Story
Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism, is one of the principal deities of the Trimurti (Trinity) alongside Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer). According to Puranic tradition, Brahma emerged from a lotus that grew from Vishnu's navel while he was in cosmic sleep. This lotus represents the creative potential that manifests the universe. Brahma is credited with creating the universe through his divine will and speaking the sacred sound "Om", from which the cosmos came into existence.
Sacred Iconography
Four Faces
चतुर्मुख (Chaturmukha)
Four faces representing the four Vedas
Represents knowledge of all directions and complete wisdom of creation
Four Arms
चतुर्भुज (Chaturbhuj)
Four arms holding sacred objects
Represents the four directions and cosmic control over creation
Swan Vehicle
हंसवाहन (Hamsavahan)
Riding the divine swan Hamsa
Symbolizes discrimination between good and evil, wisdom and purity
Sacred Thread
यज्ञोपवीत (Yagnopavit)
The sacred thread of spiritual knowledge
Represents the connection between material and spiritual realms
Sacred Stories
Birth from Lotus
Brahma emerged from a golden lotus that grew from Vishnu's navel while he rested on the cosmic serpent Shesha. This lotus represents the unfolding of creation from the divine source, showing how the creative force manifests from pure consciousness.
Creation Through Sound
Brahma created the universe by speaking the sacred syllable "Om". From this primordial vibration, all of creation emerged - the elements, the planets, all living beings, and the cosmic order itself, demonstrating the power of divine word.
The Curse of Limited Worship
Due to his pride in a contest with Shiva, Brahma was cursed to have limited worship on Earth. This story teaches humility and explains why there are fewer temples dedicated to Brahma compared to other deities.
Divine Symbolism
Creator Principle
Brahma represents the creative aspect of the divine that brings forth the manifest universe from the unmanifest. He embodies the power of imagination and the will to create that exists within all consciousness.
Knowledge and Wisdom
With his four faces representing the four Vedas, Brahma symbolizes complete knowledge and the wisdom that guides righteous creation. He is the source of all learning and intellectual pursuit.
Cosmic Time Cycles
Brahma's lifespan represents cosmic time cycles. One day of Brahma equals 4.32 billion human years, teaching us about the vast scales of cosmic time and the cyclical nature of creation.
Festivals & Celebrations
Brahma Panchami
Fifth day of Shukla Paksha in Magh month
Dedicated to worshipping Brahma for knowledge and wisdom
Kartik Purnima
Full moon in Kartik month
Special prayers offered to Brahma
Famous/Sacred Temples
Brahma Temple, Pushkar
One of the very few temples dedicated to Brahma worldwide. Located at the sacred Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan, it is considered the most important pilgrimage site for Brahma devotees.
Brahma Temple, Kumbakonam
Ancient temple in Tamil Nadu where Brahma is worshipped alongside other deities. Known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance in South Indian temple tradition.
Adi Brahma Temple, Khokhan
Located in Himachal Pradesh, this temple is believed to be where Brahma first appeared. An important pilgrimage site in the Himalayan tradition.
Sacred Mantras and Prayers
ओम् ब्रह्मणे नमः
Om Brahmane Namah
Salutations to the Creator
ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविः
Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir
The offering is Brahma, the oblation is Brahma
Essential Facts
Brahma is the creator deity of the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti) along with Vishnu and Shiva
He has four faces representing the four Vedas and four arms holding sacred objects
His vehicle is Hamsa, the sacred swan symbolizing wisdom and discrimination
Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, is his divine consort
There are very few temples dedicated to Brahma due to mythological curses