Brahma
ब्रह्मा • Brahmā
"The Expansive One; from root 'brih' (to grow/expand)"
Category & Classification
Iconography
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
Mudras
- Abhaya mudra
- Varada mudra
Ornaments
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
Om Aim Hreem Shreem
Om Brahmane Namah
Om Vedatmanaya Vidmahe Hiranyagarbhaya Dhimahi Tanno Brahma Prachodayat
Stotras & Hymns
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
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Creator of the universe, time, and all beings at the beginning of each cosmic cycle
Represents the creative aspect of Brahman; the first conscious being who initiates creation through knowledge (Vedas)
