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Brahma, with his four bearded heads, can still see in all the cardinal directions. Symbolically, each of his four faces represents a different Veda, the source of spiritual wisdom and Truth. Since this knowledge is for everyone and for all times, many assert that the four heads also stand for the four yugas (divisions of time allocated to the lifespan of the universe). |
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When Brahma is depicted with four hands, each hand represents a cardinal direction and signifies omnipotence. And whether he is shown with two or four hands, the objects held in each hand are symbolic. Brahma may carry a rosary in an upper hand. He is counting the individual beads that convey the presence of time that controls the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. One hand frequently holds a vessel of water to remind us that the universe evolved out of water, or a hand holds a book to remind us of the importance of knowledge. One hand could also be held in a gesture that offers protection to anyone who is determined to discover self-realization. |
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Brahma's eyes are the sun and the moon, his nose the cosmic prana, or life-sustaining breath that comes with birth. His beard is white to symbolize that the act of creation began countless years ago. His body is red to suggest birth; his robes are off-white to signify both purity and impuritythe dualities that exist. Brahma is often shown sitting or standing on either a red or white lotus, a beautiful symbol of the Eternal Truth. When the lotus is red, it speaks of activities that are involved in creation. When the lotus is white, it speaks of purity. |
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Brahma may be accompanied by a swan, which is called his vehicle and symbolizes knowledge and Brahma's ability to discriminate in the act of creation. The swan, also a symbol of beauty, is white, which echoes again the theme of purity. Brahma's consort is Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. |
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