Hinduism

Almost every culture has a creation myth. The origin of these creation myths come from one early source and are different only because time and local cultural circumstances have embellished or altered them. Details in the creation myths vary, but either the basic outline is similar, or they at least share common elements. Hinduism possesses many different creation myths and creator personalities but the one being discussed explains one of the major Hindu beliefs; reincarnation. The belief in reincarnation, in the cycle of life, strongly influences the lifestyle of many Hindus.

In Hindu thought, this is not the first world, nor is it the first universe. Hinduism believes that there are times when the universe takes form and times when it dissolves back into nothing. Before time began there was no heaven, no earth and no space between. This universe existed in the shape of darkness, unattainable by reasoning, unknowable, wholly immersed, as it were in deep sleep. And all the times in-between are known as the days and nights of Brahma, who is the Hindu god of creation.

The creation story begins with the word "OM", it signifies the God Almighty and is also defined as "that which hath no beginning nor end." From the depths a humming sound began to tremble, "OM"; it is also described as the primal sound out of which the universe came forth. The Hindu Triad (the three highest gods) is ordinarily referred to Brahma as the "Creator", Vishnu as the "Preserver," and Shiva as the "Destroyer". The universes are made by Brahma the Creator, maintained by Vishnu the Preserver and Destroyed by Shiva. Since the universes must be destroyed before they can be recreated, Shiva is also called the Destroyer and Re-creator.