For the purpose of material creation Lord’s plenary expansion assumes three Vishnus. The first one Maha-Vishnu, the second Garbhodakasayi Vishnu and third Kshirodakaayi Vishnu.
Maha-Vishnu: Maha-Vishnu is called Inferior Energy or Lower Energy creates the total material energy , known as the mahat-tattva. The inferior energy is matter manifested in different elements, namely earth, water, fire,air,ether,mind, intelligence and ego. Both forms of material nature, namely gross(earth, etc.)and subtle (mind, etc.) are products of the inferior energy.
Garbhodakasayi-Vishnu: Garbhodakasayi Vishnu, enters into all the Universes to create diversities in each of them. Garbhodakasayi Vishnu is called Superior Energy or Higher Energy of the Supreme LOrd, and it is due to this energy that the entire material world functions. The cosmic manifestation has no power to act unless it is moved by the superior energy, the living entity. Energies are always controlled by the energetic and therefore the living entities are always controlled by the Lord – they no independent existence. (more…)