Temple of Brahma
In Hindu scriptures, Brahma is considered the supreme creator, a notch over all other deities. These scriptures date to 4-5,000 years BCE, perhaps even 8-10,000 years. The name Abraham and Sarah are believed to be derivatives of Brahma and his consort, Saraswati.
While the Hindus have temples for a whole pantheon of gods and demigods all over India and in many other countries around the world, there are very few temples for Brahma. Perhaps Brahma is considered beyond comprehensible, although Hindu mythology describes Brahma as four-headed, symbolic of being omniscient.
In fact, there are more Brahma temples outside India than in India, especially in countries like Cambodia, Thailand and Bali.
I was surprised to stumble into this small Brahma temple in Las Vegas, out on the Strip outside Caesars Palace. It is an enclosed area, and except for a tower above, it looks like a very authentic Hindu temple. Brahma is regularly worshipped here – there are fresh garlands of flower and burning incense sticks that suggest frequent visitors.
When I was there, a Thai or Cambodian woman was at the site, bowing down and praying. I didn't think it would be appropriate to take her picture, so I just took a couple of shots of the idol and the pedestal.
7R309105
Temple of Brahma
In Hindu scriptures, Brahma is considered the supreme creator, a notch over all other deities. These scriptures date to 4-5,000 years BCE, perhaps even 8-10,000 years. The name Abraham and Sarah are believed to be derivatives of Brahma and his consort, Saraswati.
While the Hindus have temples for a whole pantheon of gods and demigods all over India and in many other countries around the world, there are very few temples for Brahma. Perhaps Brahma is considered beyond comprehensible, although Hindu mythology describes Brahma as four-headed, symbolic of being omniscient.
In fact, there are more Brahma temples outside India than in India, especially in countries like Cambodia, Thailand and Bali.
I was surprised to stumble into this small Brahma temple in Las Vegas, out on the Strip outside Caesars Palace. It is an enclosed area, and except for a tower above, it looks like a very authentic Hindu temple. Brahma is regularly worshipped here – there are fresh garlands of flower and burning incense sticks that suggest frequent visitors.
When I was there, a Thai or Cambodian woman was at the site, bowing down and praying. I didn't think it would be appropriate to take her picture, so I just took a couple of shots of the idol and the pedestal.
7R309105