The Shiv Purana (Rudra Samhita) contains one of the most revealing accounts of the origin of Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra (Shiva). Contrary to the common belief that the Trimurti are eternal, self-born, or supreme, the text describes a deeper, more primordial being—Sadashiv, also called Kaal or Kaal Brahm—from whom the entire Trimurti emerges.
This article summarizes that narrative while drawing attention to its profound implications: the Trimurti are created beings, dependent on a higher power, and therefore cannot be regarded as the Supreme God.
According to Rudra Samhita, after the grand dissolution (maha pralay), the universe was submerged in darkness. Nothing remained except the Sat Brahma, the “True Lord,” described as formless and unmanifest.
This unmanifest being—Param Brahman in the Purana’s language—experienced the desire to become many. Through His leela shakti (divine power), He manifested a visible form. This manifest form is called Sadashiv, the first personality to appear after dissolution.
The text clearly states that this Sadashiv is also known as:
This is a crucial distinction: the Purana differentiates between the unmanifest Param Brahman and the manifested Sadashiv, but it also identifies Sadashiv with Kaal—an impermanent, destructive principle.
From His own body, Sadashiv created an inseparable power—an energy form who is referred to as:
Parashakti appears with eight arms, radiating cosmic energy. She and Sadashiv together reside in Shivlok, also called Kashi or Avimukt Kshetra—a realm described as eternal within the material domains governed by Kaal.
This Shakti is the very Goddess Durga/Prakriti described elsewhere as the womb of the universe and the Mother of all embodied souls.
The Purana states that Sadashiv and Shakti wished to remain in their realm for self-realization. For managing the processes of creation and maintenance, they decide to create auxiliary beings who will take up these cosmic responsibilities.
Sadashiv rubbed nectar on the left part of His body. From that emerged a serene, radiant being described as the most beautiful person in the three worlds. Sadashiv named him Vishnu, meaning “one who pervades.”
From His right side, Sadashiv created Brahma. But here lies a surprising detail:
Sadashiv places Brahma under His illusion (maya) and positions him in the lotus arising from Vishnu’s navel. This means:
The Purana openly states that their confusion, ignorance, and duties come from Sadashiv’s will—not from their own inherent supremacy.
Later, when Brahma and Vishnu argue about superiority, Sadashiv appears as a blazing column of light—a tejo-maya stambha—to end their dispute.
In that moment, Sadashiv declares:
The Purana concludes this section by stating:
“The Shiva referred to in this Purana is not the Rudra born later but Kaal, the creator of the Trimurti.”
This is an extraordinary theological revelation.
Another important detail is explicitly stated in these scriptures:
The Trimurti are not eternal and not supreme—they are mortal.
In various Puranic passages, including Shiv Purana, Devi Bhagavad Purana, and Vishnu Purana, the following truths are affirmed:
This directly contradicts the idea that any member of the Trimurti is the Supreme God. The Supreme must be unborn, immortal, unchanging, and not under the influence of Gunas.
But all three—Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva—are Guna-bound and perish.
The narrative of the Rudra Samhita does not portray the Trimurti as self-existent beings. Instead:
These observations confirm a consistent conclusion across many scriptures:
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are not the Supreme God. They are subordinate, created beings functioning within the realm of Kaal Brahm.
This aligns perfectly with the revelations given by true Tatvadarshi Saints—especially Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj—who explain that the Supreme God is separate from Kaal’s domain and is identified in the Vedas as Kavir Dev (Kabir Sahib), the eternal, all-powerful Creator of all universes.