ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Brahma
Within the hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Nevertheless, Brahma grew in a lotus out of the navel of the sleeping Vishnu. The daily alternation of light and dark is attributed to the activity of Brahma.
Brahma’s mind born sons are the seers Marici, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratuj, Pracetas, Vashishta, Bhrgu and Narada. From Brahma’s body came his nine sons Daksa, Dharma, Kama, Anger, Greed, Delusion (Maya), Lust, Joy, Death and Bharata and one daughter called Angaja.
In order to create the world and produce the human race, Brahma made a goddess out of himself. One half was woman and the other half was man. Brahma called the woman Gayatri, but she also became known by many other names such as Saraswati.
Brahma has four heads, but used to have five. The four extra heads appeared when Gayatri was very ashamed with Brahma’s love for her and tried to escape from his gaze. The tremendous tapas that Brahma had practiced for the purpose of creation was entirely annihilated through his desire to unite with his daughter. One head was lost later when Brahma lied to Vishnu and thus caused Shiva to become very angry.
The four Veda’s are said to have sprung from his heads. In the Life of Ganga, Brahma advised Bhagiratha to ask the help of Shiva in containing the power of Ganga (goddess of the Ganges river).
Lord Brahma is the creator of this earth and of all beings, as depicted in the Hinduism. The Vedas,the oldest and the holiest of Hindu scriptures, are attributed to Brahma, and thus Lord Brahma is that the creator of this earth and of all beings, as represented within the Hinduism. The Vedas, the oldest and also the holiest of Hindu scriptures, square measure attributed to Brahma, and therefore Brahma is considered the father of Hindu deity.He is to not be confused with Brahman that may be a general term for the Supreme Being or Almighty God. though Brahma is one among the Trinity, his quality is not any match to it of Hindu deity and Shiva. Brahma is to be found to exist a lot of in scriptures than in homes and temples.
In Puranas, Lord Brahma is that the son of God, and infrequently brought up as head of them. The Shatapatha Brahman says that Brahma was born of the Supreme Being Brahman and also the feminine energy referred to as Maya. desire to form the universe, Brahman initial created the water, within which he placed his seed. This seed remodeled into a golden egg, from that Brahma appeared.
In line with another legend, Brahma is self-born out of a lotus flower that grew from the navel of Hindu deity. so as to assist him produce the universe, Brahma gave birth to the eleven forefathers of the civilization known as “Prajapatis” and also the seven nice sages or the “Saptarishi”. These youngsters or mind-sons of Brahma, who were born out of his mind instead of body, square measure known as the “Manasputras”.
As lord Brahma born from the cosmic golden egg and he then created smart & evil and light-weight & dark from his own person. He conjointly created the four types: gods, demons, ancestors, and men (the initial being Manu). Brahma then created all living creatures upon the planet . within the method of making, maybe in a very moment of distraction, the demons were born from Brahma’s thigh so he abandoned his own body that then became Night.
After Brahma created smart gods he abandoned his body another time, that then became Day, thus demons gain the ascendency in the dark and gods, the forces of goodness, rule the day. Brahma then created ancestors and men, every time once more abandoning his body so they became twilight and Dawn severally. This method of creation repeats itself in each aeon. Brahma then appointed Shiva to rule over humanity though in later myths Brahma becomes a servant of Shiva.
The gods feared that men might become thus powerful that they may challenge their reign, therefore, they asked Brahma however best to stop this. His response was to form wanton ladies who ‘lusting for sensual pleasures, began to stir men up. Then the lord of gods, the lord, created anger because the assistant of want, and every one creatures, falling into the ability of want and anger, began to be connected to ladies.
Lord Brahma and his consort divinity Saraswati, represent the vedas, their spirit and that means. They type the topic of the many tales in Hindu literature. All information, spiritual} and secular emanate from them. The name Narayana (one abode within the causative water, the abode of man) was applied to him initial and later to Hindu deity. The Avataras (incarnations) of fish (matsya) and turtle (koorma) (later known as the avataras of Vishnu), the boar (varaha) to lift the planet from below the waters and created the planet, the sages, and prajapatis were all attributed to Brahma originally and shifted to Hindu deity later. Brahma, created all information, sciences, arts, music, dance and drama. He conjointly officiated over the marriage of Shiva and Annapurna.
Who is Brahma: The Origin and Meaning of Brahma
Brahma is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, along with Vishnu and Shiva. He is known as the creator god, responsible for the creation of the universe and all living beings.
Brahma’s Creation Myth
According to Hindu mythology, Brahma emerged from the cosmic egg (Hiranyagarbha) as a golden lotus flower. He then created the universe and all living beings within it. This myth illustrates Brahma’s power and importance as the creator of all things.
In the myth, Hindu god Brahma is often depicted with four faces, each facing a different direction. This represents his ability to see and control all aspects of creation, from every corner of the universe. Brahma is also often shown holding a book or a lotus flower, symbolizing his role as the source of knowledge and enlightenment.
The Etymology of the Name Brahma
The name “Brahma” is derived from the Sanskrit word “brahman,” which means “the ultimate reality” or “the divine consciousness.” This name reflects Brahma’s role as the creator of the universe and all living beings, and his connection to the ultimate reality of the universe.
In Hindu philosophy, Brahma is often associated with the concept of Brahman, which represents the ultimate reality of the universe. Brahman is often described as an all-pervading, eternal, and infinite consciousness that underlies all of existence. Brahma’s name reflects his connection to this ultimate reality and his role as the creator of the universe.
Brahma’s Role in Hindu Worship and Rituals
Brahma, the creator god of Hinduism, plays an important role in Hindu worship and rituals. and is revered and celebrated in Hinduism through festivals, prayers, and rituals dedicated to him.
Brahma teaching gods and humans – An Illustration of Hindi Gita Press Mahabharata
Brahma’s Festivals
Brahma is not as widely celebrated as other Hindu deities, but there are still several festivals dedicated to him. One of the most prominent festivals is Brahmotsavam, which is celebrated in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This festival lasts for nine days and is dedicated to Lord Brahma’s avatar, Lord Venkateswara.
Another festival that celebrates Brahma is the Pushkar Fair, held annually in the town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims from across India who come to take a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake, which is said to have been created by Brahma.
Brahma’s Prayers and Mantras
In Hinduism, prayers and mantras are an important part of worship. Devotees of Brahma often recite the Brahma Gayatri mantra, which is a powerful prayer dedicated to Lord Brahma. The mantra is as follows: “Om Vedatmanaya Vidmahe Hiranyagarbhaya Dhimahi Tanno Brahma Prachodayat.” This mantra is believed to invoke the power of Brahma and bring wisdom and knowledge to the reciter.
While there are no temples dedicated solely to Brahma in India, there are several temples that feature images of Brahma alongside other deities. One such temple is the Brahma Temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan, which is one of the few temples in the world that is dedicated to Lord Brahma. The temple is believed to have been built in the 14th century and features a red spire and a marble floor. The temple also houses a silver turtle, which is said to be the vehicle of Lord Brahma.
Overall, Brahma may not be as widely celebrated as other Hindu deities, but his role as the creator of the universe and the source of knowledge and enlightenment makes him an important figure in Hindu mythology and worship.
The Significance of Brahma God in Hindu Philosophy
Brahma, the creator god of Hinduism, is not only an important deity in Hindu mythology and worship but also plays a significant role in Hindu philosophy.
In Hindu philosophy, the universe is seen as a manifestation of Brahman, and all living beings are seen as expressions of divine consciousness.
Brahma represents the creative force that brings these expressions of the divine into existence. Through his creation, he provides a means for humans and other living beings to experience the ultimate reality of the universe.
The philosophical significance of Brahma’s role as the creator also underscores the importance of balance and harmony in the universe. Brahma is often depicted as working in tandem with Vishnu and Shiva, the gods responsible for the preservation and destruction of the universe, respectively. Together, these three deities represent the cyclical nature of existence and the importance of balance and harmony in maintaining the order of the universe.
Brahma’s Role in Creation
According to Hindu scriptures, Brahma created the universe through his divine power and knowledge. This concept of creation is known as the Brahma-vivarta or the illusion of Brahma.
Brahma’s role in creation is closely linked to the Hindu concept of the three gunas or qualities of nature – sattva, rajas, and tamas. It is believed that Brahma created the universe by combining these three gunas in varying proportions.
Brahma and the Concept of Existence
In Hindu philosophy, Brahma is also closely associated with the concept of existence. According to Hindu scriptures, existence is divided into two aspects – the unmanifested or avyakta and the manifested or vyakta. Brahma is seen as the cause of both these aspects of existence.
The unmanifested aspect of existence is represented by the seed sound of the universe, known as AUM or Om. Brahma is believed to have created this sound through his divine power and knowledge. The manifested aspect of existence, on the other hand, is the physical world that we experience through our senses.
Brahma and the Pursuit of Knowledge
In Hindu philosophy, Brahma is also associated with the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. Brahma is believed to be the source of all knowledge and wisdom, and his devotees often seek his blessings to gain them.
The pursuit of knowledge is an important aspect of Hindu philosophy, and it is believed that knowledge can lead to liberation or moksha from the cycle of birth and death. Brahma’s association with knowledge and enlightenment makes him an important figure in the pursuit of spiritual liberation in Hinduism.
Overall, Brahma’s role in creation, existence, and the pursuit of knowledge makes him an important deity in Hindu philosophy. His association with these concepts underscores the importance of spirituality and knowledge in Hinduism and highlights the deep connections between Hindu mythology, worship, and philosophy.
Brahma in Contemporary Hinduism
Brahma, the creator god of Hinduism, has remained an important figure in contemporary Hinduism.
Worship of Brahma
While Brahma is not as widely worshiped as some of the other major Hindu deities, there are still many devotees who honor him through puja and other forms of worship. Some temples in India, such as the Brahma Temple in Pushkar, are dedicated to Brahma and attract devotees from around the world.
In addition, Brahma is often invoked in the worship of other deities, such as Shiva and Vishnu. In these contexts, Brahma is seen as a source of divine power and knowledge, and his blessings are sought for success and spiritual growth.
Brahma in Hindu Art and Culture
Brahma is a popular subject in Hindu art and literature. He is often depicted with four heads, representing the four Vedas or ancient Hindu scriptures. In Hindu mythology, Brahma is also associated with the swan, which is said to be his sacred vehicle.
Brahma’s role in the creation and his association with knowledge has also made him a popular figure in contemporary Hindu culture. Many Hindu schools and organizations, such as the Brahma Kumaris, are named after him and promote spiritual growth through meditation and self-realization.
Brahma in Comparative Religion
Brahma’s role as the creator god of Hinduism has drawn comparisons with other creator deities in world religions. For example, in the Judeo-Christian tradition, God is seen as the creator of the universe, while in ancient Egyptian religion, the god Atum was the creator of the world. Brahma’s association with knowledge and wisdom has also drawn comparisons with other figures in world religions, such as the Greek god Apollo and Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and justice.
Overall, Brahma’s continued relevance in contemporary Hinduism highlights the enduring nature of Hindu mythology and culture. His role as the creator god and his association with knowledge and spirituality make him an important figure for many Hindu devotees, and his influence can be seen in Hindu worship, art, and literature.
Brahma and the Four Vedas
Brahma, the creator god in Hindu mythology, is closely associated with the four Vedas – the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. These ancient texts are considered the foundation of Hinduism and Brahma is credited with their creation. The Vedas are a collection of hymns, mantras, and rituals that were transmitted orally for generations before being written down.
The Rigveda is the oldest and most important of the four Vedas and is said to have been composed in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE. It contains hymns dedicated to various deities, including Brahma. The Yajurveda contains instructions for performing yajnas or sacrificial rituals, while the Samaveda contains melodies and chants that were used in these rituals. The Atharvaveda is a collection of hymns, spells, and incantations that were used for various purposes such as healing and protection.
The four layers of texts that make up the Vedas
Brahma is considered the patron of the Vedas and is often depicted holding a copy of one of the texts. He is believed to have created the Vedas through his divine inspiration and imparted them to the sages who passed them on to subsequent generations. In Hindu mythology, Brahma is also known as Vedanatha or lord of the Vedas.
The Vedas have played a crucial role in the development of Hinduism and continue to be studied and revered by Hindus around the world. They provide a glimpse into the religious practices and beliefs of ancient India and have influenced many aspects of Hindu culture, including music, dance, and art. The connection between Brahma and the Vedas underscores the importance of knowledge and wisdom in Hinduism and highlights the role of the creator god in shaping the religion.
Significance of Brahma in Hinduism
Brahma is a complex and multifaceted deity, and his significance in Hinduism cannot be understated. His importance extends beyond mythology and into Hindu culture. He is often depicted in art, literature, and music, and his image is an important part of Hindu iconography.
In addition, Brahma’s role as the creator deity has shaped Hindu beliefs about the nature of existence and the universe, and his teachings about dharma (righteousness) and karma (action) have influenced Hindu philosophy and ethics.
Conclusion
Brahma is a complex and multi-faceted deity with a rich history and tradition in Hinduism. Throughout the ages, Brahma has been revered as the creator of the universe, the god of knowledge, and the patron of priests and scholars. Despite his prominent role in Hinduism, Brahma is often overshadowed by other gods like Vishnu and Shiva. However, his influence can still be felt in the rituals and practices of Hinduism today.
By exploring the many facets of Brahma, we gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity and complexity of Hinduism as a religion and culture. Whether viewed as a cosmic creator or a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, Brahma remains an important figure in Hinduism and an embodiment of its rich spiritual heritage.
Lord Brahma symbolizes the aspect of the Supreme Reality that brings forth the creation. He is the god of creation and he is traditionally accepted as the Creator of the entire universe. He is the first member of the Hindu Trinity that also includes Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Brahma is often identified with Prajapati, a Vedic deity. He appears seated on a lotus. The lotus represents the Reality. Brahma sitting on the lotus indicates that he is ever-rooted in the infinite Reality.
Brahma is often identified with Prajapati, a Vedic deity. As per Hindu mythology, Brahma was born from a (kamala) lotus springing from Vishnu’s navel and created the world through his daughter Saraswati. According to Manu Smriti, the self- existent Lord manifested to dispel the darkness enveloping universe. He created the waters and deposited a seed that became a golden egg from which he was born as Brahma. He divided the egg into two parts to construct the heaven and earth, and created the ten Prajapatis, mind-born sons, who completed the work of creation. By a third account, the Lord separated himself into two parts, the male and the female after dividing the golden egg.
According to the Brahma Purana, he is the father of Manu, and from Manu all human beings are descended. In the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, he is often referred to as the orignator of all human beings. He is not to be confused with the Supreme Cosmic Spirit in Hindu Vedanta philosophy known as Brahman.
He is a four-faced, four-armed deity. He carries a rosary in one hand, a sacrificial tool (sruva) in the other hand, the Vedas (knowledge) and a water pot (kamandal) in other hands respectively.The four faces represent the sacred knowledge of the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva). Brahma’s black or white beard denotes wisdom and the eternal process of creation. His four arms represent the four cardinal directions- east, south, west, and north. The back right hand represents mind, the back left hand represents intellect, the front right hand is ego, and the front left hand is self-confidence. The lotus symbolizes nature and the living essence of all things and beings in the Universe.
Brahma is always depicted as having four heads. According to a story, Brahma was once in the midst of extended austerities in order to gain the throne of Indra, the king of gods, when Indra sent a celestial dancing girl, Tilottama, to distrub Brahma. Not wanting to move from his medative position, Brahma produced a face on this right side when Tillotama moved to his right side; when she appeared behind him, Brahma produced a head behind his head; he produced a face on his left, when she appeared on his left; wnd when she appeared above him, he produced a face above. When Lord Shiva saw this five-headed Brahma, he got furious at Brahma for his lust and pinched off his above looking head. Brahma was left with four faces.
Brahma’s divine consort is Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and knowledge. His mount is a Swan. Brahma carries no weapon. Although Brahma is the equal to Vishnu and Shiva, Lord Brahma is not popularly worshipped. In India, there are only two temples devoted to Brahma; one is near Ajmer, Rajisthan and other one is in Idar, on the border of Gujarat and Rajisthan
This is the logical reason why Lord Brahma is not worshiped:
- In Hinduism, Lord Brahma is the first god of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh). He is the creator of the universe. But, he is not worshipped as Lord Vishnu and Shiva. There is only one temple dedicated to him, which is the Pushkar temple of Rajasthan. And many temples are dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. There is no corner of India where there are no temples of Vishnu and Shiva.
- Even his consort goddess Saraswati is remembered and worshipped more than him. He is depicted as worried, tensed, old and alone.
- The entire universe is created by him, still, he is alone and secluded! Why so…? Why is he depicted old, worried and secluded? Why is the god of creation not worshipped? Why does he not get the respect and position in the Hindu pantheon, what he should get as a creator? Why is the originator of four Vedas ignored? Even knowers of the Vedas are worshipped and respected more than its originator, Lord Brahma.
- Brahm knowledge is considered the highest knowledge. All the penance, yoga, and meditation are performed for acquiring the Brahm knowledge. One side, people aspire to have Brahm-knowledge and another side, Lord Brahma is ignored. Why this contradicts?
- According to a Hindu mythological legend – Along with the creation of the universe, Lord Brahma created a female deity known as Shatarupa, one who can acquire a hundred forms. Brahma had only one head when he had started creating the universe. Later, due to this female deity, he got five heads.
- Shatarupa was so beautiful that Brahma became completely infatuated with her and stared at her wherever she went. This is not a divine quality to persuade his own creation like this. Shatarupa was embarrassed by this attention and intention and tried to escape his gaze, but in every direction that she moved, Brahma sprouted a new head until he had developed four.
- This frustrated her, and in order to escape herself from his gaze, the desperate Shatarupa jumped high in the sky. To continue his gaze, the fifth head was sprouted at the top of his other four heads.
- He showed his lordship on her. This unholy behavior and an extra attachment to the created things of Lord Brahma angered Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva admonished him and chopped his fifth head as a punishment for his unacceptable behavior of the creator towards his creation.
- Brahma was attached to the created things(temporary) by ignoring the soul(permanent). He became materialistic than spiritual. The resultant, Lord Shiva cursed Brahma not to be worshipped.
- And the second legend says – there was competition between Brahma and Vishnu to prove who is greater between them, and who should be worshipped first. In order to win this competition, Lord Brahma spoke a lie and tried to trick Lord Vishnu. On seeing this, lord shiva appeared and chopped his fifth head of Brahma and cursed him not be worshipped.
- These are the mythological reasons why Brahma is not worshipped. Now, Let us understand its logical reason. Whenever nature wants to manifest herself time to time, she chooses someone among us as an instrument. Nothing belongs to us whether it is created by us or by someone. Nothing can be created outside of nature. Therefore, every creation belongs to nature, not to someone. We are just a medium.
- You can create something, but its possession is not in your hand. Nature provides her shelter to everyone for a certain period of time. Showing unnecessary proprietary over it gives nothing but miseries, worries, tension, anxiety and suffering. That is what lord Brahma did after the creation of the universe and Shatarupa and started showing his possession over it. This is the quality of Jiva of low birth, not a person of a divine quality.
- Lord Brahma is highly attached to his creation. I have created this world, I am the owner of this world, everything belongs to me, everything should work according to me- this is the attitude of Lord Brahma. And when something does not work according to your thought, you become worried, stressed and tensed.
- No one wants to be controlled by anyone. Even your own offspring does not want to be an excessive control from you. Brahma tries to control everyone and everything, and hence, no one wants to be in the association with him. That is the reason of Lord Brahma being appeared stressed, worried, old and secluded.
- Another reason is – Lord Brahma is exhausted energy, Vishnu is active energy and Shiva is the passive energy. Lord Brahma`s work is done, he(the creation) is the past now. Vishnu(the maintainer) is the present and Shiva(the Destructor) is the future. People care for the present and the future, not the past. This psychology of people makes Lord Brahma to be ignored.
- We do not worship or respect to a person, we respect and worship the quality, behavior, post, position and power of a person.
About Lord Brahma and Ugadi festival
Ugadi festival is dedicated to mighty Lord Brahma. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu lunar calendar. Ugadi is formed from two words: yuga means “age” and adi implies “new beginning”. Lord Brahma is deemed as the supreme creator of the universe. He established life on still earth and started an evolution. Lord Brahma, along with Lord Vishnu and Shiva, is an integral part of the Trinity in Hindu cosmology. He discovers glorious elaborations in the oldest and most revered ancient scripture. The mighty Brahma is also worshipped as the God of Dharma.
Significance of glorious festival Ugadi
According to ancient texts, Ugadi is an incredibly important festival as it marks the first day of the universe. A prominent legend linked with Ugadi is that one day a demon called Sambhabakasura stole Vedas from Lord Brahma. When Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, came to know this, he got very angry. He took Matsya incarnation and killed the Sambhabakasura, bringing Vedas back to Lord Brahma. After receiving Vedas, supreme Lord Brahma created the universe on Ugadi. He carved the realm and divided time into hours, weeks, months and years on Ugadi only. It is also believed that one year on earth equates to a day for Lord Brahma. A prominent legend narrates that the coronation of mighty Lord Ram took place on Ugadi. Thus, the festival is revered with immense joy and in a pompous way.
How to celebrate the Ugadi festival?
Ugadi is celebrated by adorning new and best clothes. The processions of the festival include greeting relatives and acquaintances and sharing joy with them. Houses, buildings, and other workplaces are embellished with mango leaves and other decorative elements. Rangoli or bright, colourful floral patterns are carved near doors. A special puja for Lord Brahma is organised to celebrate Ugadi.
Boons of celebrating the Ugadi festival
Here are a few significant boons of observing Ugadi with immense devotion:
- ● Ugadi festival brings the supreme blessings of Lord Brahma.
- ● It brings rejuvenation and immense calmness to life.
- ● The fire ritual removes obstacles and hindrances and nurtures life with sheer peace.
- ● It is the best time for beginning any new venture.
- ● The beautiful festival brings success in all endeavours.
- ● It enriches life with joy, euphoria and abundance.
Gain all these benefits by celebrating Ugadi with immense dedication and glee. You can connect with our team to know more about this auspicious festival. We will guide you about the pious timings of Ugadi puja and how to celebrate this festival in the most promising way.
Why there are no Hindu Festivals Dedicated to Brahma?
There are no major festival dedicated to Brahma, is the creator of the universe and one among the Trimurti. There are numerous festivals dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu and to Mother Goddess but there are no festival dedicated to Brahma. The reason is philosophical and is told through the story of Shiva cutting the fifth head of Brahma.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva was disappointed with the world that Brahma created. Shiva saw disease, pain, suffering, death… in the world. He saw human beings madly scampering for momentary pleasure under the influence of Maya
But Brahma was happy with his creation and he brought forth four heads to look in all direction. Brahma’s pride knew no limits and he popped up a fifth head to have a look at his creation. This pride of Brahma enraged Shiva and he became Bhairava.
Shiva as the ferocious Bhairava attacked Brahma and he cut off the fifth head for creating a world filled with misery, Shiva cursed Brahma that people will not worship him and will not conduct pujas, rituals and festivals in his name.
Brahma is usually depicted as an old man who is still chasing desires. Creations are the result of his desires. He is not blessing the living beings with the knowledge to overcome Maya.
Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. Some form of Hinduism is known to have been practiced as early as the third millennium BCE in the Indus Valley, which is part of India. The oral traditions of Hinduism were transcribed to writing, c. 1500 -500 BCE, into texts that are called the Vedas, the oldest religious works in the world.
In Hinduism, Brahma is considered the lord of creation. The god Brahma is responsible for creating everything that exists. Along with the gods Vishnu and Shiva, he is part of the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of gods.
The significance of the Lord Brahma lies in his role as the Creator. Brahma sprang from Brahman, and all things then come from Brahma. Brahma is the source of the Vedas, through which all knowledge comes.
Brahman is considered to be transcendent and basically unknowable. As a manifestation of Brahman, Brahma provides a personal focus to help people understand the tenets of Hinduism. He is considered more accessible, and thus, helps explain the complex mysteries of the religion.
In the Vedas
The term Veda means “knowledge” in ancient Sanskrit, the original language of Hinduism. Like Brahma, their creator, the texts of the Vedas are believed to have always existed. They have been revealed to man but not written by him. There are four texts that make up the Vedas:
- Rig Veda: a collection of hymns
- Sama Veda: a selection of verses, mostly from the Rig Veda, with musical notation
- Yajur Veda: a collection of mantras used in religious rituals
- Atharva Veda: a collection of hymns and incantations
Each of the four Vedas includes Upanishads, philosophical-religious texts that comment on and further develop the tenets of Hinduism. There are almost 200 Upanishads, and collectively they are sometimes considered the Vedanta, or “end of the Vedas,” because of their explanations of the concepts of the Vedas and encouragement to follow those concepts.
The Upanishads are the most read of the Vedas. They are in the form of narrative dialogues. Although the Upanishads were the first elements of the Vedas to be translated into languages other than Sanskrit, it is understood that, because they are revealed text, translations are merely paraphrases of the divine originals in Sanskrit.
The Upanishads teach how to live in harmony with the universe and, in the process, they reveal several fundamental aspects of both Brahma and Hinduism:
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. According to Hinduism. Brahman is the Supreme Over Soul. Brahma is the son of Brahman and is, in a sense, a manifestation of a basically unknowable supreme being. The god Brahma is the Creator; everything that exists comes from him. He is part of the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity, along with Vishnu, the Preserver, and Shiva, the Destroyer (or transformer). The Vedas are the holy texts of Hinduism and were revealed to the world by Brahma. They include the Upanishads, texts which comment on the Vedas and teach man how to worship and how to live. The Maitrayaniya Upshinad provides instruction on how to achieve moksha, or liberation, and escape samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth. Achieving moksha brings enlightenment and unification with Brahman.
Lord Brahma is shown in art as a figure with four heads, which represent the four Vedas. He also has four arms and holds objects representing various aspects of Hinduism. He sits in the lotus position on a lotus flower and sometimes rides a swan. Brahma may be considered a sort of personification of the basic tenets of Hinduism. He makes the complex concepts of Hinduism more accessible and understandable to people.
What does Brahma symbolize?
Brahma symbolizes creation. He created everything that exists, and he also revealed the “Vedas,” holy texts of Hinduism, to man.
What is Brahma the god of?
Brahma is the god of creation. He is a manifestation of Brahman, the supreme Being, and everything that exists comes from him.
9 Astonishing Things that You must know about the Brahma Temple, Pushkar
The vibrance of Rajasthan is popular all around the globe, and this great state boasts of almost all the sights and sounds that anyone could hope for in an exotic vacation destination. Embedded with spectacular palaces and forts, beautiful shrines, and even some local crafts, Rajasthan is an enchanting land where one can relish their senses. Among several places to visit in the state, Pushkar is one of the most sought-after destinations. Pushkar is a small town located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan state, India. The most prominent feature of this small town is the Brahma Temple in Pushkar, which draws thousands of people year after year, including tourists, travel enthusiasts, and devotees. Some of you might be surprised to know that Pushkar hosts the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, where he is worshipped dedicatedly.
Mythology Surrounding The Brahma Temple
In Hindu culture, more than 30 million Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. Out of them, the three main gods together form the holy trinity or Trimurti, including Brahma – the creator of the universe; Shiva – the destroyer and Vishnu – the preserver.
Even after being thought of as the creator of the universe and the most powerful god, Lord Brahma has only one temple solely dedicated to him in the entire world, which is in Pushkar. This fact makes the Pushkar temple unique and valuable among several shrines and pilgrimage sites in the country. Additionally, the mythological stories of Lord Brahma and the Pushkar temple are quite interesting. Brahma Temple in Pushkar – a highlight that cannot be missed during a Rajasthan trip, has several mythological stories. Let’s dive into them and learn more about the temple.
1. Origin of Brahma Temple, Pushkar
According to Hinduism, Lord Brahma once noticed a demon named Vajranabha torturing and killing people. Seeing his cruelty and the atrocities he committed upon the masses, the Lord slew the demon with his divine weapon (his lotus flower). While killing the demon, some lotus petals fell on the ground at three places: the Kanishta Pushkar, Madhya Pushkar, and the Jyestha Pushkar.
After this, Lord Brahma came down to Earth and decided to perform a yagna at the Jyestha Pushkar Lake. He began the preparations and created a chain of hills around the place to perform the yagna undisturbed by demons. Due to certain reasons, his wife Savitri could not join him for this yagna which was a prerequisite for the success of this event. Seeing this, Lord Brahma requested Lord Indra to bring him a suitable consort who could help him to complete this yagna.
Entertaining Lord Brahma’s request, Lord Indra sent Gayatri to help Lord Brahma as his wife. After hearing this news, Savitri arrived and saw Lord Brahma sitting with Gayatri, and she cursed Brahma that no one would ever worship him. After her temper cooled down, she permitted his worship only in Pushkar, making the Brahma temple in Pushkar a special place.
2. Recent History of Brahma Temple, Pushkar
The Brahma Temple has a history of multiple invasions by Muslim rulers during the Mughal era. This temple was rebuilt many times. The present structure of the temple goes back to the 14th century, while the original structure is believed to be around 2000 years back. Additionally, as per records, Brahma Temple was majorly re-constructed in the 8th century by the famous Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara. Later on, it was again remodelled and renovated during the reign of Maharaja Jawat Raj.
Now that we know the genesis and history of the Brahma Temple, let us learn some interesting legends associated with this temple.
3. The Story of The Curse of Shiva
This story is regarding Lord Brahma lying about his achievement to Lord Shiva. He was cursed not to be worshipped by people except at Pushkar.
There’s a tale dating back to the beginning of time, where Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were tasked with finding the foot and head of a pillar of light (a gigantic lingam of flaming fire) atop Mount Meru. As they searched, each grew tired and wanted to quit, while Vishnu accepted he was unsuccessful, Brahma lied about reaching his goal. After learning about this, Lord Shiva became so enraged by this shameless action that he cursed Lord Brahma that he would never be worshipped, and no temple would be dedicated to him.
The Brahma Purana also speaks of a mind-blowing story associated with the famous temple. According to the sacred text, when Brahma created the cosmos, he first created an attractive female deity known as Shatapura and thought she was an amazing creation. However, his happiness didn’t last for long, as he then became consumed by her beauty and started following her everywhere she went. Over time, he failed to control his desire for her and was persuaded by Shiva to give up his infatuation. After this incident, Lord Shiva cursed Lord Brahma and said that no one on Earth would ever worship Brahma again.
4. The Architecture of Brahma Temple
Brahma Temple reflects the mesmerising Rajasthani style of architecture. The beauty of the architecture is one of the several reasons why thousands of devotees visit this place, and it has its place in most tour packages.
The temple is built on a high platform and has multiple stairs leading to the entrance. The entrance has beautiful carvings and is adorned with pillared canopies. After the entrance, there comes a pillared hall, also known as Mandapa. The pillared hall is huge and has a beautifully engraved roof and pillars. It leads to the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Brahma and his wife, Gayatri.
Within the Grabagraha, there is an idol of the Lord Brahma, made of marble, where he is depicted sitting cross-legged showcasing the various aspects of the creation of the universe. Additionally, the temple has the mount of Brahma Ji and a symbol of hamsa (Swan) right at the main entrance of the temple. Seventy feet high red shikhara of the temple is another prominent feature that enhances its divinity further. Beautiful carvings upon the walls add more significance to the temple.
The temple has been constructed with blocks and stone slabs joined together using molten lead. The devotees have studded the marble floor and wall with thousands of silver coins. These coins have worshippers’ names etched on them, and they are the symbols of offerings made by worshippers to Lord Brahma.
5. Why must every senior visit the Brahma Temple at Pushkar?
This temple is so revered that devotees from faraway lands come here to do the darshans of Lord Brahma. Seniors can enjoy the divine aura that fills this temple and enjoys its beautiful architecture. It is believed that seniors should visit this temple to seek the blessings of the Lord and burn the sins they would have unknowingly committed in their lives.
A visit to this temple provides spiritual benefits to seniors and immense peace to their ancestors. Performing darshans of Lord Brahma blesses seniors with good health and happy life. Additionally, seniors can visit Pushkar Lake, which is considered one of the few lakes in the world where yagna is performed to provide moksha and peace to ancestors in their afterlife. Besides this, seniors can enjoy street shopping and local food like gatte ki sabzi and daal baati churma around the temple area.
6. When should seniors visit Brahma Temple?
The state of Rajasthan has a high temperature and remains hot for most of the year. So, the best time to visit here is, of course, in winter. The ideal and most-preferred time to visit this temple is from October to February. Usually, most devotees visit the Brahma Temple around Kartik Poornima in November.
It is believed that Kartik Poornima is the best time to receive the blessings of Lord Brahma and achieve maximum spiritual benefits. One of the most famous Indian fairs – the Pushkar Fair, is organised during Kartik Poornima. It is a pleasing experience for the seniors. Otherwise, the quaint town becomes lively and high-spirited with exciting activities. This fair is celebrated like a festival in the city, which lasts for around five days. Seniors can take a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake, perform special rites and take the blessing of the God of creation.
Coming to the opening time of the temple, it remains open throughout the day, i.e. from sunrise to sunset. No fee is charged to anyone to visit the Brahma Temple. As a traveller, you would love both Pushkar city and Pushkar temple. It will provide you with a great opportunity to indulge in the mesmerising Rajasthani lifestyle, food, and culture.
7. How can seniors safely reach the Brahma Temple?
Pushkar can be reached by rail and road, and is connected with all the prominent cities, including Ajmer and Jaipur.
Located on the Brahma Temple Road in Ganahera, the Brahma Temple is well-connected and can be easily accessed by seniors. Anyone can reach this temple by car, taxi, or bus, and seniors can even use local buses for travelling. The nearest airport to the city is in Jaipur.
8. Which hotels are best for seniors around Brahma Temple at Pushkar?
Multiple hotels are available around the temple, including Hotel Divine Palace, 12 Monks Hostel, Moustache Pushkar, Varah Square Guest House, and Hotel Everest. All these hotels are highly suitable for seniors and have all the facilities to fulfil their needs. These hotels can also provide transportation facilities to seniors and provide them with a local guide to help them in exploring the city. It is advised to choose a hotel near the temple so that you can make the best of your trip.
9. What activities can seniors do around Brahma Temple?
Other than seeking the blessings of Lord Brahma and worshipping him, seniors can enjoy several interesting activities in Pushkar. Let us take a look at what all seniors can do in Pushkar.
- Explore other temples and lakes in and around the city
- Explore the beautiful sights, specially during sunrise and sunset
- Enjoy a camel ride
- Enjoy traditional dance and folk songs
- Enjoy delicious Rajasthani food
- Walk around the nearby Aravali Hills
- Hire a local guide and enjoy Pushkar sightseeing
How many Brahma temples are there in India?
Apart from the Pushkar temple, there are five other Brahma temples in India. These are:
Adi Brahma Temple, Kullu Valley
Astra Brahma Temple, Rajasthan
Brahma Karmali Mandir, Goa
Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
Brahma Temple, Tamil Nadu
Why does Brahma have four heads?
In Hinduism, it is believed that the heads of Lord Brahma symbolise the four Vedas, each head representing one Veda.
How many wives did Lord Brahma have?
Lord Brahma had two wives – Saraswati and Gayatri.
How do I get to Pushkar?
You can reach Pushkar by road, rail, or aeroplane. The city is well-connected with big cities like Ajmer and Jaipur
Which things are famous in Pushkar apart from Pushkar temple?
Pushkar is famous for handicrafts made from stone, wood, ivory, etc. Pottery items, bags, and paintings are other major attractions.
6 Brahma Temples in India That You Need to Know About
Lord Brahma is one of the most prominent deities of the Hindus. He is the creator of the universe. He is one of the three principal deities of the Hindus. The other two deities are Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma is shown with four heads and sits on a lotus flower. Brahma is also the creator of the Vedas and other ancient Hindu scriptures. However, he is not worshipped as the other gods of the Hindu universe. There are very few Brahma temples in India.
Why do the Other Gods don’t Worship Lord Brahma?
Some legends tell us why Lord Brahma is not worshipped like the other Hindu gods.
- According to one popular story, Lord Brahma once created a goddess called Shatarupa. In Sanskrit, Shatarupa means one capable of assuming a hundred forms. Brahma was so attracted to Shatarupa that he followed her everywhere she went. Brahma grew five heads, one in each direction, so that he could see Shatarupa and follow her. Lord Shiva did not like this attraction of Brahma towards Shatarupa and cut the fifth head of Brahma. Since then, no one prays to Lord Brahma.
- The second tale also comes from Hindu mythology. Brahma and Vishnu once debated as to who among them was the most powerful god. They asked Lord Shiva to determine the most powerful. Shiva assumed the form of a flaming pillar. The pillar went upward in the heavens and also underground. He told Vishnu and Brahma to seek out the ends of this pillar. Whoever would find it first would be the winner. Brahma became a swan and flew towards the heavens. Vishnu took the form of a boar and went under the earth. Vishnu could not find the lower ends of the pillar and knew that Lord Shiva was the most powerful god. But Brahma came up with a trick. He took the Ketaki flower and instructed it to tell Shiva that Brahma had found the upper end of the flaming pillar. Shiva knew that Brahma was lying. He cursed Brahma that he will never be worshipped.
1. Brahma Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the most famous Brahma Temples in India. It is also called Jagatpita Brahma Mandir. The temple is located on the banks of the famous Pushkar Lake. In November, which coincides with the Hindu calendar month of Kartik, devotees come from far and near to take a dip in the holy lake and get rid of their sins.
The temple was constructed during the 14th century. Marble and stone slabs were used to build the temple. There is the idol of Brahma and Gayatri in the main garbhagriha of the temple. The shikhara or domes of the temple are red.
2. Asotra Brahma Temple, Barmer, Rajasthan
There is a Brahma temple in Barmer Rajasthan and it is known as Asotra Brahma Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma. Stones from Jaisalmer and Jodhpur were used in the construction of this temple. The royal priests of the kingdom built the temple. The idol of Lord Brahma is made of marble stone.
3. Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu
There is a Brahma temple in Barmer Rajasthan and it is known as Asotra Brahma Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma. Stones from Jaisalmer and Jodhpur were used in the construction of this temple. The royal priests of the kingdom built the temple. The idol of Lord Brahma is made of marble stone.
The Brahma temple in Tirupattur is called Brahmapureeswarar Temple. The presiding deity of this temple is a self-originated shiv linga. There is a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Brahma in this temple. Lord Brahma is seated in Padmasana pose on a lotus flower. Lord Shiva is also worshipped here and there is 12 shiv linga around the temple. According to a legend, Lord Brahma visited this temple and created the 12 shiv lingas to pray to Lord Shiva.
4. Adi Brahma Temple, Khokhan, Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The temple that is dedicated to Lord Brahma in Kullu Valley is called Adi Brahma Temple. The temple has a typical Pagoda-like architecture which is usually seen in temples in Himachal Pradesh. Many legends are famous about this temple. It is said that Adi Brahma answered the prayers of the king of Kullu and cured the people of this region of evil and diseases.
The Adi Brahma temple is between two other temples, and these are of Gadh Jogini and Manikaran Jogini. A huge procession takes place and the idol of Adi Brahma is taken around the entire town to protect the people from the evil effects of diseases and evil spirits.
5. Brahma Karmali Mandir, Panaji, Goa
The temple of Lord Brahma is very old and dates back to the 5th century. The temple deity is Lord Brahma whose black stone idol dates back to the 12th century when the Kadamba dynasty ruled this region. The idol is the original idol that was chiseled out of black rock during the Kadamba period. The name of the temple comes from Karmali, which is a small village called Karmali or Carambolim. Lord Brahma is shown as a Trimurti, along with Vishnu and Mahesh.
6. Brahma Temple, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
The temple in Kumbakonam is dedicated to Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma is shown with four heads. The head on the front and the two sides are seen, whereas the face on the backside is not seen. Saraswati and Gayatri are the two goddesses, whose idols are on two sides of Lord Brahma. The temple of Lord Brahma is a separate shrine. Parents of children do the Brahma Sankalp Pooja in this temple to pray for the success of their children.
