Brahma

• Brahma is the deity responsible for creation
• Many Hindus believe that Vishnu was responsible for bringing many different universes into being and he created Brahma to continue this work of creation in all the different worlds
• Consort means wife
• The consort of Brahma is Saraswati
• Saraswati is the goddess of music , knowledge , art and learning
• The lotus flower is the symbol of purity
• It is said that Brahman was born sitting on a lotus flower which emerged from the navel of Vishnu
• Many Hindus believe Vishnu created Brahma to continue his work and create all living beings
• Why is Brahma pictured with 4 heads looking north south east and west?

  To show that he is responsible for the whole world
• Why is Brahma pictured with a spoon?

  It represents a sacrificial ladle used in worship - Brahma is responsible for offerings in worship
• Why is Brahma pictured with a string of beads?

  They represent a mala , used during meditation
• Why is Brahma pictured with a book?

  It represents the Vedas , the earliest Hindu scriptures , which guide Brahma
• Why is Brahma pictured with a water pot?

  It represents the water of life , which was responsible for creation
• Why is Brahman pictured sitting on a lotus flower?

  It is a symbol of purity because it emerges as a beautiful flower from the mud of a river
• Saraswati is pictured riding on a swan
• The swan is a symbol of spiritual perfection
• In Hindu legend, the swan is able to separate milk from water when they are mixed and the swan only drinks the milk - This represents the ability to discriminate and means justice can be given to everyone