Vedic Time and Manvantara

Understanding Vedic Time

The ancient Vedic texts describe time as vast and cyclical, with the universe undergoing repeated cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. These cycles are governed by cosmic laws and divine principles, reflecting the eternal rhythm of existence.

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Breakdown of Vedic Time Cycles

• Manvantara: A long era within the Vedic time cycle.
  • Each Manvantara is divided into 4 smaller eras called Yugas:
    1. Satya (or Krita) Yuga – Age of truth and virtue.
    2. Treta Yuga – Decline in virtue but still prosperous.
    3. Dvapara Yuga – Further decline; conflicts increase.
    4. Kali Yuga – Present age, marked by chaos and imbalance.
• Mahayuga: A complete cycle of all 4 Yugas.
  • Duration: 12,000 years of the gods = 4,320,000 human years.
• Manvantara Duration:
  • 1 Manvantara = 71 Mahayugas.
• Kalpa: A cosmic day of Brahma, made up of 14 Manvantaras.
  • At the end of a Kalpa, the universe is dissolved and recreated.

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Role of Lord Brahma

• Brahma is the creator of the universe, responsible for initiating each Kalpa (cosmic day).
• A Kalpa equals one full day in Brahma’s life. After a Kalpa, the universe dissolves temporarily (Pralaya), and creation begins anew with Brahma’s awakening.
• Brahma’s lifespan spans 100 divine years, but his role is tied to time and creation, unlike certain deities who transcend time.

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The Current Kalpa

• Current Manvantara: The 7th Manvantara, ruled by Vaivasvata Manu.
• Past 6 Manus (Rulers of previous Manvantaras):
  1. Svayambhuva
  2. Svarochisha
  3. Uttama
  4. Tamasa
  5. Raivata
  6. Chakshusha
• Seven Great Sages (Saptarshi) of the Vaivasvata Manvantara:
  1. Atri
  2. Vashishtha
  3. Kashyapa
  4. Goutama
  5. Bharadvaja
  6. Vishvamitra
  7. Jamadagni
• Gods in the Current Era:
  • Groups of gods currently active include the Sadhyas, Rudras, Vishwadevas, Vasus, Maruts, Adityas, and Ashvinis.

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Role of Lord Shiva, Lord Narayana, and Other Deities

• According to Advaita Vedanta, deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Narayana (Vishnu), Lord Ganapathy, Lord Karthikeya, and others are Saguna Brahman – manifestations of the infinite divine (Nirguna Brahman) in perceivable forms.
• As Saguna Brahman, these deities interact with the universe, taking forms to fulfill specific cosmic functions such as creation, preservation, destruction, and guidance.
• While they appear within time and space, their essence is timeless and eternal, beyond the limitations of any specific Yuga, Manvantara, or Kalpa.
• These divine forms provide devotees with relatable representations of the infinite and formless Nirguna Brahman, enabling spiritual connection and worship.

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Future of the Universe

• Before the universe is destroyed, seven more Manus will rule:
  • Five of them will be Savarni Manus.
  • The remaining two will be Bhoutya and Rouchya.