In Hindu history, the story of Lord Brahma ‘s attraction towards his daughter Shatarupa has raised eyebrows and sparked debates. Many perceive it as a clear case of incest within Hinduism, performed by a Hindu God. However, delving deeper into this narrative reveals a profound philosophical allegory that holds a mirror to our subjective realities and the human condition.
The Literal Narrative
The tale unfolds with Brahma, the creator God, fashioning the universe. The first creation was a Goddess named Shatarupa, whose beauty immediately infatuated him. Brahma pursued Shatarupa relentlessly, and as she fled in various directions, he developed a new head to gaze upon her, eventually acquiring four heads. Desperate, Shatarupa leaped over him, prompting the emergence of Brahma’s fifth head above the others. At this pivotal moment, Lord Shiva appeared and, enraged, severed Brahma’s top head.
The Subjective Reality
This story is not meant to be interpreted literally. The characters and events symbolize the intricate workings of the human mind and our perception of reality. Brahma represents the deluded soul, entangled in the web of Maya (illusion). His birth from Vishnu’s navel signifies the soul’s entry into the physical world, still bound by ignorance.
The Creator Within
According to the Dharmic (Indian) religions’ subjective outlook, we are the creators of our universe – the Brahmaand. This universe is not the objective reality but rather our subjective perception, shaped by aspirations, hopes, and biases. Brahma, as the creator God, symbolizes this subjective reality we construct within our minds.
The Allure of Maya
The objective, eternal universe, known as Prakriti, is distinct from Brahma’s subjective creation. The latter, influenced by our incomplete understanding and biases, is the realm of Maya. This world of Maya is Brahma’s “daughter,” named Shatarupa (the one with a hundred forms), representing the myriad of attractive distractions that ensnare us.
The Entangled Ego
Brahma’s four heads, gazing at Shatarupa in all directions, symbolize the ego mesmerized by its own creation, perceiving it everywhere. The fifth head represents the pinnacle of delusion, where Brahma becomes so lost in his subjective reality that he fails to see the true nature of existence.
The Liberation of Shiva
It is at this critical juncture that Shiva, the destroyer, intervenes. By severing Brahma’s fifth head, Shiva destroys the world of Maya created by the deluded ego within us. This act symbolizes the liberation from the bonds of ignorance and the realization of true enlightenment.
The story of Brahma’s attraction towards Shatarupa is a masterful allegory that encapsulates the human condition’s struggle with illusion, ego, and the pursuit of truth. By presenting profound philosophical concepts through a compelling narrative, our ancestors have bestowed upon us a rich tapestry of wisdom, inviting us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.