The Nature of Brahman:
In the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, the Brahman is the ultimate, formless reality – beyond all attributes and limitations. This concept of Nirguna Brahman suggests that Brahman is infinite, all-encompassing, and without any defining qualities.
However, for those who seek a more personal connection with the divine, Brahman also manifests in forms that possess specific qualities, known as Saguna Brahman. These divine forms allow worshippers to experience and relate to the Supreme in ways that are more tangible to the human heart and mind.
In this form, Brahman can take many divine shapes – Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu (Narayana), Goddess Shakti, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and others – depending on the devotee’s path of worship and devotion.
The Creation of the Universe:
In the beginning, the universe was nothing but a vast, endless ocean of water. Upon this cosmic ocean, Lord Vishnu, in his form as Saguna Brahman, lay in deep, timeless slumber.
As the story goes, from this primordial water emerged a golden egg – the Hiranyagarbha, which contained the seed of creation.
Within this golden egg, Lord Brahma, the Creator, was born. Since he created himself from within the egg, he is called Svayambhu, meaning “self-born.”
After spending a whole year inside the egg, Lord Brahma split it into two halves. From one half, he created the heaven; from the other, he created the earth. With these two realms in place, Lord Brahma then shaped time, the directions, and the senses of all living beings, giving structure to the vast, newly formed universe.
From the powers of his mind, Lord Brahma also created the seven great sages (Saptarishi), wise beings who are venerated across spiritual traditions. Alongside these sages, he brought into existence Lord Rudra, a form of Lord Shiva, and the sage Sanatkumara, both playing crucial roles in the cosmic functions of destruction and wisdom.
Thus, the universe began to take shape – a dynamic interplay of creation, preservation, and transformation, all emanating from the one Supreme Reality, Brahman.