A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1861

c5.1861

The Padma Purāṇa, which is a Vaishnava work and gives the supremacy to Vishnu, says, “In the beginning of creation, the great Vishnu, desirous of creating the whole world, became threefold: creator, preserver, and destroyer. In order to create this world, the supreme spirit produced from the right side of his body himself as Brahmā; then in order to preserve the world he produced from the left side of his body Vishnu; and in order to destroy the world he produced from the middle of his body the eternal Siva. Some worship Brahmā, others Vishnu, others Siva; but Vishnu, one yet threefold, creates, preserves, and destroys, therefore let the pious make no difference between the three.” The representation of the Tri-mūrti is one body with three heads : in the middle Brahmā, on the right Vishnu, and on the left Siva. The worship of Brahmā is almost extinct, but Vishnu and Siva receive unbounded adoration from their respective followers, and each is elevated to the dignity of the supreme being.