Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s2.t1.2

v2.c16.s2.t1.2

While searching for the top of the pillar of fire, Brahmā came by a petal of the *kētaki* flower and asked it wherefrom it was descending; to this the petal answered that it was falling from the head of Mahēśvara, for what length of time it could not remember. Taking hold of this petal, Brahmā descended and lied to Viṣṇu that he had discovered the head of Mahēśvara and from it had brought this petal of the *kētaki* flower. For uttering this piece of falsehood Brahmā was cursed not to receive any worship from men on earth. Hence, it is stated, Brahmā is never enshrined in a separate temple and offered worship.