Brahma and Vishnu's Origin According to Shiva Purana: Creation Begins from Shiva

Introduction

In Indian spiritual tradition, there are various perspectives on the origin of creation. While the Vishnu Purana mentions that Brahma emerged from the lotus grown from Vishnu's navel, the Shiva Purana narrates that Shiva is the ultimate source of creation and is the creator of both Brahma and Vishnu. This story not only establishes Shiva’s glory but also unveils the unity of the Trimurti, the cycle of creation and the deeper mysteries of the cosmos.

The Story from the Shiva Purana: Brahma and Vishnu's Emergence from Shiva

The Mystery of the Primeval Time

The story begins in a time when there was neither the sky, nor the earth, nor directions-only an infinite, boundless, silent and divine energy was expanding. This was the period of Pralaya (cosmic dissolution), when the entire universe was submerged in an eternal ocean. In this primordial ocean, only one entity existed-Maheshwar Shiva. From Him, creation began.

Shiva’s Creation of Brahma and Vishnu

According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva resolved to create the universe with His divine power (Shakti).

• Brahma emerged from Shiva’s right side and became the creator of the universe.
• Vishnu emerged from Shiva’s left side and became the sustainer of the universe.
• Shiva Himself remained as the destroyer (Rudra).

Thus, the Trimurti-Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva-are different forms of the same supreme entity (Maheshwar) that govern the cycles of creation, sustenance and destruction.

The Cycle of Creation and the Play of Trimurti

In the Shiva Purana, it is said that in different Kalpas (epochs), sometimes Shiva creates Brahma and Vishnu, sometimes Brahma creates Shiva and Vishnu and sometimes Vishnu creates Shiva and Brahma. This cyclical view demonstrates that no entity in the universe is independent and all are interconnected. "All three are aspects of Maheshwar-responsible for creation, preservation and destruction. Whenever the universe expands, Shiva manifests Brahma and Vishnu through His power."

Brahma-Vishnu’s Rivalry and Shiva’s Manifestation

An interesting incident arises in the Shiva Purana when Brahma and Vishnu dispute who is superior. At that moment, an infinite column of fire (Jyotirlinga) manifested. Brahma went upward to find the top of the column and Vishnu went downward. Neither reached the end. Then Shiva appeared from that Jyotirlinga and revealed to both that He alone is the beginning and the end, the cause of all creation. This episode establishes Shiva’s supremacy, the limitations of Brahma and Vishnu and the unity of the Trimurti.

Philosophical and Spiritual Message

• The Ultimate Foundation: In the Shaiva tradition, Shiva is regarded as the source of creation, the ultimate Brahman and the source of the Trinity’s energies.
• Unity of the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva-though performing different roles-are ultimately aspects of the same supreme entity.
• The Principle of the Cycle: The cycle of creation, preservation and destruction is an eternal and cyclical process-this is the universal law of the cosmos.
• Destruction of Ego: The manifestation of Shiva during the dispute between Brahma and Vishnu teaches us that beyond ego, there exists only the Supreme Truth.

Cultural and Religious Importance

• This story is particularly remembered during Shivaratri, Jyotirlinga worship and Trimurti worship.
• It demonstrates that the beginning, expansion and destruction of the universe are all aspects of the same supreme entity.
• Shiva is referred to as Mahadev, Maheshwar and Param Brahman, the one who exists even beyond creation.

Conclusion

According to the Shiva Purana, Brahma and Vishnu both emerged from Shiva's body. This story not only establishes Shiva's supremacy but also teaches us that every action in the universe-creation, preservation and destruction-is part of the divine play of the same supreme entity. Shiva is both the beginning and the end-the ultimate foundation of creation and dissolution. This perspective gives a powerful message in Indian philosophy, teaching unity, the cyclical nature of creation and the search for Truth beyond ego.