Garbhodakaà ÂÃÂyë Vishnu is an expansion of Mahavishnu. In Gaudëya Vaishnavism, the SÃÂtvata-tantra describes three different forms of Vishnu as: MahÃÂvishnu, Garbhodakaà ÂÃÂyë Vishnu and Ksirodakaà ÂÃÂyë Vishnu (ParamÃÂtmÃÂ). Each form has a different role in the maintenance of the Universe and its inhabitants.
The commentary on the Bhagavad Gita describes this form of Vishnu:
In Srimad Bhagavatam, this is explained as: Karanodakashayi Vishnu is the first incarnation of the Supreme Lord, and He is the master of eternal time, space, cause and effects, mind, the elements, the material ego, the modes of nature, the senses, the universal form of the Lord, Garbhodakaà ÂÃÂyë Viá¹£á¹Âu, and the sum total of all living beings, both moving and non-moving.
Garbhodhakaà ÂÃÂyë Vishnu is an expansion or overload of Mahavishnu (expansion of Saá¹Âkará¹£aá¹Âa of second caturvyà «ha, which expands from NÃÂrÃÂyaá¹Âa in Vaikuá¹Âá¹Âhaloka). Garbhodhakaà ÂÃÂyë Vishnu is realized as the form of Pradyumna within the material universe. He is the father of Brahmàwho appeared from His navel and hence Garbhodakashayi Vishnu is also called Hiraà Âyagarbha.