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How do the Puranas explain the roles and attributes of major deities like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva?
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva emerge from the Puranic tapestry as the cosmic trio—or Trimurti—each embodying a fundamental rhythm of existence. Brahma takes the lead in creation: born from a lotus sprouting out of Vishnu’s navel, he spins the wheel of life by fashioning the universe, its inhabitants and even the sacred Vedas themselves. His four faces symbolize the four Vedas, offering a window in every direction, yet temples dedicated solely to him remain rare—his role complete once the act of creation is set in motion.
Vishnu straddles the line between divine oversight and gentle guardian. Portrayed reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta in the milky ocean, he awakens to restore balance whenever dharma teeters on the brink. The Dashavatara saga—from fish to Krishna—shows a deity willing to dive into humanity’s messiest moments. Current digital art and VR temple tours often bring avatars like Rama and Krishna to life, reminding modern seekers that Dharma isn’t a dusty concept but a living, breathing guide.
Shiva wears many hats—householder with Parvati, ascetic meditating on Mount Kailash, and the fierce Rudra who dissolves worlds only to spark fresh beginnings. His tandava dance illustrates that destruction is not mere annihilation but a prelude to transformation. During #Mahashivratri celebrations, millions chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” celebrating Shiva’s power to erase ego and open doors to moksha.
Beyond their starring roles, the Puranas weave these three into a seamless cycle: Brahma’s day ends in pralaya (dissolution), Vishnu preserves the remnants, and Shiva clears the slate for the next creation. In an age of climate uncertainty and social upheaval, these myths offer a surprisingly timely blueprint: embrace creativity, uphold responsibility, and accept that transformation—sometimes uncomfortable—is the only way forward.