Sri Venkateswara is also known as Balaji or Bitala. Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is regarded as "Kaliyuga Varada". In the "degenerate" age of Kali. He is always close to his devotees and ever ready to bless and protect them. He has a dark complexion and four hands. In his two upper hands he holds a discus (a symbol of power) and a conch shell (a symbol of existence). With his lower hands extended downward he asks devotees to have faith and surrender to him for protection. Vishnu is part of the Hindu Trimurti (Trinity) with Brahma and Shiva. Vishnu is the preserver of the universe and the embodiment of goodness and mercy; of compassion. The name Vishnu means "one who pervades" or "one who has entered into everything".