Desiring to create variety in the universe, Brahmā saw nothing except the lotus coming from the water in Viṣṇu’s navel, himself, and the three elements water, air and ether. He saw the lotus in Viṣṇu’s navel, himself in the lotus, and the three elements water, air and ether all around him. He did not see anything else, such as earth or fire. He had a desire (dṛṣṭiḥ) to create (sarga) variety (vividha) in the worlds.