[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c4.2464 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.2464 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c4.2464 - **Language:** English ### [c4.2464](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2464) BRAHMĀ : One of the trimūrtis of the Hindu Pantheon. The trimūrtis are Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva. 1) General information. God who is the creator of the Universe. It is mentioned in the Purāṇas that Brahmā creates, Viṣṇu preserves and Paramaśiva destroys the universe. 2) The birth of Brahmā. The birth of Brahmā is from the nave of Viṣṇu. It is mentioned in Devī Purāṇa, Skandha 1, about the birth of Brahmā as follows:— In the beginning Mahāviṣṇu lay on a banian leaf in the shape of a baby and began to think, “Who am I? Who created me? What for? What is my work? Where to work?” and so on. At that time an ethereal voice said:— “Sarvam khalvidamevāham nānyadasti sanātanam”.\* Mahāviṣṇu was amazed at this ethereal voice. He did not know whose oracle it was. Still He lay meditating upon the words. Then Mahādevī, with four hands and weapons such as Śaṅkha (conch), Cakra (wheel), Gadā (club), Padma (lotus) and maids who are prosperities and having worn glorious clothes and ornaments, and accompanied by the Śaktis - [Previous: c4.2463](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2463) - [Next: c4.2465](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2465) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4) ## Linked texts (1) - [Devīpurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.upa.sakta.devi) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2464](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2464) · Pramāṇa