November 24, 2025
Dieties/devta gan
12 min read
Brahma Dev
Brahma is one of the Trideva; The CREATOR (can also be called Prajapati). Along with Shree Hari Vishnu (the PRESERVER) and Bhagwan Shiva (the DESTROYER) they are the holy trinity. Brahma Dev created everything we see around us, the natural wonders, the complex and astonishing patterns are all his handiwork. Though he is not as much as worshipped as the other two Tridevas, his only major temple in Pushkar is very famous among the devotees. But there is more to the Creator than just creating the world and granting boons to the demons who cause trouble for him later.
Long time ago, when there was nothing, in the void a faint pulse spread throughout the universe then small universe and a primordial being opened her eyes. Adi Parashakti or simply known as Adishakti. She created Shree Hari Vishnu from whose navel sprouted a lotus flower in which there was Brahma Dev. But there is also another tale of Brahmas birth, it say that at the dawn of Universe, water was created and from it came out a seed. The seed then developed into an egg. And Brahma Dev emerged from the golden egg (Hiranyagarbha).
There many as such interesting and mysterious tales of Brahma Dev and each varying from the other but one thing is constant that Brahma is the creator and the eternal father of all beings. Let’s dive into some of the tales of the ParamPita:
1. Creation of the Creator.
There are two varying tales of how Brahma came into existence. First is the very famous tale that we have heard and seen many times, the birth of Brahma from the navel of Vishnu. This form is called Nabhija – Born from Navel. It is also a common known fact that the Tridevas don’t have a mother or can simply be said to be self-born. But many believe that Adishakti is the mother of the Tridevas but it is very contradictory and a matter of dispute as it is mentioned in many Hindu Scriptures that Adishakti had split herself in three forms who become the Shakti of the three Tridevas individually.
The second tale is very straightforward and simple. It states that when the universe was created, water was created first and in the water a seed took form. The seed later grew into a golden egg also called as Hiranyagarbha. And from this garbha came out Brahma Dev. This form of his is called Kanja; it refers to lotus as lotus flower also grows in water. It can also mean Nectar of Immortality because it is associated to Lord Brahma. It is also said that the shell of the egg continuously spread outwards, expanding the universe. He looked around and saw nothing. Curious and confused, he wondered, “Who am I? Where did I come from?”
So, he meditated deeply — and from within came a divine voice: “Create.”
That was his purpose.
From his imagination, the five elements were born — earth, water, fire, air, and space. From his mind came the gods, sages, humans, and even the Vedas, the sacred texts that hold the knowledge of existence.
With his four faces, Brahma looked in every direction — symbolizing wisdom, balance, and awareness of all sides of creation.
Now that we have covered the two tales it doesn’t mean it the end because there are still many other variations as listed below:
1. Shaivite Traditions: Text from Shaivism, the tradition focused on Shiva describe Shiva creating Brahma because for them Shiva is the center of the universe first being in existence.
2. Vaishnav Tradition: Many of Vishnu Bhakts believe that Lord Vishnu came first. And so they say that he is the one who made Brahma Dev.
3. There is also a tale that Adi Parashakti split herself into the three Tridevas as she is the formless, eternal power spread throughout the universe. She is the Creator, the Preserver, and also the Destroyer. This though not much known to many but it does correspond to the tale of Adishakti creating the Tridevas and splitting herself to the three Shakti forms.
2. Brahma’s day and night.
It is mentioned in many text and scriptures that there is a cosmic cycle of Brahma day and night, with one day of Brahma (Kalpa) and one night of Brahma (Pralaya) each equivalent to 4.32billion years each. The total is 8.64 billion years, which complete one cosmic day. Brahma lives for 100 Brahma years with each day lasting 4.32 billion human years.
1. Kalpa: This is the phase of universal creation, where entities and life come into being. The four Yugas (Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali) are completed in it.
2. Pralaya: This is the period of rest and dissolution, during which the universe undergoes a partial destruction and all its system flood and rest.
3. What Is Mahā Pralaya?
In Hindu cosmology, Mahā Pralaya means the Great Dissolution — when the entire universe, not just planets or galaxies, but all lokas (worlds), gods, and even Brahma himself, dissolve back into the Supreme Source — Parabrahman or Mahavishnu.
It’s not a small destruction (like the end of an age).
It’s the cosmic reset, after which even time stands still for a while — until creation begins again.
The Timeline of Cosmic Cycles
Let’s understand step by step how long it takes to reach Mahā Pralaya.
1 One Day of Brahma = Kalpa
• One day (daytime) of Brahma = 4.32 billion human years
• One night of Brahma = 4.32 billion human years
• So, one full day and night = 8.64 billion human years
After each night, creation begins again — that’s called a minor pralaya or naimittika pralaya (temporary dissolution).
2. One Year of Brahma
Brahma’s one year = 360 such days and nights
= 360 × 8.64 billion = 3.1104 trillion human years
Lifetime of Brahma
Brahma lives for 100 years of his own time.
So,
100 × 3.1104 trillion = 311.04 trillion human years
This is the full lifespan of Brahma — and when this ends, Mahā Pralaya begins.
What Happens During Mahā Pralaya
When Brahma’s lifespan ends:
• All worlds, stars, and galaxies burn and dissolve.
• Time, space, and matter merge back into the Supreme Consciousness.
• Vishnu lies in the cosmic ocean — Kṣīra Sāgara — in deep rest.
• For an immeasurable period, nothing exists — no creation, no destruction, just stillness.
This is called the Night of Vishnu, where Brahma also ceases to exist.
When Does Creation Begin Again?
After this long cosmic rest — the Great Night (Mahā Rātri) —
Vishnu awakens once again.
From his navel emerges a new lotus,
and from that lotus, a new Brahma is born.
He begins creation again — and the cycle repeats.
The Deeper Meaning
Mahā Pralaya isn’t just about destruction — it’s renewal on a cosmic scale.
It’s the universe taking a breath — exhaling creation, inhaling dissolution — endlessly, peacefully.
It reminds us that even the longest lives and grandest creations are part of a cycle —
and that nothing truly ends, it simply transforms.
Brahmas Fifth head and tales related to it:
We know that Brahma has four heads but in many sacred texts it is mentioned that he had five heads which were cut by either Vishnu or Shankar.
The Story of Brahma’s Fifth Head and Ego (Most Common Version)
Source: Shiva Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana
In the beginning of creation, Brahma was born from the navel of Vishnu, seated on a lotus. Brahma then created the universe, filled with beings and elements.
As the creator, Brahma developed pride and ego, believing himself to be the supreme god.
When Lord Shiva appeared before him, radiant and formless, Brahma failed to recognize His supremacy.
In his arrogance, Brahma began to argue with Shiva, saying:
“I am the creator of all. Even you came from me!”
To challenge him, Shiva took the form of an endless pillar of light — the Jyotirlinga, saying:
“Find my beginning or end, and prove your supremacy.”
Brahma flew upwards as a swan, while Vishnu went downwards as a boar (Varaha) to find the end.
Vishnu returned humbly, admitting defeat. But Brahma, unable to find the top, lied that he had reached the end and brought a Ketaki flower as false witness.
Enraged at this deceit and arrogance, Lord Shiva appeared as Bhairava — the fierce form — and cut off Brahma’s fifth head, the one that spoke the lie.
He cursed Brahma saying:
“You shall have no temples dedicated to you, for you let ego overpower truth.”
Thus, Brahma’s fifth head fell, and he lost one of his five faces. Shiva, however, incurred the sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahatya) and had to wander the world with the skull stuck to his hand until he was purified.
Bhairava and the Curse of Brahma (Tantric Version)
Source: Kularnava Tantra, Vamana Purana
In this version, Brahma developed five heads to oversee creation in all directions — east, west, north, south, and upward.
But the fifth head began mocking and insulting Lord Shiva, comparing himself to the Mahadeva.
Angered by this, Shiva manifested Bhairava, his terrifying form of destruction, and commanded him to cut off the fifth head — symbolizing the destruction of Brahma’s ego.
After the decapitation, Bhairava was cursed to carry the skull (Brahma-kapala) and roam as a mendicant — a story that led to his name “Kapālika”, the skull-bearer.
This act also represents that creation (Brahma) must bow before destruction (Shiva) — for creation without humility leads to chaos.
2 Kama Devas arrows.
Ages ago, the god of love, Kamadeva and his wife, Rati, prayed fervently to Brahma for a boon. They wanted a special bow and arrow. So they fasted and meditated for days and days, and finally Brahma appeared.
Kamadeva said, ‘Dear Lord, give me a bow and arrow that will make anyone I shoot it with fall instantly in Love with the nearest person.’
Brahma considered the request. ‘This boon is perfect!’ he thought. ‘It will encourage more humans to fall in love and over time, the number of children on this planet will increase and the human race will flourish. But I don’t think strong willed people or those who follow a spiritual path will fall prey to Kamadeva’s arrow. However, that shouldn’t stop me from granting the boon.’
Brahma raised his right hand. ‘So be it.’
A bow of sugar cane and an arrow of flowers appeared in front of the delighted Kamadeva. He took possession of it and thanked the god with all his heart before going on his way.
Soon, Kamadeva wanted to test the bow and arrow. Without thinking too much, he shot the first arrow at Brahma himself!
At that time, Brahma was in the process of creating a beautiful maiden. She was named Shatarupa, a woman with a hundred beautiful forms. Her beauty was nothing like the world had ever seen.
As soon as Brahma finished breathing life into her, the magic of Kama deva’s arrow started to take effect.
The lord began gazing at Shatarupa so intensely that it scared her. She hadn’t expected her creator to behave in such a manner. So she stepped away from him, turning to his right. Brahma couldn’t look away- his eyes followed her. To his surprise, a second head sprang up on his right. Alarmed, Shatarupa ran the other way, to his left, but a third head appeared in that direction as well. Finally, Shatarupa was right behind Brahma, and lo and behold, another head was formed. Now Brahma had four heads facing all four directions- east, west, north and south. This way he was able to see Shatarupa no matter where she went.
The maiden now had no choice but to turn upward. Unfortunately for her, that didn’t stop Brahma. Another head facing the sky sprang up on his fifth head. And thus Brahma’s gaze stayed on Shatarupa.
Shiva, who had been watching the entire incident, was furious. ‘It is time for me to step in and help the poor girl,’ he thought. ‘Brahma is Shatarupa’s creator- it is not right for him to fall in love with her like this.’
Shiva cut off Lord Brahma’s sky-facing head in one swoop with his trishul and cast a curse on him. ‘Henceforth, you will eternally be four-headed, and furthermore, you will be worshipped in just one place.’
Only after he had removed Brahma’s fifth head did Shiva realize that Brahma wasn’t completely responsible for his behavior. It was Kama deva’s arrow of Love that had started it all.
So to soften the curse, Shiva declared, ‘Brahma, even though you may not be worshipped the way Vishnu and I are, you will always be revered as a part of the divine Trinity.’
There was no denying that Shiva had sinned by punishing Brahma. As a consequence, he became a wandering ascetic and made his way to Brahma Kapala (better known today as Badrinath in Uttarakhand). . This form of Shiva was called Bhikhshatana. Bhikhshatana carried Brahma’s severed head in his hands and used it as a begging bowl, but strangely the skull would never fill up. No matter how much food went into it, the bowl remained empty. It was only when Bhikhshatana made his way to Varanasi and received alms from mother Annapoorna, the goddess of nourishment and an avatar of Parvati that the begging bowl finally began to fill up. It is believed that Brahma’s fifth head has remained with Shiva ever since.
Why no temple of Brahma
As mentioned before, Brahma was cursed for his ego and greed, which is why he has no temple but there, is another curse given to him by his own consort, Saraswati. It is said that once Brahma was going to perform a Yajna but Saraswati was late so he created Gayatri to be his second consort. When Saraswati arrived she was infuriated by seeing another woman in her place so she cursed Brahma that he will never worshipped. This is why there is only one temple of Brahma in Pushkar where the Yajna is said having been performed.
Conclusion
Though Brahma is the creator he is also not spared of emotions such as greed, pride, and desire. This teaches us that emotions are not as unimportant as we think but we can’t let them influence our day to day selves or we might also get our heads cut off but alas we only have one unlike Brahma Deva. Though brahma is not worshipped by all but he still plays a crucial role in shaping the world we live in.
There many as such interesting and mysterious tales of Brahma Dev and each varying from the other but one thing is constant that Brahma is the creator and the eternal father of all beings. Let’s dive into some of the tales of the ParamPita:
1. Creation of the Creator.
There are two varying tales of how Brahma came into existence. First is the very famous tale that we have heard and seen many times, the birth of Brahma from the navel of Vishnu. This form is called Nabhija – Born from Navel. It is also a common known fact that the Tridevas don’t have a mother or can simply be said to be self-born. But many believe that Adishakti is the mother of the Tridevas but it is very contradictory and a matter of dispute as it is mentioned in many Hindu Scriptures that Adishakti had split herself in three forms who become the Shakti of the three Tridevas individually.
The second tale is very straightforward and simple. It states that when the universe was created, water was created first and in the water a seed took form. The seed later grew into a golden egg also called as Hiranyagarbha. And from this garbha came out Brahma Dev. This form of his is called Kanja; it refers to lotus as lotus flower also grows in water. It can also mean Nectar of Immortality because it is associated to Lord Brahma. It is also said that the shell of the egg continuously spread outwards, expanding the universe. He looked around and saw nothing. Curious and confused, he wondered, “Who am I? Where did I come from?”
So, he meditated deeply — and from within came a divine voice: “Create.”
That was his purpose.
From his imagination, the five elements were born — earth, water, fire, air, and space. From his mind came the gods, sages, humans, and even the Vedas, the sacred texts that hold the knowledge of existence.
With his four faces, Brahma looked in every direction — symbolizing wisdom, balance, and awareness of all sides of creation.
Now that we have covered the two tales it doesn’t mean it the end because there are still many other variations as listed below:
1. Shaivite Traditions: Text from Shaivism, the tradition focused on Shiva describe Shiva creating Brahma because for them Shiva is the center of the universe first being in existence.
2. Vaishnav Tradition: Many of Vishnu Bhakts believe that Lord Vishnu came first. And so they say that he is the one who made Brahma Dev.
3. There is also a tale that Adi Parashakti split herself into the three Tridevas as she is the formless, eternal power spread throughout the universe. She is the Creator, the Preserver, and also the Destroyer. This though not much known to many but it does correspond to the tale of Adishakti creating the Tridevas and splitting herself to the three Shakti forms.
2. Brahma’s day and night.
It is mentioned in many text and scriptures that there is a cosmic cycle of Brahma day and night, with one day of Brahma (Kalpa) and one night of Brahma (Pralaya) each equivalent to 4.32billion years each. The total is 8.64 billion years, which complete one cosmic day. Brahma lives for 100 Brahma years with each day lasting 4.32 billion human years.
1. Kalpa: This is the phase of universal creation, where entities and life come into being. The four Yugas (Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali) are completed in it.
2. Pralaya: This is the period of rest and dissolution, during which the universe undergoes a partial destruction and all its system flood and rest.
3. What Is Mahā Pralaya?
In Hindu cosmology, Mahā Pralaya means the Great Dissolution — when the entire universe, not just planets or galaxies, but all lokas (worlds), gods, and even Brahma himself, dissolve back into the Supreme Source — Parabrahman or Mahavishnu.
It’s not a small destruction (like the end of an age).
It’s the cosmic reset, after which even time stands still for a while — until creation begins again.
The Timeline of Cosmic Cycles
Let’s understand step by step how long it takes to reach Mahā Pralaya.
1 One Day of Brahma = Kalpa
• One day (daytime) of Brahma = 4.32 billion human years
• One night of Brahma = 4.32 billion human years
• So, one full day and night = 8.64 billion human years
After each night, creation begins again — that’s called a minor pralaya or naimittika pralaya (temporary dissolution).
2. One Year of Brahma
Brahma’s one year = 360 such days and nights
= 360 × 8.64 billion = 3.1104 trillion human years
Lifetime of Brahma
Brahma lives for 100 years of his own time.
So,
100 × 3.1104 trillion = 311.04 trillion human years
This is the full lifespan of Brahma — and when this ends, Mahā Pralaya begins.
What Happens During Mahā Pralaya
When Brahma’s lifespan ends:
• All worlds, stars, and galaxies burn and dissolve.
• Time, space, and matter merge back into the Supreme Consciousness.
• Vishnu lies in the cosmic ocean — Kṣīra Sāgara — in deep rest.
• For an immeasurable period, nothing exists — no creation, no destruction, just stillness.
This is called the Night of Vishnu, where Brahma also ceases to exist.
When Does Creation Begin Again?
After this long cosmic rest — the Great Night (Mahā Rātri) —
Vishnu awakens once again.
From his navel emerges a new lotus,
and from that lotus, a new Brahma is born.
He begins creation again — and the cycle repeats.
The Deeper Meaning
Mahā Pralaya isn’t just about destruction — it’s renewal on a cosmic scale.
It’s the universe taking a breath — exhaling creation, inhaling dissolution — endlessly, peacefully.
It reminds us that even the longest lives and grandest creations are part of a cycle —
and that nothing truly ends, it simply transforms.
Brahmas Fifth head and tales related to it:
We know that Brahma has four heads but in many sacred texts it is mentioned that he had five heads which were cut by either Vishnu or Shankar.
The Story of Brahma’s Fifth Head and Ego (Most Common Version)
Source: Shiva Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana
In the beginning of creation, Brahma was born from the navel of Vishnu, seated on a lotus. Brahma then created the universe, filled with beings and elements.
As the creator, Brahma developed pride and ego, believing himself to be the supreme god.
When Lord Shiva appeared before him, radiant and formless, Brahma failed to recognize His supremacy.
In his arrogance, Brahma began to argue with Shiva, saying:
“I am the creator of all. Even you came from me!”
To challenge him, Shiva took the form of an endless pillar of light — the Jyotirlinga, saying:
“Find my beginning or end, and prove your supremacy.”
Brahma flew upwards as a swan, while Vishnu went downwards as a boar (Varaha) to find the end.
Vishnu returned humbly, admitting defeat. But Brahma, unable to find the top, lied that he had reached the end and brought a Ketaki flower as false witness.
Enraged at this deceit and arrogance, Lord Shiva appeared as Bhairava — the fierce form — and cut off Brahma’s fifth head, the one that spoke the lie.
He cursed Brahma saying:
“You shall have no temples dedicated to you, for you let ego overpower truth.”
Thus, Brahma’s fifth head fell, and he lost one of his five faces. Shiva, however, incurred the sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahatya) and had to wander the world with the skull stuck to his hand until he was purified.
Bhairava and the Curse of Brahma (Tantric Version)
Source: Kularnava Tantra, Vamana Purana
In this version, Brahma developed five heads to oversee creation in all directions — east, west, north, south, and upward.
But the fifth head began mocking and insulting Lord Shiva, comparing himself to the Mahadeva.
Angered by this, Shiva manifested Bhairava, his terrifying form of destruction, and commanded him to cut off the fifth head — symbolizing the destruction of Brahma’s ego.
After the decapitation, Bhairava was cursed to carry the skull (Brahma-kapala) and roam as a mendicant — a story that led to his name “Kapālika”, the skull-bearer.
This act also represents that creation (Brahma) must bow before destruction (Shiva) — for creation without humility leads to chaos.
2 Kama Devas arrows.
Ages ago, the god of love, Kamadeva and his wife, Rati, prayed fervently to Brahma for a boon. They wanted a special bow and arrow. So they fasted and meditated for days and days, and finally Brahma appeared.
Kamadeva said, ‘Dear Lord, give me a bow and arrow that will make anyone I shoot it with fall instantly in Love with the nearest person.’
Brahma considered the request. ‘This boon is perfect!’ he thought. ‘It will encourage more humans to fall in love and over time, the number of children on this planet will increase and the human race will flourish. But I don’t think strong willed people or those who follow a spiritual path will fall prey to Kamadeva’s arrow. However, that shouldn’t stop me from granting the boon.’
Brahma raised his right hand. ‘So be it.’
A bow of sugar cane and an arrow of flowers appeared in front of the delighted Kamadeva. He took possession of it and thanked the god with all his heart before going on his way.
Soon, Kamadeva wanted to test the bow and arrow. Without thinking too much, he shot the first arrow at Brahma himself!
At that time, Brahma was in the process of creating a beautiful maiden. She was named Shatarupa, a woman with a hundred beautiful forms. Her beauty was nothing like the world had ever seen.
As soon as Brahma finished breathing life into her, the magic of Kama deva’s arrow started to take effect.
The lord began gazing at Shatarupa so intensely that it scared her. She hadn’t expected her creator to behave in such a manner. So she stepped away from him, turning to his right. Brahma couldn’t look away- his eyes followed her. To his surprise, a second head sprang up on his right. Alarmed, Shatarupa ran the other way, to his left, but a third head appeared in that direction as well. Finally, Shatarupa was right behind Brahma, and lo and behold, another head was formed. Now Brahma had four heads facing all four directions- east, west, north and south. This way he was able to see Shatarupa no matter where she went.
The maiden now had no choice but to turn upward. Unfortunately for her, that didn’t stop Brahma. Another head facing the sky sprang up on his fifth head. And thus Brahma’s gaze stayed on Shatarupa.
Shiva, who had been watching the entire incident, was furious. ‘It is time for me to step in and help the poor girl,’ he thought. ‘Brahma is Shatarupa’s creator- it is not right for him to fall in love with her like this.’
Shiva cut off Lord Brahma’s sky-facing head in one swoop with his trishul and cast a curse on him. ‘Henceforth, you will eternally be four-headed, and furthermore, you will be worshipped in just one place.’
Only after he had removed Brahma’s fifth head did Shiva realize that Brahma wasn’t completely responsible for his behavior. It was Kama deva’s arrow of Love that had started it all.
So to soften the curse, Shiva declared, ‘Brahma, even though you may not be worshipped the way Vishnu and I are, you will always be revered as a part of the divine Trinity.’
There was no denying that Shiva had sinned by punishing Brahma. As a consequence, he became a wandering ascetic and made his way to Brahma Kapala (better known today as Badrinath in Uttarakhand). . This form of Shiva was called Bhikhshatana. Bhikhshatana carried Brahma’s severed head in his hands and used it as a begging bowl, but strangely the skull would never fill up. No matter how much food went into it, the bowl remained empty. It was only when Bhikhshatana made his way to Varanasi and received alms from mother Annapoorna, the goddess of nourishment and an avatar of Parvati that the begging bowl finally began to fill up. It is believed that Brahma’s fifth head has remained with Shiva ever since.
Why no temple of Brahma
As mentioned before, Brahma was cursed for his ego and greed, which is why he has no temple but there, is another curse given to him by his own consort, Saraswati. It is said that once Brahma was going to perform a Yajna but Saraswati was late so he created Gayatri to be his second consort. When Saraswati arrived she was infuriated by seeing another woman in her place so she cursed Brahma that he will never worshipped. This is why there is only one temple of Brahma in Pushkar where the Yajna is said having been performed.
Conclusion
Though Brahma is the creator he is also not spared of emotions such as greed, pride, and desire. This teaches us that emotions are not as unimportant as we think but we can’t let them influence our day to day selves or we might also get our heads cut off but alas we only have one unlike Brahma Deva. Though brahma is not worshipped by all but he still plays a crucial role in shaping the world we live in.
