Eternal Servants of Lord Vishnu-Nārāyaṇa: Ādiśeṣa, Viśvaksena, and Garuḍa According to Śrīvaishnavism

Abstract

The article Eternal Servants of Lord Vishnu-Nārāyaṇa: Ādiśeṣa, Viśvaksena, and Garuḍa According to Śrīvaishnavism by Nancy Ann Nayar examines the roles of these three figures as nitya-sūris—eternal associates of Vishnu. The article articulates their distinct ontological status as beings beyond time and rebirth, who reside in Vaikuṇṭha and embody unbroken service. Through textual analysis, Nayar highlights how each serves a vital function—Ādiśeṣa as bed, Viśvaksena as commander, and Garuḍa as mount—emphasizing theological depth within Śrīvaishnava doctrine.