Lord Brahma | The Blessed God of Creation

Blessed are you, O Lord God of Creation.

Brahma is the Hindu deity associated with the entire process and epoch of creation. His counterpart is Goddess Saraswati who is both his daughter and his wife.

Brahma’s role was particularly prominent when humanity was in its early stages of development. During the Vedic and post-Vedic period, Brahma was a prominent deity and his worship was widespread. Even though Lord Brahma was once popularly worshipped, he no longer holds the same level of importance in contemporary Hinduism.

In Buddhism, Brahma is considered to be a deva and a heavenly king. He is viewed as a dharmapala: a protector of teachings. The word Brahma is normally used in Buddhist sutras to mean “best” or “supreme”.

Brahma is traditionally depicted with four faces, three of which can be seen; and a fourth face that is ordinarily hidden. Each face points to a cardinal direction. His hands hold no weapons, but rather, he carries with him objects that symbolise knowledge and creation.

Brahma is ordinarily shown to carry a water pot, a rosary as well as different objects of measurement such as: ladles, rulers and so on. The scrolls he holds symbolise the sacred texts. The rosary beads symbolise time. The water pot symbolises the means with which all creation comes into being and is given a form.

According to scripture, Brahma created his children from his mind. Due to this, they are referred to as Manasaputra. The Manasputra–mind-born children–created the first man and first woman. This man and woman–known as Svayambhuva Manu and Shatarupa–had five children who went on to populate the earth.