Vedic Brahma & Apache Kuterastan

Native American Storyteller — **American Indian Storyteller**

Note: Originally written May 2009

Kuterastan is the creator in the creation story of the Kiowa Apache from the southern plains of North America. His name means One Who Lives Above.

The Creation Story of the American Kiowa Apache Indians is very similar to the Vedic Creation Story. Both the Apache creator Kuterastan and the Vedic Creator Lord Brahma appear on a disc shaped object. Brahma sits on the yellow whorl of the lotus and Kuterastan sits on a yellow disc. Both Look around themselves in the four directions and observe an effulgent sea beneath them. Both have the number 4 as a significant component in their beginnings.

They both meditate and sing and they both have the task to create all things. Both Brahma and Kuterastan awaken from a long sleep before they begin the creation process.

Traditional Kiowa Apache Indian Sacred Painting, photo taken 1907 by Edward Curtis. The plate identifies numerous important spiritual beings including Chalhkelh Naliin the Night Girl; Kuterastan the Creator of All; Steatliha was the first Apache created and served as the Chief Goddess and first assistant to Kuterastan; Chuganaai Skhin was the second Apache created – he gave light to day and had the power to cure disease with the first light of day. Also depictions of the Sun, Moon and a maltase cross that represents the four personages who created the stars. *Source*

Apache Swastikas and Apache Holy Crosses add another Vedic dimension to Ancient American Culture. These images are from the book The North American Indian by Edward S. Curtis with a forward by former US President Theodore Roosevelt and featured in part two of this article. (Note: the images mentioned are in the book linked above.)

**Apache Creation Sun, Moon, Stars Waters**

Both the cross and the Swastika are used by the Apaches to symbolize Divinities. This is another clue reminding us that the Swastika and the Holy Cross are both variations of the same symbol. There is also an authentic Apache ceremonial painting representing the Apache Creation Process. The links are provided for both the Apache source and and the Vedic source. Perhaps there are many more such similarities to be discovered.

**Bearded Lord Brahma on a Disc-like Lotus Whorl. Atop that whorl Brahma the first created being, makes his appearance**

Brahmâ, born out of the lotus flower, could not see the world, although he was situated in the whorl. He therefore circumambulated all of space, and while moving his eyes in all directions he achieved four heads in terms of the four directions.The panorama derided the green and coral of the evening splendor of the sun and the great and golden of the mountain summits with their jewels of waterfalls and herbs, and so was the scenery of flowers and trees [but] the adornment of His hands and legs.’Who am I, this one on top of the lotus? Where did this lotus come from? Surely there is something in the water below. Whether it sprouted of its own or not, it must belong to something else!’ Source