Brahma

Brahma is born at the beginning of the great cosmic age inside a lotus flower that rises from the navel of Vishnu. After being born, Brahma begins to recite the Vedas, manifesting a new version of the world.

Brahma as a deity emerges in the era of the Upanishads, reaching his splendour in the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE.

Brahma with four heads. Indian painting of the 19th century, anonymous author.
Brahma with four heads. Indian painting of the 19th century, anonymous author.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.
Brahma is the first deity of the Hindu triad formed with Vishnu and Shiva. In this trinity, Brahma represents the balance between the opposing forces of Vishnu and Shiva, while also being a deity that encompasses all things and stands behind all the gods.

The creation of the world is attributed to Brahma, and he is commonly depicted with four faces looking toward the four cardinal points of space. This is at the same time a symbol of the four Vedas or the four ages of the world. In his hand he carries a water vessel and he rides upon a wild goose.