Lord Brahma: The Creator God of Hinduism

There are 3 major gods in the Hindu religion – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma is the deity who is responsible for Creation. Vishnu is the Preserver, and Shiva is the Destroyer.

It is believed that Brahma was the first created being, along with the other two gods. Together, they are called the Trimurti. Brahmavidya, or divine knowledge, is the most important Hindu philosophical concept that is attributed to him. Brahma is also regarded as the Supreme God, who is both the Creator and Destroyer of the universe.

In popular iconography, he is often depicted with four heads and four arms. He holds a sacred scripture in one hand and sits on a lotus flower. He also holds a rosary and an ax in his other hands. The ax is used for creation, preservation, or destruction. His 4 heads face each of the cardinal directions. This signifies that he knows the past, present, and future.

Brahma’s Origin and Meaning

Other names for Brahma are Purusha and Atmananda. Brahma supposedly created all beings from his thoughts.

Brahma's name denotes "all-pervading", that is, he encompasses everything within himself. This includes all the other deities. Brahma is also a cosmic ruler who keeps watch on each creation with care.

Brahma’s 4 faces signify the 4 different states of consciousness experienced by human beings. The lotus flower he holds represents creation and the universe. The mala or rosary in another hand represents the many Mantras in Vedic literature. The book he has in his hand contains all knowledge and wisdom.

Two hands display Abhaya and Varada mudras, which denote protection and blessing, respectively. He also has a sacred thread across his chest. This represents his status as one of the four Varnashramadharma (social classes). He also has a mustache and beard, as well as 3 eyes. In one of his hands is a sugarcane bow from which he shoots out seeds for new life forms. His vehicle is the swan.

Brahma’s Creations

Brahma created all things in the universe. He also created gods and demons, apart from humans and animals. The Vedas were created by him to teach people how to live peacefully and harmoniously.

Brahma supposedly divided humans into four castes. The castes were based on birth. The Kshatriyas were warriors, the Vaishyas were merchants, the Shudras were laborers, and the Shudras were servants.

There is a festival for honoring Brahma, called Ugadi. It means ‘the beginning of a new age’. People believe that on this day, Brahma initiated the creation of the universe. It falls in early spring.

Brahma dwells in ‘Brahmapuri’ where he teaches the Vedas to the divinities. Brahma has Rajoguna (Rajas).

Different Names of Brahma

∙ Vedic God (Prajapati)

∙ Sura Jyeshta (eldest of deities)

∙ Chaturmukha (four-face)

∙ Parameshti (giver of supreme desire)

∙ Vedanatha (god of Vedas)

∙ Brahmana (satapata)

∙ Pitamaha (great-grandfather)

∙ Brahma Narayana (half Brahma-half Vishnu)

∙ Hiranyagarbha (the cosmic egg)

∙ Gyaneshwar (god of knowledge)

∙ Atmabhu, Lokesah (Lord of the world)

∙ Swayambhu (self-born), etc

Brahmastra: Brahma’s Weapon

The Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas describe Brahma’s weapon. It is called ‘Brahmastra,’ and its variants are the Brahmashirsha Astra and the Brahmanda Astra, which were used in the battles described in the Mahabharata and Ramayana. All these weapons can destroy the world. Those who worship Brahma (through penance) can supposedly attain them. Brahamastra never misses its target. It is usually used on a hostile army or an individual foe to annihilate them and uphold Dharma.

Brahma’s First Creation

Brahma created living beings in one Brahmand (the heaven, the earth, Patal lok, or the nether world). He created the Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Yakshas, Pisachas, Devas, Nagas, Suparna, Asuras, Kimpurusha, and human beings. All of them are his children.

As per mythology, Manu was the first man created by Brahma. Hindu mythology says that Manu is his eldest son.

Brahma’s Wife

Goddess Savitri is Brahma’s consort. She is a form of Goddess Durga. Maya / Ashtangi / Durga hid in the ocean in the beginning and emerged during the churning of the ocean, taking the form of Savitri. She was given to Brahma, and he married her.