Of Gods And Their Goddesses

Most of us are aware of the Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva trinity. The purpose of this trinity has been iterated to us over generations, describing Brahma as the creator, Vishnu as the preserver and Shiva as the destroyer. Most of us also know that Brahma's partner is Saraswati, Vishnu’s Lakshmi and Shiva’s Shakti. But we may not necessarily be conscious of the significance and implication of the seats held by respective Gods and Goddesses. Mythology I think imputes a deeper connotation than what is apparent. 

Scriptures tell us that this trinity is tasked with clear roles. In today’s parlance, they were tasked with pivotal roles within the humungous organisation of this universe. In this organisation, Brahma’s role is like a Chief Innovation Officer and a Chief Product Officer rolled in one. He runs something like a cosmic R&D unit dabbling in science, technology and data to produce lines and lines of flora, fauna and what not.

Vishnu is the COO, responsible for Operations and People Management. He affirms policies, principles, processes and good practices but he is also in-charge of inculcating camaraderie based on values and beliefs. Being responsible for the culture of this cosmic organisation, every now and then Vishnu leaves his corner office to live among his people to institute the right from wrong. Illustrious handbook of life titled Bhagwad Geeta has been one of his hallmarks.

Shiva's role is to look at things from an outsider's perspective or to view things from the top of Kailasa lest the organisation is degraded with time or negligence. While a lot depends on the quality of produce and their progression in the market but Shiva’s role is to set the controls. He is the Chief Strategy Officer who stays detached and keeps the books of life clean through internal controls and audits. Every product finishes the PLC at some point or the other. And when it does, it exits the marketplace or it must transform. Shiva's job is also to stay centred in all situations and execute dispassionate and judicious exits.

So where do the Goddesses feature in all this? Again, our scriptures are brimming with stories to corroborate this bit but to cover it briefly - 'wisdom' personified by Saraswati enables 'creation' by Brahma; 'wealth' incarnate Lakshmi enables 'sustenance' by Vishnu, and the epitome of 'influence' Shakti enables ‘destruction’ by Shiva. The association between Gods and Goddesses is one of a doer and an enabler. God is the doer or the one who acts on things and Goddess is the enabler or a life-force or the material strength attached to a God.

There is a stunning yet unspoken rationale behind these relationships and the mystery unfolds only when you question the norm. Let’s just switch their seats and pair them differently. Just for academic purposes of course! Now sit back and observe this magnum. What if Saraswati didn’t espouse Brahma but Shakti did? Whilst this is unthinkable as the tales tell that Shakti was Brahma’s granddaughter, we are only painting the consequences this seat-swap could have brought in! If Shakti enabled Brahma’s creations, the process of creation would have been supported by sheer influence. We can well imagine what power can do to the imagination in the absence of discretion, which comes with knowledge and wisdom. 

And what if Lakshmi didn’t live with Vishnu and Shakti or Saraswati did? The process of sustenance wouldn’t have been enabled by wealth but by wisdom or influence. No amount of intellect or power would make the ball roll unless there is fitting involvement of economics.

What if Shakti didn't court Shiva and Lakshmi did? The process of cleansing the world would have been enabled by capital and would not have been governed by influence. An exit of any kind is always influenced or affected without entertaining any preferences. Even though we would like to choose when and how to die (if we can’t select not to!?), imagine what that exercise of choice with the muscle of commerce would really result in! 

These trinities are the finest illustrations to emulate for businesses and individuals alike. The right person in the right role accompanied by right enabling resources makes the organisation work seamlessly. At an individual level - as long as one identifies his or her skills, exploits one’s proficiencies and subscribes to a precise cause either by leading it or by enabling it, one is positively contributing. 

The one who functions from deep within is a God or Goddess. The question is do we have it in us to invoke one?

This article was first published by Business World

This article has been contributed by Priyanka Sharma Kaintura, author of the book ‘My Jiffies’. Priyanka is a perpetual observer and explorer. She deciphers and narrates the varied nuances of society, love, relationships and mythology. To read her other writings go to www.priyankasharmakaintura.com

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