Brahma

The creator god, who granted boons to Ravana and blessed Valmiki.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Valmiki Ramayana, with other tellings (Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), Regional and folk traditions) noted where relevant.

Explore in a family tree:

Puranic →Ramayana →

Relationships

Spouse

Saraswati

Children

Atri · Kratu · Daksha · Narada · Pulaha · Sanaka · Angiras · Marichi · Pulastya · Sanatana · Vasistha · Sanandana · Sanatkumara

Introduction

Brahma is the creator among the major gods. In the Ramayana he plays a part at several key points: he grants Ravana his boon, inspires Valmiki to compose the epic, and gives weapons.

The boons

Brahma granted Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana the boons that shaped the story. He also gave Indrajit boons, and the Brahma weapon (Brahmastra) is named after him.

The poet

Brahma appeared to Valmiki after he spoke the first verse and told him to compose the story of Rama.

In Lanka

At the end of the war, Brahma was among the gods who appeared before Rama and Sita after the trial by fire.

Sources

Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India (scholarly) — https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691206868/the-ramayana-of-valmiki
Valmiki Ramayana, Uttarakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.