Brahma is a Hindu term that refers to the creator of the universe in Hinduism. It is one of the three major gods in Hinduism, alongside Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma is a complex term with multiple definitions and meanings, which makes it a fascinating subject to explore.
Definitions
Brahma is often defined as the creator of the universe in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, Brahma created the universe and all living beings. He is also known as the god of knowledge and wisdom. Brahma is often depicted with four heads, which symbolize the four Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism.
In some Hindu traditions, Brahma is also seen as the supreme god, above Vishnu and Shiva. However, this is not a widely accepted belief, and many Hindus consider Brahma to be a lesser god.
Origin
The origin of Brahma can be traced back to the Vedic period, which lasted from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. The earliest mentions of Brahma can be found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures. In the Rigveda, Brahma is referred to as Prajapati, which means “lord of creatures.”
Over time, Brahma became one of the major gods in Hinduism, and his role as the creator of the universe became more prominent. However, Brahma’s popularity declined over time, and he is now one of the lesser-known gods in Hinduism.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, Brahma is defined as “the Hindu god of creation.” Merriam-Webster defines Brahma as “the creator of the universe in Hindu mythology.”
Associations
Brahma is associated with creation, knowledge, and wisdom. He is often depicted with four heads, which represent the four Vedas. Brahma is also associated with the color red and the lotus flower.
In Hindu mythology, Brahma is often depicted with his consort, Saraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts.
Synonyms
Synonyms of Brahma include Prajapati, Hiranyagarbha, and Svayambhu.
Antonyms
Antonyms of Brahma include Vishnu and Shiva, who are the gods of preservation and destruction, respectively.
The same root words
The root word of Brahma is “brh,” which means “to grow, increase, or expand.” Other words that share this root include “brihat,” which means “great” or “large,” and “brahman,” which means “the ultimate reality” in Hinduism.
Example Sentences
- Brahma is the Hindu god of creation.
- In Hindu mythology, Brahma created the universe and all living beings.
- Brahma is often depicted with four heads, which represent the four Vedas.
- Many Hindus consider Brahma to be a lesser god compared to Vishnu and Shiva.