Brahma, Creator of the Universe

Gouache on paper.

In this devotional image the creator god Brahma holds in his upper hands the Vedas (the earliest Hindu scriptures) and sacred kusagrass, used in ritual. In his lower hands he holds prayer beads and a water vessel, representing the earth. He rides astride his vahana or personal vehicle, the auspicious hamsa or goose.

To view a high-resolution version of this image and for further information please visit the Yousef Jameel Online Centre at the Ashmolean.