The Eternal Cycles of Creation and Dissolution
Hindu cosmology describes an infinite, cyclical universe of vast temporal and spatial scales, where creation and destruction repeat eternally. The cosmos contains multiple worlds (lokas), experiences four declining ages (yugas), and operates on timescales that dwarf human comprehension.
🔄 Cosmic Time Cycles
Unlike linear time, Hindu cosmology conceives of time as cyclical. The universe undergoes infinite cycles of creation (srishti), preservation (sthiti), and dissolution (pralaya), each spanning billions of years.
The Four Yugas (Ages)
Each cycle of creation passes through four yugas, progressively declining in virtue, lifespan, and dharma:
- Satya Yuga (Golden Age): 1,728,000 years - Age of truth and righteousness. Humans are virtuous, live long lives, and dharma stands on four legs.
- Treta Yuga (Silver Age): 1,296,000 years - Dharma loses one quarter. Rama's avatar appears in this age.
- Dvapara Yuga (Bronze Age): 864,000 years - Dharma stands on two legs. Krishna's avatar appears at the end of this age.
- Kali Yuga (Iron Age): 432,000 years - Current age, began ~3102 BCE. Dharma stands on one leg. Age of quarrel, ignorance, and spiritual decline. Will end with Kalki avatar.
Maha Yuga: One complete cycle of all four yugas = 4,320,000 years
Larger Cosmic Cycles
- Manvantara: 71 Maha Yugas = 306,720,000 years - The reign of one Manu (progenitor of humanity)
- Kalpa (Day of Brahma): 14 Manvantaras = 4.32 billion years - One day in Brahma's life, during which the universe exists
- Pralaya (Night of Brahma): Equal length to a Kalpa - The universe dissolves and rests before the next creation
- Life of Brahma: 100 Brahma years = 311.04 trillion human years - After this, even Brahma dissolves, and a new Brahma emerges for the next cycle
Current Position: We are currently in the Kali Yuga of the 28th Maha Yuga of the 7th Manvantara (ruled by Vaivasvata Manu) of the first day of the 51st year of the current Brahma's life. The Kali Yuga began 5,126 years ago and will continue for another 426,874 years.
🏔️ The Fourteen Lokas (Worlds)
Hindu cosmology describes a vertical universe with fourteen lokas (worlds or planes of existence), seven higher (Vyahrtis) and seven lower (Patalas). Earth (Bhuloka) sits in the middle.
The Seven Higher Worlds (Vyahrtis)
7. Satyaloka (Brahmaloka) - Highest Heaven
The realm of Brahma, abode of truth and ultimate reality. Residents here live for the entire life of Brahma. This is the highest material plane, from which there is no return (for those who reach moksha).
6. Tapoloka - World of Penance
Realm of great sages (Sanandana and others) who are always absorbed in meditation and tapasya (austerity). Unaffected even by the pralaya (dissolution) at the end of a kalpa.
5. Janaloka - World of Birth
Inhabited by the Kumaras (mind-born sons of Brahma) and highly evolved souls. Those who practice meditation and self-realization reside here.
4. Maharloka - World of Great Ones
Abode of the great rishis (sages) like Bhrigu. During pralaya, inhabitants migrate to higher lokas. One can live here for 4.3 billion years.
3. Svarloka (Swarga) - Heaven
Paradise of Indra, king of the gods. Abode of devas, apsaras (celestial dancers), and righteous souls enjoying the fruits of their good karma. Not permanent - souls return to earth when merit is exhausted.
2. Bhuvarloka - Atmospheric Realm
The space between earth and heaven, inhabited by semi-divine beings, sages, and certain spirits. The realm of the sun, moon, stars, and planets.
The Seven Lower Worlds (Patalas)
1. Atala - "Non-Foundation"
Ruled by Bala (a son of Maya), who creates illusory comforts. Women here have intense desires. Pleasant but morally questionable realm.
2. Vitala - "Without Foundation"
Domain of Hara-Bhava (form of Shiva) and his consort. Inhabited by bhuta-ganas (Shiva's attendants) and gold mines protected by supernatural beings.
3. Sutala - "Great Foundation"
Kingdom of the demon king Bali (whom Vishnu as Vamana conquered). Despite being in the lower worlds, this is a prosperous realm where Bali rules righteously under Vishnu's protection.
4. Talatala - "Lowest Foundation"
Realm of the demon architect Maya. Despite being a lower world, it contains great cities and pleasures. Protected by Shiva.
5. Mahatala - "Greater Foundation"
Home of many-hooded nagas (serpent beings). Contains multiple serpent kingdoms. The nagas here fear Garuda who preys upon them.
6. Rasatala - "Essence"
Inhabited by danavas and daityas (classes of demons/anti-gods), descendants of Danu and Diti. A place of constant conflict between various asura clans.
7. Patala - "Netherworld"
The lowest realm, domain of the naga kings like Vasuki and Shesha. Surprisingly, described as more beautiful than Svarga, with rare gems adorning everything. The cosmic serpent Shesha resides here, holding up the universe on his hoods.
Note: The patalas are not hell (naraka), which exists separately as a place of punishment for sinners. The patalas are simply lower planes, some pleasant, some not, where various beings dwell according to their nature.
🗻 Sacred Geography
Mount Meru - The Cosmic Axis
The golden mountain at the center of the universe, 84,000 yojanas high, connecting all the lokas. The sun, moon, and planets revolve around it. The celestial Ganga descends upon its peak before flowing to earth. The homes of gods are located on its slopes and summit.
The Seven Continents (Sapta Dvipa)
Earth (Bhuloka) consists of seven concentric continents separated by oceans: Jambudvipa (rose-apple island, containing Bharatavarsha/India), Plakshadvipa, Shalmalidvipa, Kushadvipa, Krounchadvipa, Shakadvipa, and Pushkaradvipa. Each is twice the size of the previous one.
🔗 Related Topics
🌀 Creation Myth
How the universe emerges from the golden egg at the beginning of each cycle. The role of Brahma, Vishnu, and the cosmic waters.
🔄 Afterlife & Rebirth
Samsara, karma, reincarnation, and the paths to moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).