Lord Brahma is a key figure in Hindu mythology, known as the creator among the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. He is often depicted with four faces, each looking in a different direction, symbolizing his omnipresence and omniscience. Each face is also said to be reciting one of the four Vedas.
Brahma is also depicted with four arms, holding various objects that symbolize aspects of his divine power. These can include a water pot (symbolizing creation), a spoon (symbolizing the act of feeding the ritual fire), a string of prayer beads (symbolizing time), and the Vedas (symbolizing knowledge).
Despite his status as the creator, Brahma is not widely worshipped in Hinduism, with very few temples dedicated to him. This is often attributed to a curse by the sage Bhrigu, who was angered by Brahma's perceived arrogance.
What are the other two deities in the Hindu trinity besides Lord Brahma?
The other two deities in the Hindu trinity, or Trimurti, are Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Lord Vishnu: Vishnu is known as the preserver or protector of the universe. He is often depicted lying on the cosmic serpent Ananta, with his consort Lakshmi at his feet. Vishnu is said to descend to Earth in various forms, known as avatars, whenever evil threatens to overwhelm good. Some of his most famous avatars include Rama, Krishna, and Narasimha.
Lord Shiva: Shiva is known as the destroyer or transformer, but this destruction is not arbitrary. It is a necessary step for new creation, symbolizing the cyclic nature of time and existence. Shiva is often depicted in a meditative pose and is known for his third eye, which when opened, is said to release a destructive force. He is also associated with the sacred syllable "Om" and is often worshipped in the form of a linga.
These three deities represent the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe according to Hindu beliefs.
How are Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma related to each other in Hindu mythology?
In Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva form the Trimurti, often referred to as the "Hindu Trinity". They are related to each other in terms of their roles in the cyclical nature of the universe:
Lord Brahma is the creator. He brings forth all forms of life and the universe itself into existence. Once the creation is complete, Brahma's role is largely over and he takes a backseat to the other two deities in the Trimurti.
Lord Vishnu is the preserver or sustainer. Once the universe has been created by Brahma, it is Vishnu's role to ensure its maintenance and preservation. He protects all beings and comes to the aid of those in need. Vishnu is known to incarnate on earth in various forms, known as avatars, to restore balance and justice.
Lord Shiva is the destroyer or transformer. His role is to bring about the end of the universe in order to prepare for its renewal. This destruction is not arbitrary or malevolent; it's a necessary step for the process of creation to begin anew. After Shiva has completed his role, Brahma begins the process of creation once again.
These three gods are not seen as separate entities but as different aspects of the same ultimate reality, often referred to as Brahman in Hindu philosophy. They represent the cycle of birth, life, and death in the universe.