Lord Brahma: The Creator of the Universe

The story of Lord Brahma dates back to the creation of the universe when there was only darkness and a vast cosmic ocean. From this void, a golden egg emerged that floated on the ocean for thousands of years. Eventually, the egg split open and gave birth to Brahma, the Creator. In another version, Brahma was born from a lotus flower that emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu, who was lying on the cosmic serpent Ananta Shesha. After his birth, Brahma was given the divine task by Lord Vishnu to create the universe.

Birth of Brahma from Lotus Flower (Source: Personal Collection)

To carry out his duties, Brahma practiced long meditation in order to gain the wisdom needed. After gaining knowledge, he began to create the basic elements such as heaven, earth, water, fire and air. In addition to creating the physical realm, Brahma also established laws governing the cycles of life, space and time, which would later maintain the balance of all creation. However, his creation did not go without challenges. Brahma once claimed to be the supreme god and tried to prove it by lying about finding the tip of Shiva's phallus, a symbol of Shiva's power. This lie angered Shiva, and he cursed Brahma not to be worshipped by humans, making him the only god of the Trimurti who does not have many temples of worship.

However, despite this curse, Brahma still created great wonders. One of his most important achievements was the creation of the four Vedas, the Hindu scriptures that were born from his mouth. Brahma's four faces, symbolizing his vast wisdom, gave birth to the Vedas that became the sacred guidelines for mankind. Brahma also created Manu, the first man, and Satarupa, the first woman, who together became the ancestors of mankind. They were tasked with populating the earth with offspring and maintaining the balance of the world. In addition, Brahma created various heavenly beings such as gandharvas (heavenly singers) and apsaras (nymphs), who inhabit the heavens and maintain cosmic harmony.

Brahma created the Vedas from his mouth (Source: private collection)

Although Brahma is the creator of the universe, his role ends after the creation of the universe. Brahma is not worshipped in the same way as Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, due to the curse bestowed upon him. However, his position as part of the Trimurti, the three main manifestations of divine power alongside Vishnu (the Preserver) and Shiva (the Destroyer), remains very important. Brahma is a symbol of wisdom, creation and beginnings, and remains revered in the Hindu tradition as an integral part of the cycle of creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe.

Such is the role of Lord Brahma, the Creator, Lawgiver and Mover of the Cycle of Life, who continues to keep the universe spinning in eternal harmony.