I take your point, but the wording "popular one" given in the clue does not mention reversal (as it should to get the order "A NI"). That's why I discarded the usual spelling and went for the "IN I" version.
I 'd say this is a case of "either or" crofter. It could hinge on the lack of a reversal clue or the alternative spelling, which I don't fancy since the god is named Brahma. I guess we'll have to check the answers.
PS: I submit this online, and had already submitted both answers. (Belt and braces).