by Lord Brahma – Creator of the Universe (Svayambhu)
Lord Brahma : Hindu mythology contemplates Brahma as the creator of Universe. Hinduism personifies the divine task of creating, maintaining and its destruction in three forms- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Lord Shiva). Brahma is known by many names like Prajapati; meaning head of the clan, Chaturbhuja means one who has four arms, Nabhija means one who is born from navel, Hansvahana means one who rides on Swan.
Symbolism of Lord Brahma
Lord Brahma is usually conceived by Hindus as four faced bearded deity with four arms. An important feature of the four headed stature of Brahma is that it represents the sacramental knowledge of Vedas –Yajurveda, Rigveda, Atharvaveda and Samaveda. The four arms of the deity are directed in all four directions depicting his omnipresence. In upper right hand, the deity is ornamented with a rosary, upper left hand carries a book, a water pot in the lower left hand and the lower right hand is bestowing grace. The rosary is a representation of time. It is believed that in the time cycle, the world is out on the journey beginning from creation, followed by sustenance and finally towards dissolution. The book represents that right use of knowledge, which can only be ensured through positive intellect. Since water is considered as the vital element in the creation of universe, hence the depiction of water pot or kamandalu symbolises the cosmic energy with which the universe was brought into existence. White Swan is the vehicle of Lord Brahma. Swan enjoys a special significance in Hindu Mythology. It is said among the innumerable incarnations in the world, the swan is known for its distinguishable capacity between milk and water. The ideological meaning, which follows, is the dexterity of discrimination between good and evil. Brahma is seated on a lotus. The lotus symbolises purity amidst the dirt all around it.
Mythological manifestations of Brahma
Puranas talk about the emancipation of Lord Bhrahma from the lotus flower that came out of Vishnu’s navel. Thus, one of the names of Brahma is Nabhija or born from navel. According to another legend, Brahma sprang out of the cosmic golden egg and the remaining parts of the egg exploded to form Universe.
Brahma holds an important position in Hindu mythology, but there is only one temple dedicated to the mighty god as compared to other trimurtis. If mythology is to be believed, Brahma was cursed by his wife Goddess Saraswati for his indecent behavior of marrying another woman. The story goes like Brahma was waiting for Saraswati to join him in a Yagya organized by him. Since Saraswati was late, Brahma sent some Brahmins to call upon Saraswati. Saraswati sent the Brahmins back with a message that she will join later. Brahma was so impatient to start the Yagya that he called upon another woman and married her. Saraswati was so furious with this gesture of Brahma that she ended up cursing him. The curse was that Brahma will be worshiped only once in the entire year, i.e. during Kartik Poornima
Pushkar: one and only temple of Brahma
Pushkar in Rajasthan is the abode of one of the few existing temples of Lord Brahma. The temple is visited by the devotees after taking a bath in the Pushkar Lake. The temple welcomes thousands of worshipers during Kartik Poornima, which is a Hindu religious festival held in honour of Lord Brahma.
