Brahma and Vishnu, the two Gods were arguing over which one of them was older in age and therefore, perhaps superior.

It is said right in the very early beginnings of the world, Brahma and Vishnu, the two Gods were arguing over which one of them was older in age and therefore, perhaps superior. Suddenly a huge column of fire appeared, which had virtually no beginning and no end. Brahma and Vishnu agreed to put aside their own argument and first fathom this infinite column. One went skyward , the other into the depth of the Earth, they traveled for an endless time, but discover the beginning of the column, They could not. Ultimately, when they prayed to the fire itself to reveal its identity, its origin, Shiva appeared.

The message: Pristine consciousness has no beginning because, our own awareness begins with it! One cannot find the source of ones own existence. the eye, cannot see itself. The only way to know your own consciousness is to dive within, and know the self through Dhyana, which shiva later taught to all the rishis.
Aum Namah Shivaye.