Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Image source: Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, Vietnam
Brahma
Brahma (/ˈbrɑːmə/; Sanskrit: ब्रह्मा; Tamil: பிரம்மா; IAST: Brahmā) is the Hindu god (deva) of creation and one of the Trimūrti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Brahmā Purāṇa, he is the father of Manu, and from Manu all human beings are descended. In the Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata, he is often referred to as the progenitor or great grandsire of all human beings. He is not to be confused with the Supreme Cosmic Spirit in Hindu Vedānta philosophy known as Brahman, which is genderless. Brahmā's wife is Saraswati. Saraswati is also known by names such as Sāvitri and Gāyatri, and has taken different forms throughout history. Brahmā is often identified with Prajāpati, a Vedic deity. Being the husband of Saraswati or Vaac Devi (the Goddess of Speech), Brahma is also known as "Vaagish," meaning "Lord of Speech and Sound." (Wikipedia)
The complexion of Lord Brahma is red.He is clad in red clothes. Brahma is traditionally depicted with four heads, four faces, and four arms. With each head, He continually recites one of the four Vedas. He is often depicted with a white beard (especially in North India), indicating the nearly eternal nature of his existence. Unlike most other Hindu Gods, Brahma holds no weapons. One of His hands holds a scepter in the form of a spoon, which is associated with the pouring of holy ghee or oil onto a sacrificial pyre, signifying Brahma as the lord of sacrifices. Another of His hands holds a 'kamandalu'- a jar made of metal or even coconut shell, containing water. The water in this jar signifies the initial, all-encompassing ether in which the first element of creation evolved. Brahma also holds a string of prayer beads called the 'akshamala' (literally "garland of eyes"), which He uses to keep track of the Universe's time. He is also shown holding the Vedas and, sometimes, a lotus flower. (Wikipedia)
Symbols
The Four Hands - Brahma's four arms represent the four cardinal directions: east, south, west, and north. The back right hand represents mind, the back left hand represents intellect, the front right hand is ego, and the front left hand is self-confidence.
The Rosary - Symbolizes the substances used in the process of creation.
The Book - The book symbolizes knowledge.
The Gold - Gold symbolizes activity; the golden face of Brahma indicates that He is actively involved in the process of creating the Universe.
The Swan - The swan is the symbol of grace and discernment. Brahma uses the swan as his vahana, or his carrier or vehicle.
The Crown - Lord Brahma's crown indicates His supreme authority.
The Lotus - The lotus symbolizes nature and the living essence of all things and beings in the Universe.
The Beard - Brahma's black or white beard denotes wisdom and the eternal process of creation.
The Four Faces - The four Vedas (Rik, Sama, Yajuh and Atharva). The Vedas Symbolises his four faces, heads and arms. (Wikipedia)
Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva
Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva
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Khambhavati Ragini worshiping Brahma
#1: A depiction of Khambhavati Ragini, A lady worshiping Brahma
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
Brahma with Sarasvati, a miniature painting
#2: Brahma with Sarasvati, a miniature painting
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Reference: en.wikipedia.org: Ellora Caves
Four-faced buddhas with elephants
#4: Four-faced buddhas with elephants on a Hindu temple in the middle of Changhua County, Taiwan, dedicated to a four-faced "buddha" who is actually the Hindu god Brahma. Patterned after the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok.
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Mural of Rama and Sita praying to Brahma (Thailand)
#11: Mural of Rama and Sita praying to Brahma (Thailand)
Image source: www.flickr.com
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Image source: www.flickr.com
Brahma in Buddhist land (Thailand)
#14: Brahma in Buddhist land (Thailand)
Image source: www.flickr.com
