The Infinite Pillar and the Test of Truth

Three people in our daily lives have control over the whole Earth. They cannot be seen in our daily lives, but they are actually everywhere. Those three people are Lord Vishnu, the Preserver; Lord Brahma, the Creator; and Lord Shiva, the Destroyer and the Transformer. So today we will learn a story about them.

Before the universe took its shape, a fierce argument broke out between Brahma and Vishnu. They both were fighting over who should be the most supreme god in the universe. Brahma said, “I am the one who created this whole world, so I should be called the Supreme Deity.” Then Vishnu said, “You may have created the world, Brahma, but I preserved the whole Earth.”

This argument echoed through the whole universe, and it disrupted many people’s peace and harmony. Suddenly, an infinite pillar of fire erupted between them, and this silenced the argument. And a voice echoed, “Whoever can find the end of this pillar is truly the Supreme Deity.”

The two gods agreed to the challenge and split up. Brahma transformed himself into a majestic swan (Hamsa), and Vishnu transformed himself into a wild, powerful boar (Varaha). Thousands of years passed by. Brahma flew higher than the stars, but the pillar kept stretching upwards. Vishnu dug deeper inside the Earth, but the pillar kept going downwards.

Exhausted and humble, Vishnu finally stopped digging. He was honestly ready to admit that the pillar was infinite, and he could not find its base. Brahma was also exhausted and was nowhere near the top. However, as he flew, he saw the beautiful Ketaki flower. The flower told him that it had been falling for ages. Not wanting to lose to Vishnu, he asked the flower to bear false witness.

When Brahma returned, he boasted that he had reached the top of the pillar, using the Ketaki flower as proof. The moment Brahma told this lie, the pillar split open. And from inside the pillar, Shiva stepped out in his glorious and terrifying form. He praised Vishnu for his honesty and humility. He was furious with Brahma because he lied about reaching the top. So, as a punishment, he decreed that Brahma would be the god who is rarely worshipped. He also banished the Ketaki flower from ever being used in rituals. And that is how Brahma was banished from being a Supreme Deity.

By Sriyanchita Srivathsan

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