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One of debate with friends lead me to write this question, please guide me.
Update Thanks for all the answers, again for common men like me it's very difficult to digest complex scenarios/answers. It helps if someone describes in simple terms so that then I can continue my study step by step.
Or else kindly provide me book or online link where I can read from scratch.
This is described in Brhadaranyaka Upanishad I. iv. 1. and Sankara's commentary on this verse. The verse reads (Swami Madhavananda translator):
In the beginning, this (universe) was but the self (Viraj) of a human form. He reflected and found nothing but himself. He first uttered, 'I am he.' Therefore he was called Aham (I). Hence, to this day, when a person is addressed, he first says, 'It is I,' and then says the other name that he may have. Because he was first and before this whole (band of aspirants) burnt all evils, therefore he is called Purusa. He who knows thus indeeds burns one who wants to be (Viraj) before him.
A brief summary of this verse and Sankara's commentary is done by Swami Nikhikananda (The Upanishads, V1, p 74):
Too give a brief outline of this interpretation of the creation: In the beginning--that is to say, before the evolution of names and forms, time and space--Atman, or Brahman, alone exists. Then it becomes conditoned by maya, Its own inscrutable power. At that time Brahman is called Saguna Brahman--Mahesvara, or the Great Lord. The idea of creation arises in his mind. Sa aikshata-- "He thought." Then Brahman, on account of maya, forgets, as it were, Its infinite nature and regards Itself as an individual entity. It says: "I am one; I shall be many."
Three "moments" are to be distinguished in creation: First, the Supreme Brahman accepts the limitation of maya and becomes Mahesvara. Second, the desire for creation arises in his mind. Third, He feels his loneliness and decides to multiply Himself. Then, with the help of maya, He creates akasa, air [or space] and the other elements.
Mahesvara, who is the Ruler of all the Brahmandas, is thus the First Person in the creation. Hiranyagarbha, or Brahma, who as a result of spiritual disciplines practiced in a previous cycle, becomes the Ruler of a Brahmanda, is the Second Person. Though possessed of an individuality, He identifies Himself with the whole universe; He is described in the Vedas as endowed with innumerable heads, innumerable eyes, and innumerable feet. And the Godhead dwelling in every heart is the Third Person, He is Antaryamin, or the Inner Guide.
From a mythological perspective, Brahma was created from a lotus emerging from Lord Vishnu's navel.
In addition to other puranas, the Bhagavata Purana, 3.28.25 mentions this :
The yogi should then meditate on His moonlike navel in the center of His abdomen. From His navel, which is the foundation of the entire universe, sprang the lotus stem containing all the different planetary systems. The lotus is the residence of Brahma, the first created being.
More from this :
http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/11-09/features1538.htm
:
The deity of Garbhodakasayi Visnu giving birth to Lord Brahma at Thiruvelliyankudi is a configuration typical of murtis and images depicting this pastime: The Lord is found in a reclining pose, often called Perumal or Srinivasa. Markandeya Rishi often appears near the Lord’s head, Bhumi Devi (Laksmi) at his feet, and Brahmadeva on his lotus flower, attached to Visnu's naval by the lotus stem. Garuda is often present as well.
A similar example is found in Padmanabhapuram, near Trivandrum, at the Anantapadmanabha- swamy temple. The presiding deity, Ananta-padma-nabha-swamy, refers to Garbhodakasayi Visnu (swamy) who lies on Sesa (ananta), and from whose navel (nabha) the lotus (padma) emerges upon which Lord Brahma appears. Another notable example is the Ranganatha Temple in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity there is a 10 foot long Garbhodakasayi Vishnu (Ranganathaswami) reclining on Ananta Sesa. Laksmi Devi is sitting on a lotus flower on his chest. Lord Brahma is sitting on the lotus of creation, rising from the Lord's navel. Sitting at the Lord's feet are Sridevi and Bhudevi. There is also a seated four-handed Laksmi Devi, who is called Ranga-nayaki-devi, the consort of Ranganatha-swami.
Now, don't ask where does that put Vishnu's birth, LoL. If your friend is looking to answer a religious/mythological question from a scientific/rational standpoint, like these questions usually get into, then, he would get nowhere.
