Brahma

ब्रह्मा • Brahmā

"The Expansive One; from root 'brih' (to grow/expand)"

Trimurti Creator Universal (though less worshipped independently)

Pitamaha Hiranyagarbha Prajapati Svayambhu Chaturmukha Vidhata

Epithets

Chaturanana (Four-faced) Kamalasana (Lotus-seated) Vedanatha (Lord of Vedas) Jagat Karta (Creator of World)

Category & Classification

Type

Trimurti

Position

Creator

Tradition

Universal (though less worshipped independently)

Iconography

Form

Elderly sage with four faces facing four directions

Complexion

Red or golden

Faces

Arms

Posture

Seated on lotus (Padmasana)

Dress

White or red garments

Vahana

Hamsa (Swan)

Attributes & Weapons

Vedas (scriptures) (One hand) - Source of all knowledge
Kamandalu (water pot) (One hand) - Creative waters; renunciation
Akshamala (rosary) (One hand) - Time; meditation; cycle of creation
Sruva (ladle) (One hand) - Yajna; cosmic sacrifice

Hamsa (Swan) — Discernment (separating milk from water); purity; transcendence

Mudras

Abhaya mudra
Varada mudra

Ornaments

Minimal ornamentation Simple crown Sacred thread

Family & Relations

Origin	Born from the lotus emerging from Vishnu's navel (Padmanabha); or self-born (Svayambhu)
Consort	Saraswati (goddess of knowledge)
Children	Manas Putras (mind-born sons): Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, Sanatkumara, Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Vasishtha, Daksha, Narada
Abode	Brahmaloka (Satyaloka) - highest of the material realms

Mythology & Stories

Born from the lotus emerging from Vishnu's navel (Padmanabha); or self-born (Svayambhu)

Birth from Vishnu's Navel

At the beginning of creation, Brahma emerged from a lotus growing from Vishnu's navel while Vishnu rested on Sheshanaga in the cosmic ocean.

Source: Vishnu Purana

Creation of the Universe

Brahma created the universe, the Vedas, time, celestials, humans, and all beings through his mental power and sacrifice.

Source: Brahma Purana

Curse of Shiva

When Brahma claimed superiority over Shiva and lied about seeing the top of Shiva's cosmic fire pillar, Shiva cursed that Brahma would not be widely worshipped on earth.

Source: Shiva Purana

The Fifth Head

Brahma originally had five heads. The fifth was cut off by Shiva (as Bhairava) for Brahma's arrogance and inappropriate behavior.

Source: Puranic tradition

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Beej Mantra

Om Aim Hreem Shreem

Mool Mantra

Om Brahmane Namah

Gayatri Mantra

Om Vedatmanaya Vidmahe Hiranyagarbhaya Dhimahi Tanno Brahma Prachodayat

Stotras & Hymns

Brahma Stotra Brahma Ashtakam

Auspicious Days

No specific day; associated with Thursday

Offerings

Lotus flowers
White items
Ghee

Temples

Brahma Temple, Pushkar

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Only major Brahma temple in the world; established by Brahma himself

Brahma Temple, Khokhan

Himachal Pradesh

Ancient Brahma shrine

Brahmapureeswarar Temple

Tamil Nadu

Brahma worshipping Shiva

Associated Festivals

Brahmotsavam (temple festivals) Kartik Purnima (at Pushkar)

Astrological Connection

Planet

Associated with creative intelligence; some link to Jupiter

Nakshatra

Rohini (creative energy)

Day

No specific day; some sources say Thursday

Remedial For

Creative blocks Knowledge acquisition Beginning new ventures

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Creator of the universe, time, and all beings at the beginning of each cosmic cycle

Creative intelligence Knowledge Sacrifice Cosmic order establishment

Represents the creative aspect of Brahman; the first conscious being who initiates creation through knowledge (Vedas)