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

Introduction

Indian spiritual traditions describe multiple perspectives regarding the origin of creation. While the Vishnu Purana presents Brahma as emerging from the lotus growing from Vishnu’s navel, the Shaiva Purana describes Shiva as the supreme source from whom both Brahma and Vishnu originate. This narrative highlights the greatness of Shiva, the unity of the Trimurti and the cosmic mystery behind creation.

Brahma Dev: Presiding Deity of Rohini Nakshatra and the Lord of Creation

Narrative of Shaiva Purana: Manifestation of Brahma and Vishnu from Shiva

In the beginning there was no sky, no earth and no directions. Only an infinite divine energy existed. In this void only Maheshwara Shiva was present.

According to the Shaiva Purana, Shiva decided to initiate creation through his divine power.

• From the right side of Shiva emerged Brahma, who became the creator.
• From the left side of Shiva emerged Vishnu, who became the preserver.
• Shiva himself remained as Rudra, the force of transformation and dissolution.

Thus Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are three manifestations of the same supreme consciousness operating the cycle of creation, preservation and transformation.

Cycle of Creation and the Play of Trimurti

Shaiva Purana states that in different cosmic cycles, at times Brahma and Vishnu emerge from Shiva, at times Shiva and Vishnu emerge from Brahma and at other times Shiva and Brahma emerge from Vishnu. This cyclic vision shows that no deity is absolutely independent. All are expressions of the same eternal energy.

“The Trimurti are three aspects of Maheshwara, the one who governs creation, preservation and transformation.”

Dispute Between Brahma and Vishnu and Shiva’s Appearance

A notable episode describes a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu over who was superior. Suddenly an infinite pillar of fire appeared, known as the Jyotirlinga.
Brahma went upward and Vishnu downward in search of its end, but neither could find it.
Then Shiva emerged from the pillar revealing himself as the primal and infinite reality.

The episode symbolizes the dissolution of ego and the revelation of supreme truth.

Philosophical and Spiritual Messages

• Supreme foundation: Shiva is regarded as the ultimate source of the universe.
• Unity of Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are separate in function but one in essence.
• Cyclic law: Creation, preservation and transformation continually sustain cosmic balance.
• Transcendence of ego: The episode teaches that ego dissolves before absolute truth.

Summary Table

Deity	Origin (Shaiva Purana)	Function
Brahma	From the right side of Shiva	Creation
Vishnu	From the left side of Shiva	Preservation
Rudra (Shiva)	Shiva himself	Transformation

Cultural and Religious Importance

• This story is central to the worship of Shivaratri, Jyotirlingas and the Trimurti.
• The narrative emphasizes that creation, expansion and dissolution are expressions of one divine force.
• Shiva is honored as Mahadeva, Maheshwara and the Supreme Consciousness.

Essence

According to the Shaiva Purana, both Brahma and Vishnu emerge from Shiva. This narrative explains that all cosmic functions—creation, preservation and transformation—arise from one supreme divine power. Shiva is the beginning and the infinite truth beyond creation.

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FAQs

1. According to Shaiva Purana, from where does Brahma originate?
From the right side of Shiva.

2. How does Vishnu originate in this narrative?
From the left side of Shiva.

3. What is the meaning of the Jyotirlinga?
It represents the infinite, unbounded and luminous form of Shiva.

4. What lesson does the dispute between Brahma and Vishnu teach?
That ego cannot stand before the supreme truth.

5. Why are the Trimurti considered one entity?
Because creation, preservation and transformation are functions of the same eternal consciousness.