Introduction to Paratmas:
According to Sanatana Dharma, there are three main Paratmas or ultimate realities that are worshipped by the followers of Hinduism. These Paratmas are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, collectively known as the Trimurti. Each of these Paratmas represents a different aspect of the ultimate reality and plays a unique role in the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. Let’s explore each of these Paratmas in more detail with reference to the Puranas.
- Brahma – The Creator Paratma
Brahma is considered to be the creator Paratma in Sanatana Dharma, responsible for creating the universe and all living beings. The Brahma Purana describes Brahma as the first among the gods, who emerged from the cosmic egg (Hiranyagarbha) at the beginning of time. It is said that Brahma created the four Vedas and imparted knowledge to the sages so that they could spread it to humanity. The Brahma Purana also describes Brahma as having four faces, each representing a different aspect of creation.
Despite being the creator Paratma, Brahma is not worshipped widely in Hinduism, and there are very few temples dedicated to him. One of the reasons for this is that Brahma is considered to have made a mistake by falling in love with his own creation, the goddess Saraswati. As a result, he lost his position as the supreme deity, and his worship is considered taboo in many parts of India.
- Vishnu – The Preserver Paratma
Vishnu is considered to be the preserver Paratma in Sanatana Dharma, responsible for maintaining the universe and ensuring its smooth functioning. The Vishnu Purana describes Vishnu as the one who pervades all of existence and is the source of all creation. It is said that Vishnu takes on various avatars (incarnations) to protect the world from evil and restore dharma (righteousness). The ten most famous avatars of Vishnu are collectively known as the Dashavatar, which include Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
Vishnu is one of the most popular Paratmas in Hinduism, and his worship is widespread across India. There are many temples dedicated to Vishnu, and his devotees believe that by worshipping him, they can attain moksha (liberation) and merge with the ultimate reality.
- Shiva – The Destroyer Paratma
Shiva is considered to be the destroyer Paratma in Sanatana Dharma, responsible for bringing about the destruction and transformation of the universe. The Shiv Purana describes Shiva as the ultimate reality (Parameshvara) who is beyond time, space, and causation. It is said that Shiva represents the Paratmas in its purest form and by worshipping him, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Shiva is one of the most widely worshipped Paratmas in Hinduism, and his devotees believe that he can bestow them with blessings such as knowledge, wisdom, and detachment. There are many temples dedicated to Shiva across India, and he is often depicted in a meditative posture with his third eye symbolizing the ultimate reality.
The Three Paratmas:
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – represent different aspects of the ultimate reality in Sanatana Dharma. While Brahma is the creator Paratma, Vishnu is the preserver, and Shiva is the destroyer. Each of these Paratmas plays a unique role in the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe, and their worship is widespread across India. The Puranas provide us with a rich account of these Paratmas and their significance in Hindu philosophy. They offer us a deep understanding of the ultimate reality and the cyclical nature of the universe. Through their worship, devotees seek to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and merge with the ultimate reality.
It is important to note that while these Paratmas are distinct, they are not separate from each other. They are often depicted together as the Trimurti, representing the interconnectedness of creation, preservation, and destruction. The ultimate reality is said to be beyond all forms and names, and these Paratmas are just different manifestations of the same ultimate reality.
In addition to the Puranas, other Hindu scriptures such as the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita also provide us with insights into the nature of these Paratmas and their significance in Hindu philosophy. Through these texts, we gain a deeper understanding of the ultimate reality and our place in the universe.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the three Paratmas in Sanatana Dharma – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – represent different aspects of the ultimate reality and play a unique role in the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. Their worship is widespread across India, and their significance is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and scriptures. Through their worship, devotees seek to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and merge with the ultimate reality.
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