Nandikeshwar narrated that a fiery resolve stirred in Shivji when he witnessed Brahma’s arrogance. From the center of his brow, the seat of divine justice, an extraordinary being emerged-Bhairava-radiant with the energy of cosmic retribution. Bowing to his creator, Bhairava asked, “O Mahadev, what is your command?”
His voice echoed with the weight of dharma. Shivji replied, “Brahma,
the creator, has let pride cloud his wisdom, threatening the balance of the universe. Humble him.” Without hesitation, Bhairava drew his shimmering sword and, in a single stroke, severed Brahma’s fifth head-the very seat of ego and deception.
Brahma fell trembling at Bhairava’s feet, as fragile as a leaf in the wind. Vishnu approached Shivji with tear-filled eyes, hands folded like a child before a father. “O Mahadev,” he pleaded, “you granted Brahma his five heads. Though he erred, he is worthy of mercy. Please forgive him, O source of all grace.”
Moved by Vishnu’s humility, Shivji signaled Bhairava to withdraw. Turning to Brahma, he declared, “Your pursuit of supremacy led to deceit, endangering cosmic order. For this, you shall not be worshipped on Earth-no temples shall honor you.”
Still trembling, Brahma cried out, “O Lord, save me! I am the origin of the universe-grant me your boons!”
Shivji replied, “Your pride sought to unravel dharma. Though I deny your boons, you shall uphold justice in Vedic rituals. Even in consequence, your role remains part of the divine plan.”
He then turned to the Ketaki flower that had borne false witness. “Your deceit has no place in sacred worship. You shall not adorn my offerings.” The devas, witnessing this, rejected the flower, casting it out from their rituals.
Filled with remorse, the Ketaki prostrated before Shivji, seeking forgiveness. Vishnu and Madhava, moved by its repentance, praised
its sincerity in that moment.
Softening with compassion, Shivji said, “Though you may not grace my worship, I restore your honor. You shall be offered to Vishnu and other deities-a reminder that atonement opens the path to redemption.”
Balance was restored. To Vishnu, Shivji said, “Your truth and humility have upheld dharma. You shall be revered as my equal, worshipped in every sacred space.”
Brahma, though humbled, was granted a role in rituals-a symbol of consequence and continuity. The Ketaki, once exiled, now stood as a witness to the mercy that follows sincere remorse.
Seated among the assembled devas, Shivji radiated divine light-his presence a beacon of justice and grace. Vidhatri and Madhava prostrated before him, hearts full of reverence for the eternal dharma that governs all existence.
In Brahma’s humbling, we witness a truth echoed across lifetimes: pride isolates, but surrender reconnects us to grace. His ifth head-the seat of ego-was severed not in cruelty, but as a cosmic correction. Yet it wasn’t the punishment that deined him-it was his willingness to bow.
This truth is woven into a blessed Shabad from Guru Granth Sahib: “Sache Patshah, meri baksh khata, Main nimana, Tu beant, Tera ant na jaana.” (Forgive my mistakes, 0 Eternal Truth. I am lowly, You are ininite. Your end cannot be known). These words reveal the path home-not through perfection, but through humility.
Just as Brahma, Vishnuji, and even the Ketaki lower found their place again through repentance, we too are invited to let go. Ego resists. But the soul already knows the way: bow, ask, and receive.
Continue your journey into the divine:
🎧 Listen to the podcast
📖 or order the book to sit with this sacred teaching in your own quiet time.