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102
INDUBALA NAHAKPAM
SAMBODHI
BRAHMĀ AND MYTHOLOGY
Brahmā is the God of Creation, in the Hindu pantheon, and Lord of beings (Prajāpati.) He is one of the three principal deities others, being Vishnu and Shiva, that had acquired the equal status with them. Brahmā respresenting raj o -guna is described as the creator of all the worlds while Vishnu is the preserver and Shiva is the destroyer. The legend relates that he appeared as self-born (svayambhū) on the lotus which sprang from Vishnu's navel. He performed penance seeking Vishnu's favour and he was assigned the task of creating the world and denizens in them.
Brahma being one in charge of the creative function, he is always benign and merciful. He is neither ferocious nor dynamic in the sense of destructive function. He is the leader of the anchorites and as a creator and guardian of varnārsamadharma maintains the respectable place in the society.
