Vishnu Purana

Vishnu Puran - Gita Press Gorakhpur 

• Who is Mahavishnu? How is Vishnu different from Mahavishnu? 
• Who is Kaal or Brahm?
• How Kaal preforms his acts surreptitiously (remains hidden)

Mahavishnu | Difference between Vishnu and Mahavishnu

God Kaal or Brahm is the father of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Because of his pledge Brahm (Kaal) does not appear in his real form in front of anyone. God Kaal also clarifies this quality of remaining hidden in Bhagavad Gita (7.25). He therefore acquires the form of his sons Vishnu, Brahma or Shiva and performs some of his tasks. When he appears in the form of Vishnu, he is addressed as Mahavishnu. Likewise when he appears in the form of Brahma, he is called Mahabrahma and when he appears as Shiva, he is called Mahashiva.

The Puranas (Vishnu Puran, Shiv Puran and Brahma Puran) sing the glory of this Brahm who is the father of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He is therefore addressed as Mahavishnu, Mahabrahma or Mahashiva (Sadashiv). 

Vishnu Puran mentions about Mahavishnu being Kaal

Vishnu Purana, Pratham Ansh, Adhyay 2, Verse 15 and Verse 27

Vishnu Puran says that it appears from outside that Kaal is God but in reality he is Kaal (a harrowing God).

Vishnu Puran - Video

Kaal possesses others to accomplish his tasks and thereby remains hidden

Kaal entered in Shri Krishan ji at the time of Mahabharata and caused the battle of Mahabharata. Vishnu Puran gives various examples of God Kaal entering in to other people and accomplishing various tasks. God Kaal doesnt appear in his actual form and thus remains hidden.

Vishnu Purana - Chaturth Ansh, Adhyay 2, Verse 21-26

Vishnu Purana | Chapter 2 | Verse 21-26 - English Translation

In the Treta age, a violent war broke out between the gods and the Asuras, in which the former were vanquished. They, consequently, had recourse to Vishnu, for assistance, and propitiated him (by their adorations). The eternal ruler of the universe, Narayana, had compassion upon them, and said: “What you desire is known unto me. Hear how your wishes shall be fulfilled. There is an illustrious prince named Puranjaya the son of a royal sage: into his body I will infuse a portion of myself; and, having descended upon earth, I will, through his body, subdue all your enemies. You, therefore, endeavour to secure the aid of Puranjaya, for the destruction of your foes.”

Vishnu Purana - Chaturth Ansh, Adhyay 3, Verse 4-6

Vishnu Purana | Chapter 3 | Verse 4-6 - English Translation

"In the regions below the earth, the Gandharvas called Mauneya (or, sons of the Muni Kasyapa), who were sixty millions in number, had defeated the tribes of the Nagas (or snake-gods), and seized upon their most precious jewels, and usurped their dominion. Deprived of their power by the Gandharvas, the serpent-chiefs addressed the god of the gods, as he awoke from his slumbers; and the blossoms of his lotus-eyes opened, while listening to their hymns. They said: “Lord, how shall we be delivered from this great fear?” Then replied - the first of males, who is without beginning: “I will enter into the body of Purukutsa, the son of Mandhatri, the son of Yuvanaswa; and through him will I quiet these iniquitous Gandharvas.” On hearing these words, the snake-gods bowed and With- drew, and, returning to their country, despatched Narmada, to solicit the aid of Purukutsa.

References

• Vishnu Purana - Gita Press Gorakhpur
• Vishnu Purana - Purunjaya prakaran
• Vishnu Purana - Purukutsa
• Vishnu Purana - English - Purukutsa

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