1 Brahma Purana

This Purana contains 4 Chapters as follows.

1 Lord Brahma
This chapter contains 9 sections:

1.1 A Profile of Brahmaji

APPEARANCE OF BRAHMAJI
According to the scriptures, Brahmaji was born on the lotus that had arisen from the navel of eternal
ommipresent Lord Narayan Vishnu. During the period of deluge (Pralaya) all the creations was
destroyed and the creatures that had gone into Maharloka (the fourth of the upper worlds according to
the Puranas), take birth again on the earth as per their deeds. God who keeps an account of the
innumerable deeds of those inumerable creatures and arrange for their incarnations is called Brahma.

1.2 Scriptural Appearance of Brahmaji

Scriptures describe the appearance of Brahmaji thus:
CHATURMUKHD VEDADHARAH SAKSHASUTRA KAMANDALUH |
HANSARUDHO RAKTAVASA BRAHMALOKA PITAMAH ||
Meaning: He has four heads, holds Vedas, Rosary, Yagyopavita (Sacred thread) and
Kamandalu (bowl); wears red cothes and rides a swan. He is none other than Brahmaji,
grandfather of all of us.

1.3 Four Heads of Brahmaji

Brahmaji is shown with four heads, Besides being the creator of the universe, Brahmaji is
a deponent of the deeds of all the creatures as well, alloting the creatures various
incarnations as per their deed is duty of Brahmaji. Hence the full knowledge of a
creatures deed is an indispensable precondition before deciding an incarnation for it.
Only then full justice could be assured for a creature. Hence to look around in all the
directions, Brahmaji is shown with the four heads.

1.4 White Beard of Brahmaji

Brahmaji is the great grandfather of all of us. Hence his appearance must match his status. Since
antiquity, in a single day of Brahmaji no one knows how many members of creatures take birth and
die. The period since antiquity can be calculated according to astrology. Since Brahmaji has such an
eternal existance, his appearance must correspondend to his eternity as well, so that feeling of
respect could naturally arise among the people for him. Hence, Lord Brahma is shown with a white
beard.

1.5 Swan as a Vehicle

Swan is a white bird. God has bestowed it with unique virtues. Virtues that are not to be found in any
creature of the eighty-four lakh incarnations, their virtue is NEERA-KSHEERA VIVEKA, that is, if milk
is mixed with water, a swan is capable of separating milk from water and taking it rejecting the water.
It is an indication fof Brahmaji that every creature deserves a full justice regarding his deeds , no
matter how much entangled it might be. There should not be any ado in the justice. People must also
learn from it that they should imbibe only the valuable part of a thing and discard the worthless. Only
then they could be regarded as a doer of good deeds and thus receive honour in the society.

1.6 Purpose of Holding Vedas

Brahmaji is also shown as holding Vedas is one of his hands why? It is natural to be
curious about it. Vedas are undoubtedly the most ancient scriptures in the word. Even the
great deluge (Pralaya) could not destroy Vedas for almighty Brahma himself had taken
incarnation to save Vedas during deluge. Hence Vedas have no beginning and no end.
Besides Vedas also remind Brahmaji of the previous Kalpa (the grand period that includes

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all the four Yugas). Vedas also teach us that everything is destructible, only the truth can
not be destroyed. Hence in the carnation of destructible body, never forget the
indestructible, eternal, almighty Paramatma because every other thing in the world is
bound to be destroyed one day.

1.7 Rosary in Second Hand

The great grandfather of all the creatures Lord Brahma teaches by his appearance that
the human incarnation is not just for the mundane jobs. Instead among the mundane
jobs, human being must keep on remembering the almighty Paramatma. Because
without reciting the name of almighty God welfare of any human being is simply not
possible. Hence, by the rosary in second hand Brahmaji teaches that, always keep on
telling the name of almighty God, for your welfare. It is therefore written also -

JAPATA SIDDHIH JAPATASIDDHIH JAPATASIDHIH NASANSHAYAH

Meaning : One gets perfection only in the name of almighty God, there is no doubt in it.
Hence, comprehensing these things human being must keep on reciting and telling the
name of omnipresent God whether he is moving, or sitting, eating or drinking and
sleeping or awakening.

1.8 Kamandalu (Coconut Shell Bowl)

JALAMEV JEEVANAM
That is water is life. Water is the basic physical element that caused the whole creation to exist. The
coconut shell bowl (Kamandalu) held by Brahmaji; also holds water, thus depicting the hassle free
existence and continuence of the whole creation.

1.9 Seat of the Lotus

Lotus is the seat for Lord Brahma Lotus also adorns the hand of Lord Vishnu and is an essential item
to worship Lord Shiva. Every one knows that the lotus grows from the muck. Thus, it teaches that
inspite of being born of the muck be as pure as possible. Including humans, all creatures are born out
of the muck called passion and illusion. They are unable to free themselves from these two. Thus the
lotus seat of Brahmaji teaches that regardless of origin one must strive to be as free and pure as
possible from the influences of one's origin. In another words, humans must obtain themselves from
the passion and illusion of the world despite being surrounded by them.

2 Goddess Sarasvati
This chapter contains 3 sections:

2.1 Appearance of Sarasvati

Literally, Saraswati means SARAH - Knowledge, STHANAMYASYAH ASTITI. Thus, Saraswati is the
goddess who rules all kinds of knowledge without worshipping her no one can be a learned person.
Hence followers of other religious also worship Saraswati, though the name and appearance may
differ slightly. Appearance of Saraswati is thus described in the scriptures :
SHUKLAM BRAMHAVICHARASA RA PARMADYAM JAGADVYAPINEEM
VEENAPUSTAK DHARINIMABHAYADAM JADYANDHAKARA PAHAM |
HASTE SPHATIKA MALIIKAM VIDADHI PADMASANE SAMSTHITAM |
VANDE TAM PARAME SHVAREEM
BHAGWATEEM BUDDHI PRADAY SHARDAM ||
Meaning : Wearer of the white clothes giver of the power to reflect the essence of Brahma, supreme
power, holder of veena (Lyre), book, beaded rosarry, the benevolent Goddess is seated on a lotus. I
respectfully pray the Goddess who gives us knowledge.

2.2 Significance of Book and Veena (Lyre)

Noted sage Bhartrihari writes that without literature and music, a man is not more than an animal.
Hence the book and veena in the hands of Saraswati teach that if the humans wish to do away with

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their bruteness, knowledge of literature and music is must for them. Hence, Goddess Saraswati is
shown with a book and Veena the symbols of literature and music respectively.

2.3 Beaded Rosary

The ultimate goal of knowledge is salvation. Salvation is possible only with unification with God. And
rosary is a means for unification with God. But why a rosary of white beads only? It is so because
white beads depict spotless purity. Thus it teaches us to rise above the blemishes of passion, anger,
greed, ego, lust, envy, enimity etc. and make our mind as spotless as the beads. Similar teaching are
given by the the lotus seat and swan vehicle of the Goddess Saraswati.

3 Lord Vishnu
This chapter contains 11 sections:

3.1 Appearance of Lord Vishnu

Worship of Lord Vishnu is extremely essential for those who wish to receive the supreme salvation. A
common rule of worship is that the worshipper must essentially have the virtues of the worshipped.
Hence, Lord Vishnu gives his virtues through physical appearance.

3.2 Reflection of Scriptural Appearance

SHANTAKARAM BHUJANGASHAYANAM PADMANABHAM SURESHAM,
VISHWADHARAM GAGAN SADRISHAM MEGHAVARNAM
SHUBHANGAM|
LAKSHMIKANTAN KAMALNAYANAM YOGIMIRDHYANA GAMYAM,
VANDE VISHNUM BHAVA BHAYAHARAM SARVA LOKAIKNATHAM ||
Meaning: I worship that Lord Vishnu who has a peaceful body (postures); who rests on Sheshanaga
(the mighty serpant - cobra); who has a lotus in his navel, who is the base of the world, who is like the
sky; who has a colour like cloud, who is the lord of Lakshmi (wealth); who has eyes like lotus; who is
seen by yogis in their meditation; who is the remover of all the differences and who is the only Lord of
all the three Lokas (Worlds), I worship such Lord Vishnu.

3.3 Scientific Depiction of Vishnu’s Appearance

It is a common principle the worshipper should be a Deva (God) first and worship the God then, Let us
reflect the appearance of Lord Vishnu in light of this principle. The first virtue of Lord Vishnu is his
peaceful appearance. Hence his worshipper must also acquire peaceful appearance. This is also the
need of the hour in the world that is presently full of conflicts, disputes, tensions and all that could
pose a potential danger to the earth itself.

Despite having all kinds of wealth and luxuries people are devoid of peace. Hence, all the worshippers
who want peace, must first reflect the peaceful appearance of Lord Vishnu.

3.4 Why does Lord Vishnu rest on Sheshanaga?

The second virtue (resting on the Sheshanaga) must be considered as the sub-virtue of the peaceful
appearance. Scriptures describe Sheshanaga as Kala also. Sheshanaga is supposed to be a highly
poisonous snake. But Lord Vishnu is resting on him without fear or worries. It teaches us not to lose
patience even while facing the kala itself; instead one must strive to ride on it, only then can one
remain in peaceful appearance. If the fear overpowers you, it may shatter your peace. The
worshippers who want salvation are being indicated to be peaceful in every circumstances.

3.5 Why is Lotus in the Navel?

The third virtue of Lord Vishnu is that he bears a lotus on his navel,hence he is also known as
Padmanabham. From the lotus rises Lord Brahma. Brahma has only royal virtues (Rajoguna). Thus to
remain in peaceful form Lord Vishnu has discarded all the royal virtues through his navel. Similarily he
has made the snake, which has Tamoguna (virtue of darkness), his seat, Thus only Satoguna (Virtue
of the truth) remains with him, and God became Shantakaram (acquired a peaceful form). Hence, if a
worshipper wishes to be in peaceful form, he must first discard the virtues of royality and darkness.

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3.6 Why does Vishnu stay in the Sea of Milk?
Before attempting to solve the problems, let us first give a thought to the oceans also. All the oceans,
as we know are huge bodies of Saline water. How is then the sea of milk? A couplet of Chanakyaneeti
explains it thus :
KA CHINTA MAM JIVANE YADI HARIIVISHVAMMBHARO GEEYATE,
NO CHEDARBHAKA JIVANAY JANANISTANYAM KATHM NIRMYET |
ITYALOCHYMUHURMUHURYADUPATE LAKSHMIPATE KEWAL
TVATPADAMSHUJASEVANEN SATATAM KALOMAYA NEEYATE ||
Meaning: If God Hari Vishnu is known as VISHVAMBHAR (feeder of the world) I need not worry for
anything in the world. If he were not there, where the milk would come from in the breast of a mother
before child's birth. So God filled the breast of a new mother with complete food that is milk.

It is clear from the above example that Lord Vishnu assumes different forms just to feed all the
creatures in the world, of these different forms of the God, the milk is one. Acording to another
principle of scriptures, God is present in every grain. Hence he is also present in the milk also. It is
also the supreme duty of the humankind to maintain the original pure form of the milk, because the
milk is prone to damage quickly. Similarily, all these desirious of Salvation, must follow Vaishnava
religion, otherwise any deviation in it may damage all of their penance.

3.7 Reason for holding the Wheel

The famous Sudarshana Chakra (wheel) is whirling on the finger of Lord Vishnu. Through this wheel,
God teaches the human kind that the cycle of the universe is whirling at his will. If anybody tries to go
against his will (i.e. wheel) or gives up religion and begins to behave irreligiously, I will whirl him like
the wheel or punish him with the wheel.

3.8 Reason for holding the Conch

White colour and sound are the main virtues of the conch. Through the colour of the conch, God
Vishnu teaches us to follow the path of the truth. The sound is like a warning call that is if path of truth
is not followed, the violater will be challenged and punished. Thus. Either by fear of by any other thing,
ome must follow the path of truth.

3.9 Purpose of Kaustubhamani

Kaustubha is the best jewel among all the gems. One who bears it, must be gentle, knowledgable,
virtuous etc. Thus, bearing Kaustubha Mani, God preaches the common people that if they wish to
develop all these virtues in them, they will have to move towards this gem once advanced, they will
feel the eternal light in life and desired unification with God and ultimate salvation.

3.10 Why does Lord Vishnu hold a Mace?

Mace is a weapon that shows and dares for the physical strength. It was used by the fighters to
demonstrate their strength. Among all the ancient weapons, mace was the main. It application is
profusely seen in the epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata by physically powerful and strong characters
like Hanumana & Bheema. Thus with the mace, God warns anti social elements that if they try to
violate the sanctity of religion and torment his devotees, He will punish them. Tulsidas too writes about
the reasons for incarnation of God.
JAB-JAB HOHI DHARAMA KI HANI…
HARHINATH SAJJANA KAI PEERA |
God takes various incarnations to protect his devotees.

3.11 Why is Garuda (Eagle) the Vehicle of Vishnu?

Garuda (eagle) is said to be the king of the birds. It is the fearest of bird. Thus God is assuring his
devotees to be fearless, because if any calamity befell them, he will reach them in no time.

4 Goddess Laxmi
This chapter contains 3 sections:

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4.1 Why Goddess Laxmi presses the feet of God?
Goddess Lakshmi presents an example of an ideal spouse before the world.The supreme duty of a
woman is described in the service of her husband. Second aspect of the message is for the people
who want to get rich, that if they want the wealth, they must develop a devotion for the feet of
Narayana, for Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) is to be found there and no where else.

4.2 Reason for Liquidity of Laxmi

The better half of Lord Vishnu can never be freakish, because Satoguna is the main virtue of Lord
Vishnu. In the proxmity of God whose main virtue is Satoguna, no one can remain freakish. But the
material wealth, that is Gold, and silver, have mobility as their main virtue. Thus the rich people who
have these wealths may be freakish, but not Lakshmi the beloved of God Vishnu.

4.3 Why is the owl the vehicle of Laxmi?

Owl is the vehicle of goddess Lakshmi. An owl can't see in the day, Hence, Lakshmi visits the house
of those devotees who only worship her, on her vehicle owl. And she visits the home of those
devotees who worship Lord Vishnu first and then her, with Vishnu riding his vehicle Garuda.

It also implies that at places where black-money is main, Lakshmi rides an owl. Such a wealth can't
be put in the service of nation, people religion etc, or in any worthy task, instead it is squandered in
abhorant deeds. Since owl is a bird that sees in the darkness alone, and darkness sumbolizes
ignorance. Because of ignorance, money is generated in wrong ways and spent in wrong deeds. Thus
owl is a symbol of black money and misdeeds.