Proof of the Creation of the Universe in Shrimad Devi Mahapuran

“Mother-Father of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv”

(The birth of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv from the union of Durga and Brahm)

This concept refers to the creation of the trinity gods—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv—from the union of Durga (Prakriti/Ashtangi) and Brahm (Kaal). According to this view, Durga is the mother and Brahm is the father of these deities. From their union, Brahma was born to create, Vishnu to sustain, and Shiv to destroy, thus manifesting the roles of creation, preservation, and destruction within the material realms. This underscores the idea that Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv are not eternal but are created beings serving specific functions under the rule of Brahm and Durga.

Evidence for creation found in the Holy Shrimad Devi Mahapuran

Holy Shrimad Devi Mahapuran, Third Skand, Chapters 1 to 3

From Page 114 to 118 of Shrimad Devi Mahapuran, it is mentioned:

"Many regard Acharya Bhavani as the fulfiller of all wishes. She is known as Prakriti and has an inseparable bond with Brahm, much like how a wife is considered 'the other half.' This means Durga is Brahm's (Kaal's) wife. When King Parikshit inquired about the creation of the universe, Shri Vyas ji shared what he had learned from Shri Narad ji. Narad ji, in turn, had asked his father, Shri Brahma ji, about who created the brahmand — was it Brahma, Vishnu, or Shiv? Brahma ji responded that he found himself seated on a lotus, without knowing his origin or the source of the surrounding water. He searched for one thousand years but couldn't find any land. Then, an ethervoice instructed him to meditate. After a thousand years of meditation, he was commanded to begin creation. At that moment, two demons, Madhu and Kaitabh, appeared. Fearing them, Brahma descended holding the lotus stalk. There, he found Vishnu unconscious on a serpent bed (Shesh Shaiya). A woman, Durga, emerged from Vishnu's body, adorned with jewellery. Vishnu regained consciousness, and shortly afterward, Lord Shankar appeared."

In Shrimad Devi Mahapuran, on pages 119-120, it is described that the goddess took Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv to Brahmlok in an aircraft. There, they saw another Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv, as well as a goddess. Upon seeing her, Vishnu recalled his childhood memories, given insight by Brahm Kaal, and recognized her as the mother of the three gods. He explained that she, Goddess Prakriti, was the one who had rocked him in a cradle when he was a child.

On page 123, Vishnu praises Durga, saying, "You are the purest form. This entire world arises from you. Brahma, Shankar, and I exist by your grace. We are born (aavirbhaav) and we die (tirobhaav); we three gods are mortal, but you alone are eternal. You are the Mother of the Universe, Goddess Prakriti."

Similarly, Lord Shankar acknowledges, "If Vishnu, who is greatly fortunate, has taken birth from you, then Brahma, born after him, must also be your son. Therefore, I, Shankar, who performs Tamoguni leela, am also your child. You alone are my mother."

In the Third Skand, on page 125, Brahma asks Durga, "O Mother! Are you the Brahm mentioned in the Vedas, or is it someone else?" Durga responds, saying, "I and Brahm are one." Then, in Chapter 6 on page 129, Durga instructs, "You all sit in the aircraft and quickly accomplish your tasks. Whenever you face difficulties and remember me, I will appear before you. You must always remember Brahm and me (Durga), and your tasks will undoubtedly succeed."

This establishes that Durga (Prakriti) and Brahm (Kaal) are the mother and father of the three gods—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv—who are not Almighty but mortal. Moreover, Durga arranged the marriages of these gods as mentioned in the Third Skand, pages 128-129.

Gita Chapter 7 Verse 12

Ye, ch, ev, satvikaH, bhavaH, rajsaH, tamsaH, ch, ye, MatH, ev, iti, taan, viddhi, na, tu, aham, teshu, te, myi ||12||

Translation: (Ch) and (ev) also (ye) that (satvikaH) preservation from Satvgun Vishnu (bhavaH) characteristic and (ye) that (rajsaH) creation from Rajogun Brahma (ch) and (tamsaH) destruction from Tamogun Shiv (taan) all those, you (matH, ev) happening from me alone in a well-planned manner and according to the rules (iti) thus (viddhi) consider (tu) but, in reality (teshu) in them (aham) I and (te) they (myi) in me (na) are not.

Translation: And also the characteristics of preservation from Satvgun Vishnu and that of creation from Rajogun Brahma and destruction from Tamogun Shiv, consider all of them to be happening from me alone in a well-planned manner and according to the rules; but, in reality, neither am I in them, nor are they in me.

Conclusion

Both the Gita and the Devi Mahapuran convey the idea that Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv are not independent or supreme deities. They perform their roles in accordance with the plan set by a higher power.