Shrimad Bhagwat Puran – Chapter 1: The Beginning of Creation and Vishnu

The Beginning of Creation and Vishnu

Shaunak and other sages asked Sut Ji, "O Sut Ji, please tell us about that supreme truth from which this creation originated, in which it is sustained, and into which it will ultimately merge." Sut Ji replied, "O sages, I shall narrate to you the glory of that primordial being, Lord Vishnu, who created this world through His divine illusion."

The Origin of Lord Brahma

After the great deluge, when darkness and water prevailed everywhere, Lord Vishnu lay in His yogic slumber on the serpent Shesha in the ocean of milk. From His navel, a lotus flower emerged, radiating immense brilliance and dispelling all darkness with its divine aura. Within this lotus, Lord Brahma was born. He was bewildered, unaware of his location or his existence. Looking in all directions, he saw only water and the wondrous lotus. Curiosity arose in his mind: "What is this? Who am I? And what is my purpose?"

Lord Brahma pondered, "I must find the root of this lotus; perhaps the answer to my questions lies there." He began to descend along the stem of the flower, but it seemed endless. Exhausted and defeated, he returned to the lotus. Disheartened, Lord Brahma sat in meditation, remembering Lord Vishnu.

Vishnu's Slumber in the Ocean of Milk

Pleased by Lord Brahma's meditation, Lord Vishnu appeared before him. He was reclining on the serpent Shesha in the ocean of milk, His countenance serene and radiant. Lord Brahma bowed to Him and inquired about his origin and purpose.

Lord Vishnu smiled and said, "O Brahma, you are a part of Me. Your birth is for the creation of this universe. You have emerged from this lotus, and your task now is to create this world. You will accomplish this task through your penance and knowledge. My grace will always be with you." Hearing this, Lord Brahma's heart was filled with gratitude. He thanked Lord Vishnu and set about the work of creation. Lord Vishnu bestowed upon him the necessary knowledge and power for creation, and then disappeared.

The Birth of the Sanaka-adi Sages

For the creation of the universe, Lord Brahma produced many mind-born sons, among whom Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara were prominent. These four sages were celibate from birth and detached from worldly pleasures. Lord Brahma asked them to assist in the expansion of creation, but they decided to follow the path of liberation and became engrossed in devotion to Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma was concerned by his sons' indifference, and anger arose in his mind, from which Rudra was born. To avert this anger, Lord Vishnu commanded him to remain calm.