Legend has it that the divine beauty was created by Brahma with the sole purpose of defeating Asuras Sunda and Upasunda.
The Creation of Tilottama: The Divine Enchantress
Brahma’s Command to the Celestial Architect
When Lord Brahma resolved to create a being of unmatched beauty, he turned to Vishwakarma—the divine architect of the universe. With a voice filled with purpose, Brahma instructed him:
“Craft a young woman so captivating that her beauty enchants all who behold her, drawing even the mightiest into her spell.”
Vishwakarma Begins His Sacred Work
Obedient and reverent, Vishwakarma bowed before Brahma and began his task. After deep meditation, he carefully poured his artistry into forming a divine woman. He drew inspiration from the essence of everything that existed across the three worlds—animate and inanimate—infusing her being with perfection from every realm.
A Form Woven from Light and Gems
Tilottama’s body gleamed with the brilliance of countless precious gems, each fragment chosen with intention and placed with exquisite precision. Her radiance resembled that of a celestial goddess—an ethereal glow that seemed to come from beyond the heavens.
Her beauty surpassed mortal imagination. Every feature held a magnetic charm, compelling all who saw her to gaze endlessly. She appeared as though she were Lakshmi herself incarnate—an embodiment of divine grace and irresistible allure.
Because Vishwakarma crafted her body using tiny bits (til) of the finest gems, Brahma named her Tilottama, meaning “the one made from the finest particles.”
A Beauty That Even the Gods Could Not Resist
So dazzling was Tilottama’s form that it is said Indra sprouted a thousand eyes just to admire her from every angle, unable to look away from her brilliance.
Tilottama’s Role in Defeating Sunda and Upasunda
After the demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda were destroyed—thanks to Tilottama’s role in turning their lust and rivalry against each other—Lord Brahma appeared before her. He was joined by the gods and sages, all singing praises of her beauty and her contribution to restoring balance in the realms.
Brahma Grants a Divine Boon
Pleased with Tilottama’s devotion and incomparable charm, Brahma offered her a boon:
“Tilottama, you are free to roam wherever the Sun travels. Your radiance shall be so brilliant that no being will be able to behold you—not even with their eyes closed.”
And so, Tilottama became a celestial presence, her beauty so powerful that it illuminated every world she chose to wander.