Hinduism 101: Brahma
15. Apr, 2010 
9 Comments
Who is He?
Creator of the universe, the Supreme Being, the god of gods; Lord Brahma is known as these and many other titles. Brahma is the first and least popularly worshiped god of the Hindu Trinity. Shiva and Vishnu, who make up the two other gods, are wildly popular with countless temples devoted to their entity. As creator of the universe, he is also the creator of mankind. Within this, Brahma represents the universal mind, as creation is the work of the mind and the intellect. On an individual level, Brahma represents one’s own mind and intellect. As an individual is god gifted with the mind and intellect, then it may be assumed that a person has already attained Brahma.
This belief as an individual as god primarily defines the lack of mass followers. Devotees he does attract are typically students, teacher, scholars and scientists.
How do we see him?
1. Brahma is recognized as the four-faced god, although only three faces can be seen. His four faces represent the four Vedas, symbolizing that Brahma is the foundation of all the knowledge required for the creation of the universe.
2. He has four hands which may hold a rosary (with which he counts, represents time), a water pot (Kamandala), a book (Vedas), a sceptre, a spoon, a bow or a lotus. As the whole universe evolves out of water, Brahma carries water in a the water pot. At times his hands may be in a protective stance, while one hand is usually there to bestow grace. His four hands represent the four directions, symbolizing that Lord Brahma is the omnipresent and the omnipotent.
3. His eyes are usually closed in meditation, his hair matted and he wears a pointed beard. The white beard conveys wisdom while the long growth of it represents creation as a never-ending process.
4. If he is shown colored, his skin is red or pink.
5. For clothing he may wear a tiger skin or black antelope skin as a garment while the sacred cord is worn over his left shoulder.
6. His chosen vehicle is the swan, the symbol of knowledge. Sometimes he is shown riding the goose or sitting in the lotus position in a chariot led by seven swans.
7. The crown over his head implies Brahma has the supreme power and authority over the process of creation.
8. There is generally only one image of Brahma within the sculptural decoration of temples. Images of Brahma are still made in present day yet it is extremely rare to find a temple where he commands the position as the main icon.
9. Lord Brahma can also be known as Nabhija, Hiranyagarbha, Kanja and Prajapati.
10. His consort is Saraswati.
11. His weapon is the Brahmastra, but unlike all the other Hindu gods, Brahma carries no weapons in his hands.
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