The Secret of the Trimurtis

Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are the Trimurtis. Brahma creates the universe, Vishnu protects it, and finally, Shiva dissolves it. However, the forces through which they perform these functions are Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali, respectively. They are also the consorts of these three deities. Brahma carries out creation through Saraswati, Vishnu maintains the universe through Lakshmi, and Shiva dissolves it through Kali.

Think of it like this: We say 'Rama’s house,' but in reality, isn't it Rama’s wife who manages the household? This is the same concept here.

The Saundarya Lahari states:

'Shiva: Shaktya yuktaha yadi bhavati shaktaha prabhavitum'

Shiva can act only when united with Shakti (Kali). Without Kali, Shiva becomes 'Shava' (a lifeless body). Haven't you seen picture of Shiva lying motionless under Kali's feet? This represents Shiva’s state in the absence of Kali’s energy.

In any action, there are always three stages—creation, sustenance, and dissolution.

For example, consider a doctor treating a patient.

• When medicine eliminates the disease, that is samharam (Shiva).
• Simultaneously, the doctor ensures that no side effects harm the body, which is protection (Vishnu).
• The body is also nourished to generate new cells, which is creation (Brahma).

A guru does the same:

• He destroys ignorance in the disciples mind (Shiva).
• He preserves the correct knowledge already present (Vishnu).
• He imparts new wisdom (Brahma).

Even a farmer follows this pattern:

• He removes weeds and prepares the land (destruction - Shiva).
• He sows seeds (creation - Brahma).
• He waters and nourishes the crops (sustenance - Vishnu).

When you look closely, isn't it Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva working through the farmer?

The Trimurtis are interconnected in another way too:

• Shiva's consort is Kali, and Vishnu is Kali’s brother.
• Vishnu's consort is Lakshmi, and Brahma is Lakshmi’s brother.
• Brahma's consort is Saraswati, and Shiva is Saraswati’s brother.

Vishnu preserves the universe. Shiva destroys it.
At first glance, these seem contradictory. Doesn't that mean they should be enemies?
Never.

A doctor surgically removes a cancerous organ (destruction - Shiva). But why? To save the patient’s life (preservation - Vishnu). Here, destruction happens for the sake of preservation.

Vishnu’s protection and Shiva’s destruction do not conflict with each other but to maintain cosmic order.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi