In the vast ocean of Hindu mythology, one question rarely asked but deeply symbolic is: Why does Lord Brahma have only four heads today when he once had five? This forgotten tale from the Bhagavata Purana and Shiva Purana reveals the powerful clash of desire, dharma, and divine justice. It also answers why Brahma is rarely worshipped in temples, unlike Vishnu and Shiva.
In this blog, we explore the original Hindu scriptures, include Sanskrit shlokas, explain multiple versions of the story, and decode the symbolism and spiritual meaning behind Brahma’s lost head.
Who Is Brahma and Why Did He Have Five Heads?
Brahma is known as the Creator in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), along with Vishnu (Preserver) and Shiva (Destroyer).
Originally, Brahma had five heads, symbolizing:
- The four Vedas
- The five elements (Pancha Mahabhutas)
- The directions of space, including the upward direction
But one of these heads was removed by Shiva himself — and here’s why.
Version 1: Brahma’s Lust for Shatarupa
Scriptural Source: Bhagavata Purana, Canto 3, Chapter 12, Verses 28–35
Brahma created a woman named Shatarupa, who was meant to aid in creation. But instead of treating her as his creation, Brahma became infatuated with her.
As she moved to avoid his gaze, he sprouted four heads in every direction. When she flew upward, he grew a fifth head to follow her.
Sanskrit Shloka (SB 3.12.28):
तां तु मृष्टामनुजग्राह प्रजासर्गे यतो ‘भवत्।’
Translation: “When Brahma saw Shatarupa and her beauty, he became overwhelmed with desire and followed her in all directions.”
Shiva’s Intervention
This behavior enraged Lord Shiva, who values detachment and purity.
Source: Shiva Purana, Vayaviya Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapters 9–13
Shiva appeared before Brahma and warned him of his inappropriate conduct. When Brahma did not stop, Shiva severed the fifth head — the one that looked upward in lust.
Summary of Shloka: “Due to Brahma’s desire for his daughter-like creation, Shiva, in anger, cut off his upward-facing fifth head with his trident.”
Version 2: Brahma Lied About the Fiery Pillar
Scriptural Source: Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana
In another version, Brahma and Vishnu were debating who was superior. To resolve it, Shiva appeared as an infinite Jyotirlinga (pillar of light).
Vishnu went downward, Brahma went upward. Vishnu returned admitting he failed. Brahma lied, saying he saw the top, using the Ketaki flower as a false witness.
Shiva punished this lie by severing Brahma’s fifth head and cursing both Brahma and the flower:
- Brahma would no longer be widely worshipped.
- Ketaki flower was banned in Shiva worship.
Shloka (Shiva Purana): “Shiva, in rage, cut off Brahma’s uppermost head and declared that Brahma would not be worshipped by humans.”
Symbolism of the Fifth Head
What did Brahma’s fifth head symbolize?
- Ego: The fifth head looked upward, representing arrogance.
- Desire: His infatuation with creation mirrors the uncontrolled mind.
- Falsehood: Lying to gain superiority over Vishnu is a fall from truth.
Shiva’s act is not one of violence, but of restoring cosmic balance.
Interpretation Across Traditions
Shaiva View
- Shiva is the highest authority.
- Brahma’s beheading symbolizes destruction of kama (lust) and ahamkara (ego).
Vaishnava View
- Vishnu upheld truth by admitting failure.
- Brahma, by lying, became an example of adharma.
Smarta/Advaita View
- All gods are manifestations of Brahman.
- This story teaches the supremacy of truth and balance.
Why Is Brahma Rarely Worshipped?
Unlike Vishnu and Shiva, Brahma has very few temples, the most famous being in Pushkar, Rajasthan.
This is due to:
- Shiva’s curse for his pride and lust
- His role in creation being finite and temporary, unlike Vishnu (preserver) and Shiva (destroyer and liberator)
Quote from Shiva Purana: “Temples without Shiva and Vishnu are incomplete. But Brahma shall not be worshipped by the beings of this world.”
Moral & Spiritual Takeaways
- No one is above dharma, not even gods.
- Ego, lust, and falsehood always lead to downfall.
- True divinity lies in truth, humility, and detachment.
Conclusion
This tale is not just mythology — it is a reminder that even divine beings are subject to cosmic law. Brahma’s fifth head, symbolic of ego and desire, had to be removed so balance (dharma) could be restored. Through Shiva’s intervention, the universe is reminded that truth and self-control are greater than creation itself.
