In Hindu mythology, Brahma was the first god in the sacred Hindu trinity, or Trimurti. The other gods were Vishnu, the Preserver, and Shiva, the Destroyer. Brahma was the creator god, but his role was not as great as that of creator gods in other mythologies.
In the early literature of Hinduism, Brahma was one of the major gods. However, he plays little part in the modern Hindu religion. Over time, Vishnu and Shiva became more important than Brahma and are more widely worshiped today.
There are many different accounts of the origin of Brahma. According to one story, the creator made the cosmic waters and put a seed in them. The seed turned into a golden egg. After 1,000 years, the creator himself emerged from the egg as a younger Brahma. He then made the universe and all things in it. Another legend says that Brahma was born in a lotus flower that sprouted from Vishnu's navel. When he grew up, he had a relationship with his daughter, which led to the birth of mankind.
This Cambodian statue of the A . D . 900S shows Brahma with four faces and arms, a typical representation of the Hindu god. The influence of Hinduism spread to lands far beyond India, possibly carried by traders from southern India.
sacred texts of Hinduism. Brahma is often shown wearing white robes and holding a scepter, an alms bowl, a bow, and other items. According to legend, Brahma's four faces came into being from his desire to gaze at his beautiful daughter from all directions. Brahma originally had five heads, but the god Shiva destroyed one of them when Brahma spoke to him disrespectfully.
See also Hinduism and Mythology ; Shiva ; Vishnu .