Brahma

Brahma is the creator of the universe in the Hindu Trimurti, alongside Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Born from the cosmic golden egg (Hiranyagarbha), Brahma is said to have created all of creation from the four Vedas that emerged from his four mouths. His consort is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Despite being the creator, Brahma has very few temples dedicated to him in India — the most famous being the Brahma temple at Pushkar, Rajasthan. Classical tradition tells of a curse by Sage Bhrigu (or alternatively Shiva) that led to Brahma being rarely worshipped in public rites.

Four faces representing the four Vedas and four directions, four arms holding the Vedas, a water pot (kamandalu), a sacrificial ladle (sruk), and a mala (rosary). His vahana (vehicle) is the Hamsa — a divine swan symbolising wisdom and discernment. He is depicted with a white or golden complexion and a long white beard, seated on a red lotus.