All Blogs · Theology Thursday ·Jun 19, 2023

Brahma: The Father of The Universe

Have you ever wondered who dreamed up the universe? In Hinduism, one powerful deity holds the title of supreme creator: Brahma. But unlike his fellow gods Vishnu and Shiva, Brahma remains shrouded in a veil of secrecy. Understanding Brahma sheds light on the very foundation of Hinduism and the fascinating traditions practiced today.

Who is Lord Brahma?

Brahma is considered to be the creator of the universe and all living beings within it. In Hinduism, Brahma is one of the principal deities of the Trimurti (trinity of supreme gods). Brahma is associated with the Vedic creator god Prajapati, whose identity he assumed. He was born from a golden egg and created the earth and all things on it. Later myths describe him as having come forth from a lotus that issued from Vishnu's navel.

Brahma's wife is goddess Saraswati. Saraswati Devi is considered to be the embodiment of his power, the instrument of creation and the energy that drives his actions.

The Anatomy of Brahma:

4 Heads - knowledge of the 4 Vedas
Lotus flower - nature of living beings
Vedas - knowledge about all beings
Rosary beads - passing of time
Water pot - the emergence of creation

Brahma's Creations:

Lord Brahma created all the living beings in one Brahmand (the heaven, the earth and nether worlds)

GANDHARVA - Celestial Musicians
RAKSHASA - Shapeshifting Demons
PISACHA - Evil Ghosts
DEVAS - Divine Beings
NAGAS - Serpent-Like Beings
SUPARNA - Mythical Birds
YAKSHAS - Nature Spirits
KIMPURUSHA - Animal/Human Hybrid
ASURA - Demonic Beings
HUMAN BEINGS - Homosapiens

These are all considered his children.

Brahma's Children

Brahma created all his offspring from his mind. He created:

10 human sons (known as Prajapatis) + one human daughter (called Shatarupa).

Shatarupa (the first woman) married Svayambhuva Manu (the first man).

Their descendants are called manushya, the Sanskrit term for mankind.

Why Isn't Brahma As Popular?

It is believed that a rishi named Bhrigu was going to conduct a havan. He set off to invite Brahma to this occasion. When he got there, Brahma was immersed in Saraswati’s magical music...

...No matter how many times or how loud Bhrigu called, Brahma couldn’t hear him. Bhrigu was enraged and cursed Brahma, that no one would ever invoke or worship him.

Story of Brahma's 5th Head

Lord Brahma had not 4, but 5 heads! Like most things in Hinduism, there are many versions of the story behind the loss of his 5th head, but according to one legend...

Lord Brahma created a woman named Shatarupa to help him with his job of creation. She turned out to be so attractive that Brahma himself fell in love with her extraordinary beauty.

Annoyed by the infatuated gaze of Lord Brahma, she moved to his left and a new head appeared on the left to stare at her.

When she ran in all the 4 directions, he grew heads to face the 4 directions.

Suddenly she sprang above his head and instantly, the 5th head appeared above all the 4 heads. To escape from his starring, she sought the help of Lord Shiva...

Lord Shiva was furious by the act of the creator of the world and severed the 5th head.

He cursed Lord Brahma for his unholy conduct, that no living being would worship Brahma.

Since then, Brahma has been reciting the 4 Vedas from his 4 mouths in repentance.

More Legends!

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