Vishnu maintains dharma by incarnating as characters such as Ram and Krishna in order to defeat evil and restore balance. He embodies compassion, generosity, and stability. He represents ultimate reality and ensures the world's continuity. He is often shown with the discus, conch, club, and lotus while resting on the serpent Shesha or riding his vahana, Garuda, the eagle. Vishnu is also closely associated with his divine consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. Together they symbolize the harmonious union of preservation and nourishment that sustains both the cosmos and human life.