Lord Brahma

Lord Brahma originated in this universe as self born (swayambhu). It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself entered as the inner controller that lotus representing all the worlds which brought to light all the objects of sensuous enjoyment. There appeared from it the creator Brahma. It is so because the progenitor of Brahma was not to be seen.

Brahma is in charge of carrying out the work of creation. Taken from clevelandart dated late 10th - early 11th century.

In the Hindu pantheon Brahma is in charge of carrying out the work of creation. In this tour-de-force of South Indian temple sculpture, he is in a special regal aspect, with the only elements of his typical priestly appearance being the prayer beads and the matted dreadlocks piled on his head.
Four arms connote superhuman power, and four heads convey the idea that his creative activities spread in all four directions. His upper right hand enjoins freedom from fear, and the lower holds a lotus bud associated with birth and the process of creation. His lowered left hand is held in the gift-giving gesture, suggestive of the gift of creation he will bestow upon the world.

Don't be confused with Illusion

Narada on temple Srirangam, India (Tamil Nadu). Taken from Ancient Asia Journal.

It was only a matter of time before Muni Shiromani Naradji, the son of Brahma, became engrossed in deep meditation. In the Himalayan mountains, there was a cave near the divine river Ganga, where a hermitage was located. It was there that Naradji sat in his seat and was profoundly immersed in his spiritual practice. When Devraj Indra learned of this, he worried that Naradji might usurp his kingdom, so he sent Cupid to distract him. However, Cupid failed in his mission.

Maya, the cosmic illusion, is ever-changing and persistent. She managed to beguile even a wise sage like Naradji. He became enchanted by a beautiful woman and prayed to Lord Vishnu to bless him with a handsome appearance so he could win her over.

However, Lord Vishnu granted Naradaji the face of a monkey and a humble form instead. Disheartened, Naradji attended the bride-selection ceremony, only to face rejection. This story serves as a cautionary tale for today's young men and women who, despite their knowledge, sometimes act without wisdom. They become ensnared in the deceptive web of illusion and are drawn to things that are not a part of their true cultural heritage.

The story of Narada Muni highlights the pitfalls of succumbing to illusion (Maya) and serves as a reminder to stay true to our cultural and spiritual roots. By understanding the deeper meaning behind these stories, the younger generation can learn to navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and discernment. They can cultivate virtues like self-control, humility, and devotion to a higher purpose, which will empower them to make choices that align with their true nature and cultural heritage. By exploring the resources mentioned above, young individuals can gain insights and inspiration from the rich tradition of Indian literature and spirituality. Through these teachings, they can develop a strong foundation that will guide them in making wise decisions and finding lasting happiness in their lives.

  1. Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana): This sacred text narrates the story of Narada Muni and his numerous encounters with divine beings, including Lord Vishnu. It provides essential context for understanding the values and morals that underpin these stories.
  2. The Mahabharata: This ancient Indian epic also contains valuable lessons about life, morality, and spirituality. While it does not directly tell Narada's story, it features him as a character and offers insight into his wisdom.
  3. International Gita Society: This organization is dedicated to spreading the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, another important Hindu text. Their website provides articles, explanations, and commentaries on various aspects of Hinduism, including the concept of Maya.
  4. Speaking Tree: This website offers articles and reflections on spirituality, religion, and Indian mythology. It can be a valuable source of information and guidance on how to apply the lessons from these stories to everyday life.
  5. Hinduism Today: This international quarterly magazine covers various aspects of Hinduism, including culture, philosophy, and spirituality. It often features articles that explore stories like Narada Muni's and their relevance to contemporary life.