According to Hindu folklore, Lord Vishnu is believed to be born before Lord Brahma.
Understanding the Creation Myth
Hindu mythology presents a complex cosmology with multiple interpretations of creation. While Brahma is often considered the creator god, responsible for shaping the universe, the concept of a "first birth" among deities requires careful consideration of the cyclical nature of time in Hindu belief.
- Brahma's Role: Brahma's role is primarily that of creation within a particular cosmic cycle. He doesn't necessarily represent a beginning in an absolute sense.
- Vishnu's Role: Vishnu is the preserver, existing across multiple cosmic cycles. His existence predates the creation of the current universe, as he maintains order and balance through various avatars (incarnations).
The statement that Vishnu was born before Brahma refers to the precedence of Vishnu's eternal existence compared to Brahma's role within a specific cosmic cycle. It's not a linear "birth order" in the conventional sense.
The Significance of Avatars
Vishnu's avatars further complicate the notion of a singular birth. Each avatar represents a manifestation of Vishnu entering the material world to maintain cosmic order. These avatars, such as Rama and Krishna, have their own birth stories, but are not independent of Vishnu's overarching, timeless existence.
Therefore, the question of "which god was born first" requires nuance. While Brahma's creation comes first within each cosmic cycle, Vishnu's existence precedes even the creation itself, based on the Hindu understanding of time and the roles of these deities.
Reference: According to our Hindu folklore the Lord Brahma is considered the creator of the universe while Lord Vishnu is the preserver. However in terms of birth Lord Vishnu is believed to be born before Lord Brahma.13-Apr-2018
