The Origin of Brahma Vishnu & Mahesh

The Shiv Purana’s account of origin of universe beautifully illustrates how the universe is an endless play of creation, preservation and dissolution, all rooted in the boundless energy of Shiva. By understanding this narrative, we gain insight into the profound philosophical vision of ancient India – a vision that continues to inspire seekers of truth across the world today.

Introduction

The Shiv Purana, one of the major Mahapuranas, offers a vivid account of how the universe came into being through the divine play (lila) of the Trimurti – Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver) and Shiva (the Destroyer). While many Puranic texts present slightly different sequences, the Shiv Purana uniquely emphasizes Shiva’s role as the ultimate source from which the other two deities emerge. This article presents the complete story in a clear, engaging manner, highlighting symbolic meanings and regional variations.

The Cosmic Triad in Shiv Purana

According to the Shiv Purana, the supreme reality is Paramashiva, the formless, all‑pervading consciousness. From this singular source, three aspects manifest:

Brahma – the facet of creation;
Vishnu – the facet of preservation;
Shiva – the facet of dissolution and renewal.

These three are not separate gods but interconnected expressions of the same divine energy, each playing a crucial role in the cyclical process of kalpa (cosmic day).

The First Creation – Brahma’s Birth

In the beginning, Shiva, seated in the cosmic void as the Mahadev on the infinite lotus (Padma) that blossomed from his navel, revealed the Hiranyagarbha – the golden womb. From this womb emerged Brahma, who is described in the Shiv Purana as “the mind‑born of Shiva”. Brahma is depicted with four faces, each representing the four Vedas, and a lotus in each hand, symbolizing the purity of creation.

Tasked with forming the material world, Brahma first created the basic elements – earth (Prithvi), water (Ap), fire (Agni), air (Vayu) and ether (Akasha). He then fashioned the first beings, the sages (Rishis) and the divine craftsman (Vishvakarma), to assist in shaping the universe.

The Preserver – Vishnu’s Role

As creation expanded, the need for maintenance arose. From Brahma’s mouth, Vishnu manifested as the preserver. The Shiv Purana describes Vishnu taking the form of the eternal serpent Ananta (also known as Shesha) on whose coils the world rests.

Key activities of Vishnu include:

Establishing the cosmic order (Rta) and dharma.
Creating the cycles of time – yugas – to regulate moral decline and renewal.
Manifesting the first avatars, such as Matsya (the fish) and Kurma (the tortoise), to safeguard the Vedas during cataclysmic events.

Vishnu’s presence ensures that the universe remains balanced while the forces of change continually rise.

The Destroyer – Shiva’s Ultimate Act

When the cycles of creation and preservation reach their zenith, the universe inevitably moves toward dissolution. The Shiv Purana portrays Shiva’s role not merely as a destroyer, but as a transformer who recycles the cosmos for a fresh birth.

Shiva’s destructive act is symbolized by the Tandava – the cosmic dance performed on the ashes of the previous world. The dance has three phases:

Creation (Srishti) – the opening beats that set the stage for new existence.
Preservation (Sthiti) – the rhythmic flow that sustains life.
Destruction (Samhara) – the climactic finale that dissolves all forms back into the formless.

At the height of Samhara, Shiva’s third eye flares, releasing a radiant blaze that engulfs the manifested universe, returning it to the primordial silence of his own consciousness.

The Role of the Shiv Purana in this Narrative

The Shiv Purana weaves this cosmological account into moral and philosophical teachings:

It underscores that all deities are aspects of one supreme reality, encouraging non‑sectarian devotion.
It presents the cyclical nature of time, reminding humanity of impermanence and the need for spiritual detachment.
It highlights the importance of bhakti (devotion) to Shiva as a means to transcend the cycles of birth, death and rebirth.

Symbolic Interpretations for Modern Seekers

Contemporary readers find several layers of meaning in this tale:

Psychological: Brahma represents the creative mind, Vishnu the sustaining will, and Shiva the transformative consciousness that lets go of old patterns.
Ecological: The three stages reflect natural cycles – emergence, flourishing, and decay – urging respect for the environment.
Social: The cooperation among the Trimurti models harmonious governance, where creation, maintenance, and renewal are balanced.