Brahma: The Unworshipped Deity and the Legends Behind

In the vast pantheon of Hindu deities, one notable figure remains distinct from the others. Brahma, the creator of the universe, is a significant deity in Hindu mythology, yet he is not widely worshipped like his counterparts, Vishnu and Shiva. This enigma surrounding Brahma's worship, or lack thereof, has intrigued generations of believers. Behind this peculiarity lie fascinating legends and tales that shed light on why Brahma is not accorded the same reverence as other gods. Join us as we delve into the mystical realm of Hindu mythology and unravel the intriguing stories that surround Brahma, the unworshipped deity. 

Creation of Saraswati

In Hindu mythology, Brahma, the creator deity, emerged from the cosmic golden egg and was responsible for the creation of the universe. Brahma also created his consort, Saraswati, who personifies knowledge, arts, and learning. However, in some versions of the story, Brahma developed an infatuation for his daughter, Saraswati, as she was incredibly beautiful and possessed immense wisdom.

The gods and sages were troubled by Brahma's inappropriate feelings and regarded it as a breach of moral conduct. They believed that such behaviour was not befitting of a revered deity, and as a consequence, Brahma was not widely worshipped. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and the repercussions that can arise from improper actions, even for divine beings.

Curse by Shiva

Another legend involves Brahma's arrogance and a test of his supremacy. Once, Brahma and Vishnu engaged in a debate to establish their superiority. To settle the argument, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite column of light, stretching beyond the limits of perception. Brahma and Vishnu decided to find the beginning and the end of the column, and they agreed to meet afterward to share their discoveries.

Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards, attempting to reach the top of the column, while Vishnu transformed into a boar and dug into the earth to find its base. Despite his relentless effort, Brahma could not find the pinnacle. At that moment, a Ketaki flower floated down from above. Brahma asked the flower where it had come from, and the flower falsely claimed to have witnessed the top of the column.

Brahma, returning with the flower in hand, claimed victory in the debate. However, Lord Shiva saw through Brahma's deceit. He realized that Brahma had not reached the pinnacle and had resorted to falsehood to establish his superiority. In response, Lord Shiva cursed Brahma that he would not be widely worshipped. Shiva's curse became the reason behind Brahma's limited reverence.

Boon to Ravana

In the epic Ramayana, there is a tale related to Brahma's boon to Ravana, the mighty demon king. Ravana was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and performed intense penance to seek his blessings. Impressed by Ravana's devotion, Brahma appeared before him and granted him a boon, making him almost invincible.

With the newfound power, Ravana became highly arrogant and misused his abilities. He wreaked havoc in the world, causing suffering and turmoil. The Ramayana narrates the story of Lord Rama's quest to rescue his wife, Sita, who was abducted by Ravana. The battle between Rama and Ravana ultimately led to Ravana's downfall.

The boon granted by Brahma indirectly contributed to Ravana's actions and the ensuing consequences. As a result, Brahma is not widely worshipped, as his boon to Ravana played a part in the turmoil caused by the demon king.

In conclusion, the stories associated with Brahma's limited worship in Hinduism highlight the significance of moral conduct, humility, and the consequences of one's actions. While Brahma is revered as the creator deity and invoked during rituals and ceremonies, his worship is not as prevalent as that of other deities like Vishnu and Shiva. The legends serve as reminders of the broader philosophy within Hinduism, emphasizing the pursuit of spiritual realization and the recognition that no deity is exempt from the laws of karma and ethical responsibility.

References

https://www.templepurohit.com/why-is-lord-brahma-the-creator-not-worshiped/