Shiva Curses Brahma
Once, a dispute arose between Brahma and Vishnu over who was supreme. To resolve this, a fiery infinite pillar of light (linga) appeared before them — it was Lord Shiva in his formless aspect. Brahma went upwards to find the top, and Vishnu went downward to find the base. Vishnu returned accepting defeat, but Brahma lied, claiming he saw the top, with the Ketaki flower as false witness. Enraged by this deception, Shiva appeared from the linga, cursed Brahma that he would never be worshipped on Earth and declared Vishnu worthy of worship.
The Dispute
Brahma and Vishnu argue about their supremacy.
The Test
An infinite pillar of fire appears. Vishnu goes down as a boar, Brahma up as a swan.
The Lie
Vishnu admits defeat. Brahma lies, using the Ketaki flower as a witness.
The Curse
Shiva emerges, curses Brahma for his deceit, and blesses Vishnu for his honesty.
This event establishes Shiva's supremacy, the importance of truth, and explains why Brahma is not widely worshipped.
- Truthfulness is more revered than power or status.
- False ego and pride lead to downfall, even among gods.
- The infinite nature of the divine cannot be measured through egoic efforts.
- Humility and surrender are keys to divine favor.
Shiva
Appears as the infinite fiery Linga
Brahma
The Creator, who lies
Vishnu
The Preserver, who accepts truth
Ketaki Flower
The false witness
Lingodbhava
Symbolizes Shiva's formless, infinite nature.
Curse
Represents the consequences of ego and dishonesty in the spiritual path.