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Figure 48
Brahma
Brahma
Brahma is the source of knowledge and the lord of creation in the Hindu Trinity. There are many myths about the birth of Brahma. He was born from a golden egg after lying inside it for one thousand years. When Brahma finally burst out of the egg, he entered into an extended period of meditation in which he created the rest of the world. Another myth says that Brahma was born from a lotus (a symbol of purity and sacred wisdom) that grew out of the navel of Vishnu. Sitting on the lotus, which was still attached to the navel, Brahma once again sat in extended meditation. The two myths are related in terms of symbolism. The navel, as stated earlier, is the life-giving source. The egg also gave shape and life to Brahma.
Many myths, which show the rivalry between Shiva and Brahma, offer different reasons why Shiva decided to remove one of Brahma's original five heads. One story involves incest. (Hinduism does not shy away from sexuality and its importance in ensuring the survival of mankind.) But in this myth, Brahma, who had a bit too much to drink, committed incest with his daughter. There are many versions of this story, but they all lead to the loss of a fifth head so that Brahma could no longer see in every direction and his daughter could escape. This improper behavior, it is said, explains Brahma's loss in stature and why few temples are built in his honor. But Hindu artists do show the image of Brahma in prints and in paintings of the Trinity. And sculptures of Brahma are found inside temples dedicated to other deities.

 
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