Brahma

bra'ma, the first person in the Hindu triad or trinity. Brahma is the Hindu creator. Vishnu and Siva, the other members of the triad, are the preserver and destroyer, symbols of good and evil, respectively. In a temple of Brahma at Pushkara, he is represented as having four black faces, each of which is directed toward one of the four quarters of the compass. Each face has two large glass eyes. The four-faced head wears a broad red turban, over which hangs an umbrella. The figure is dressed in red clothes. Brahma is reputed to be the author of the Vedas or sacred books. Inasmuch as he is merely the creator of all things, the Brahmins direct their worship to Vishnu and Siva more particularly. The Brahminical religion is older than Buddhism. It recognizes a system of castes. An important doctrine is the transmigration of souls. Infanticide and the burning of widows on their husbands' funeral piles were Brahminical practices. Brahminical worship consists almost entirely of sacrifices, ceremonies, and observances. See Buddha; Caste; India; Veda