand
Answer: B) Navel
45. The worship style that focuses exclusively on Viṣṇu as the supreme is called:
A) Śaivism
B) Vaiṣṇavism
C) Śrāddha
D) Shaktism
Answer: B) Vaiṣṇavism
46. Viṣṇu’s role as protector is often illustrated by his:
A) Silence only
B) Avatāras descending to restore dharma
C) Burning the world
D) Fleeing battles
Answer: B) Avatāras descending to restore dharma
47. The name “Viṣṇu” etymologically is commonly taken to mean:
A) Destroyer
B) All-pervading / pervader
C) Farmer
D) Beggar
Answer: B) All-pervading / pervader
48. Which of these is a Vaishnava forehead mark called?
A) Tripundra
B) Urdhva-pundra (vertical tilaka)
C) Bindi of saffron only
D) Tika of ash
Answer: B) Urdhva-pundra (vertical tilaka)
49. Which of these is often cited as Viṣṇu’s messenger or close companion in myth?
A) Hanumān
B) Garuda
C) Kubera
D) Shani
Answer: B) Garuda
50. The name “Vāsudeva” refers specifically to:
A) A mountain
B) Kṛṣṇa as son of Vasudeva / aspect of Viṣṇu
C) A demon
D) A river
Answer: B) Kṛṣṇa as son of Vasudeva / aspect of Viṣṇu
51. The festival of lights (Diwali) in many traditions celebrates which Viṣṇu-connected event?
A) Birth of Kṛṣṇa
B) Return of Rāma to Ayodhyā
C) Victory of Nārasiṃha
D) Birth of Lakṣmī
Answer: B) Return of Rāma to Ayodhyā
52. Which of the following sages is closely connected with Viṣṇu’s narratives and is often a compiler of texts?
A) Durvasa
B) Vyāsa
C) Agastya
D) Vāmadeva
Answer: B) Vyāsa
53. Which Purāṇa contains extensive genealogies and stories of Viṣṇu?
A) Bṛhaddevatā
B) Viṣṇu Purāṇa
C) Matsya Purāṇa
D) Vāyu Purāṇa
Answer: B) Viṣṇu Purāṇa
54. Which symbol commonly seen with Viṣṇu represents purity and spiritual unfolding?
A) Sword
B) Lotus (Padma)
C) Trident
D) Drum
Answer: B) Lotus (Padma)
55. Viṣṇu’s teachings in the Bhagavad-gītā primarily address:
A) Ritual sacrifice only
B) Dharma, devotion, and action (karma, bhakti, jñāna)
C) Only ascetic renunciation
D) Astrology
Answer: B) Dharma, devotion, and action (karma, bhakti, jñāna)
56. The holy city most associated with Kṛṣṇa’s early life is:
A) Ayodhyā
B) Mathura / Vṛndāvana region
C) Hastinapur
D) Kashi
Answer: B) Mathura / Vṛndāvana region
57. Viṣṇu’s form that is worshiped as a child is commonly called:
A) Bala Rāma
B) Bala Kṛṣṇa
C) Bala Viṣṇu only in temples
D) Bala Vishwakarma
Answer: B) Bala Kṛṣṇa
58. The mantra “Om Namo Viṣṇave” is generally used for:
A) Worship of Śiva
B) Invoking Viṣṇu / offering obeisance
C) Invoking Agni
D) Cursing demons
Answer: B) Invoking Viṣṇu / offering obeisance
59. The tapestry of Viṣṇu’s ten principal incarnations is commonly called:
A) Saptamārga
B) Daśāvatāra (Ten Avatāras)
C) Ekādiśa
D) Triśūla
Answer: B) Daśāvatāra (Ten Avatāras)
60. Which avatāra is sometimes substituted regionally for Balarāma in lists of Daśāvatāras?
A) Matsya
B) Buddha
C) Kurma
D) Hayagrīva
Answer: B) Buddha
(Explanation: regional and sectarian lists sometimes include Buddha in place of Balarāma.)
61. Viṣṇu is often invoked when beginning tasks because he is seen as:
A) Destroyer of the world
B) Preserver and sustainer of success
C) God of mischief
D) Only a warrior god
Answer: B) Preserver and sustainer of success
62. Which goddess accompanies Viṣṇu in many Vaishnava temples as the primary deity’s shakti?
A) Sarasvatī
B) Lakṣmī
C) Parvati
D) Kali
Answer: B) Lakṣmī
63. The Vaikuṇṭha Dvāra is:
A) A mountain peak
B) The celestial gate/portal to Viṣṇu’s abode
C) A weapon of Viṣṇu
D) Viṣṇu’s chariot
Answer: B) The celestial gate/portal to Viṣṇu’s abode
64. Which of the following best describes Viṣṇu’s role in saṃsāra (cycle of birth and death), according to Vaishnava thought?
A) He is indifferent
B) He intervenes to protect devotees and restore dharma
C) He increases suffering
D) He only judges souls after death
Answer: B) He intervenes to protect devotees and restore dharma
65. In many depictions Viṣṇu holds the lotus in which hand (classic four-handed iconography)?
A) Upper left or lower left depending on style
B) Lower left (commonly)
C) Lower right only
D) Upper right always
Answer: B) Lower left (commonly)
66. The name “Sudarśana” literally suggests:
A) Ugly sight
B) Auspicious/beautiful to see
C) Fast runner
D) Hidden one
Answer: B) Auspicious/beautiful to see (Sudarśana)
67. Viṣṇu’s recurring mission across avatāras is to:
A) Increase chaos
B) Restore cosmic order (dharma)
C) Destroy humans only
D) Hide from worshippers
Answer: B) Restore cosmic order (dharma)
68. The worship tradition emphasizing chanting of Viṣṇu’s names as the principal path is called:
A) Tantra only
B) Bhakti (devotional) tradition
C) Karma-yoga only
D) Jñāna-marga only
Answer: B) Bhakti (devotional) tradition
69. The famous conch sound in Viṣṇu’s presence signifies:
A) End of the world only
B) An auspicious announcement of divine presence or a battle-call
C) Silence
D) Only thunder
Answer: B) An auspicious announcement of divine presence or a battle-call
70. Which of these is a common theme in the Viṣṇu Purāṇa and Bhāgavata Purāṇa?
A) Only temple construction
B) Stories of avatāras and devotion to Viṣṇu
C) Only cosmology without avatāras
D) Only rituals of Śiva worship
Answer: B) Stories of avatāras and devotion to Viṣṇu
71. Which avatāra is known for subduing the demon king Bali and restoring heavenly order?
A) Rāma
B) Vāmana
C) Parashurāma
D) Matsya
Answer: B) Vāmana
72. In many Vaishnava images the color of Viṣṇu’s skin is depicted as:
A) Red
B) Blue or dark bluish-black
C) Yellow only
D) White only
Answer: B) Blue or dark bluish-black
73. The concept of Viṣṇu’s “līlā” refers to:
A) His sleeping only
B) Divine play—the purposeful actions and pastimes of the deity
C) His anger only
D) Silence in temples
Answer: B) Divine play—the purposeful actions and pastimes of the deity
74. Which avatāra is a direct model of righteous rule and kingly dharma?
A) Buddha
B) Rāma
C) Matsya
D) Parashurāma
Answer: B) Rāma
75. Which of the following is a common Vaishnava greeting invoking Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa?
A) Om Namah Śivāya
B) Jai Shri Krishna / Hari Bol
C) Har Har Mahadev
D) Radhe Radhe only for Śiva (incorrect)
Answer: B) Jai Shri Krishna / Hari Bol
76. Viṣṇu’s role in the cosmic cycle is most closely contrasted with which deity’s role in the Trimūrti?
A) Agni
B) Śiva (as destroyer)
C) Indra
D) Brahmā
Answer: B) Śiva (as destroyer)
77. The chant “Om Namo Nārāyaṇāya” is an example of:
A) A Śiva invocation
B) A Viṣṇu/Nārāyaṇa mantra
C) A Buddhist chant
D) A secular greeting
Answer: B) A Viṣṇu/Nārāyaṇa mantra
78. The story of Viṣṇu’s Varāha lifting Earth expresses which symbolic idea?
A) Fire over water
B) Rescue and restoration of the world
C) Abandoning the world
D) Punishing animals only
Answer: B) Rescue and restoration of the world
79. Which of these animals is associated with an avatāra of Viṣṇu (Hayagrīva)?
A) Horse (Hayagrīva)
B) Turtle (Kurma)
C) Fish (Matsya)
D) Boar (Varaha)
Answer: A) Horse (Hayagrīva)
80. Viṣṇu’s association with cosmic order is often linked to which Sanskrit term?
A) Mokṣa
B) Dharma
C) Kama
D) Māyā
Answer: B) Dharma
81. Which epic poem primarily centers on Rāma, an avatāra of Viṣṇu?
A) Mahābhārata
B) Rāmāyaṇa
C) Purāṇas
D) Harivaṃśa
Answer: B) Rāmāyaṇa
82. The cosmic serpent Ananta’s name literally suggests:
A) Smallness
B) Endlessness / endless
C) Fire-breathing
D) Mountain-like
Answer: B) Endlessness / endless (Ananta)
83. In many Vaishnava sects, devotion to Viṣṇu leads primarily to:
A) Reincarnation only as animals
B) Liberation (mokṣa) or abode in Vaikuṇṭha for devotees
C) Punishment only
D) Loss of dharma
Answer: B) Liberation (mokṣa) or abode in Vaikuṇṭha for devotees
84. Which literary work contains Kṛṣṇa’s central dialogue with Arjuna?
A) Rāmāyaṇa
B) Bhagavad-gītā (part of Mahābhārata)
C) Viṣṇu Purāṇa only
D) Yoga Vasistha
Answer: B) Bhagavad-gītā (part of Mahābhārata)
85. Viṣṇu’s presence at the cosmic dissolution is traditionally depicted as:
A) Destroying everything himself
B) Resting on Ananta while the world is cyclically created and dissolved
C) Leaving the universe forever
D) Turning into fire alone
Answer: B) Resting on Ananta while the world is cyclically created and dissolved
86. Which of these medieval bhakti poets composed devotional poetry to Kṛṣṇa/Viṣṇu?
A) Appar (Śiva devotee)
B) Surdas
C) Akka Mahadevi (Śiva devotee)
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Surdas
87. The hammocking of Viṣṇu on the cosmic ocean between cycles is called:
A) Tapasya
B) Yoga-nidra (divine sleep)
C) Pralaya only
D) Jñāna-samadhi
Answer: B) Yoga-nidra (divine sleep)
88. Viṣṇu’s images in temples often include his consort seated:
A) Behind him always
B) Alongside him, usually on his left
C) Far away in separate temples only
D) Never together
Answer: B) Alongside him, usually on his left
89. Which color lotus is frequently associated with Viṣṇu’s iconography?
A) White only
B) Pink or blossoming lotus (Padma)
C) Black lotus
D) Blue lotus only
Answer: B) Pink or blossoming lotus (Padma)
90. Which philosophical school centers theology strongly on Viṣṇu as supreme (one example)?
A) Advaita Vedānta exclusively
B) Viśiṣṭādvaita and other Vaiṣṇava philosophies
C) Cārvāka
D) Nyāya only
Answer: B) Viśiṣṭādvaita and other Vaiṣṇava philosophies
91. Viṣṇu’s association with a cosmic lawgiver and maintainer makes him the ideal patron for:
A) Anarchists
B) Kings and righteous rulers
C) Only farmers
D) Only merchants
Answer: B) Kings and righteous rulers
92. Which of these is NOT a common epithet of Viṣṇu?
A) Narayana
B) Hari
C) Kali
D) Vasudeva
Answer: C) Kali
93. The term “Harihara” denotes a combined form of which deities?
A) Viṣṇu and Brahmā
B) Viṣṇu (Hari) and Śiva (Hara)
C) Śiva and Indra
D) Viṣṇu and Agni
Answer: B) Viṣṇu (Hari) and Śiva (Hara)
94. Which Purāṇic text contains many stories that glorify Kṛṣṇa as the supreme Viṣṇu?
A) Śiva Purāṇa
B) Bhāgavata Purāṇa (Śrīmad Bhāgavata)
C) Skanda Purāṇa
D) Agni Purāṇa
Answer: B) Bhāgavata Purāṇa (Śrīmad Bhāgavata)
95. The philosophical idea that Viṣṇu pervades all beings is best captured by which term?
A) Māyā only
B) All-pervasive (Viṣṇu as pervader / pantheistic nuance)
C) Karma only
D) Atman only
Answer: B) All-pervasive (Viṣṇu as pervader / pantheistic nuance)
96. Which avatāra is traditionally linked with establishing righteous governance by example (ideal king)?
A) Matsya
B) Rāma
C) Kurma
D) Hayagrīva
Answer: B) Rāma
97. A common devotional practice to Viṣṇu emphasises:
A) Only ritual sacrifice
B) Nama-sankirtana (chanting the divine names)
C) Only pilgrimage without devotion
D) Silence without worship
Answer: B) Nama-sankirtana (chanting the divine names)
98. The personified discus close to Viṣṇu is known to:
A) Speak only human words
B) Act as his divine weapon and sometimes take form to protect
C) Float away and be rarely used
D) Be worshiped only by Śiva
Answer: B) Act as his divine weapon and sometimes take form to protect
99. Which of the following is a typical temple offering to Viṣṇu?
A) Alcohol only
B) Tulasī leaves, flowers, and food (prasāda)
C) Fish only
D) Soil only
Answer: B) Tulasī leaves, flowers, and food (prasāda)
100. In Vaishnava tradition, which plant is most sacred and often offered to Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa?
A) Banyan
B) Tulasī (Holy basil)
C) Peepal
D) Neem
Answer: B) Tulasī (Holy basil)