Hindu Creation Myth

Hindu Creation Myth

Book X of the Hindu Rig Veda describes how the universe was created from the sacrifice of a "primal man," a giant named Purusha. The parts of his body make up the whole world. His belly becomes "mid-air," his head the sky, and his feet the earth.

The Norse and Hindu creation myths aren't entirely alike, though. In the Norse story, Ymir is murdered and his body becomes the world. In the Hindu myth, though, the dismemberment of Purusha's body is described as a sacrifice. This sacrifice later forms an important part of Hindu ritual.

Check out all the details in the Rig Veda.