Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions and also one of its most mysterious. One of its puzzles is the mystery of who is the creator of the universe according to Hinduism. The answer is complex and depends on the perspective under which it is viewed. This article aims to explore who the creator of the universe is in Hinduism through the perspectives of various forms of Hinduism, relevant data and expert insights.
From a broad perspective, Hinduism is an umbrella term for a variety of traditions and philosophies which share common roots. Roots which are found in the ancient Indian scriptures, known as the Vedas, and Upanishads. Therefore, the creator of the universe in Hinduism is decided by the philosophy of each individual form of Hinduism and the foundations laid by the ancient scriptures.
Vaishnavism is one of the most popular streams of Hinduism, centring around devotion to the god Vishnu and his avatar Rama. It has been noted that Vaishnavism is one of the oldest forms of Hinduism and can be traced back to the Vedas. Its followers believe that Vishnu is the Supreme Being and is the Lord of the Universe and all its components. Therefore, according to Vaishnavism, Vishnu is the creator of the Universe.
Shaivism
Shaivism is a form of Hinduism which centres around devotion to the god Shiva. Like Vaishnavism, Shaivism is also an ancient form of Hinduism. Its followers believine Shiva to be the Supreme Being, responsible for both Creation and Destruction. Similarly, according to Shaivism, Shiva is the creator of the Universe.
Kaliyuga Dharma
Kaliyuga Dharma is an alternative form of Hinduism which is also known as Shaktism. Centring around devotion to a single female deity – Kali, Shaktism has similarities to both Shaivism and Vaishnavism but is unique in that its followers believe in the feminine divine. Similarly, Kali is believed to both create and destroy the world and universe. Therefore, according to Kaliyuga Dharma, the creator of the universe is Kali.
Other Forms of Hinduism
Many other forms of Hinduism exist, all of which share certain fundamentals such as the Vedas and Upanishads. Furthermore, many believe in the concept of ‘Trimurti’ which is the notion of a trinity of gods who are collectively responsible for all of existence. Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma form this trinity and from this perspective, these gods are responsible for the creation and destruction of the universe.
It is important to remember that Hinduism is an umbrella term and that each individual Hindu may have a different belief about who the Creator of the Universe is. Many Hindus may accept the Trimurti theory or the views of one of the previously mentioned forms of Hinduism. Others may even have their own unique perspective on the matter.
Conclusion
Despite being heavily debated, the answer to who is the creator of the Universe in Hinduism remains a mystery. As Hinduism is a broad umbrella, the answer can vary from individual to individual, making it one of the most complex puzzles that the religion has to offer.
