Cycles of Time in Hindu Cosmology

 

 

Cycles of Time in Hindu Cosmology

In Hindu scriptures (purana, mahabharata, manusmruti.), time is considered cyclical.

Time never begins or ends – it is eternal.

The universe continuously undergoes cycles of creation → preservation → dissolution.

1. The Four Yugas

1. Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga / Golden Age)

- Also called the Golden Age.

- All four pillars of Dharma remain strong (Truth, Compassion, Purity, Austerity).

- People are truthful, righteous, and devoted to the Divine.

- There is no sin, sorrow, or falsehood.

- Duration: approx. 1,728,000 years.

2. Treta Yuga

- One pillar of Dharma declines, only 3 remain.

- Truth and righteousness exist, but falsehood and conflict begin to appear.

- Lord Rama incarnated in this Yuga.

- Duration: approx. 1,296,000 years.

3. Dvapara Yuga

- Only 2 pillars of Dharma remain.

- Balance exists between truth and falsehood.

- Righteousness declines, unrighteousness increases.

- Lord Krishna incarnated in this Yuga.

- The Mahābhārata War occurred at its end.

- Duration: approx. 864,000 years.

4. Kali Yuga

- Known as the Age of Unrighteousness.

- Only 1 pillar of Dharma remains.

- Falsehood, sin, corruption, greed, conflict, and sorrow dominate.

- Humanity turns more towards materialism than spirituality.

- We are currently living in Kali Yuga.

- Duration: approx. 432,000 years (about 5,000 years have passed so far).

2. Maha Yuga

- All four Yugas together (Satya + Treta + Dvapara + Kali) form one Maha Yuga.

- Total duration: 4,320,000 years.

3. A Day of Brahma – Kalpa

- 1000 Maha Yugas = 1 Kalpa (a day of Brahma).

- One day of Brahma equals approx. 4.32 billion years.

- At the end of Brahma’s day, dissolution (pralaya) occurs.

- Brahma’s night is equally long (4.32 billion years).

4. Lifetime of Brahma

- 1 year of Brahma = 360 such days (kalpas).

- Lifetime of Brahma = 100 years.

- Total duration: approx. 311 trillion human years.

- After this period, the Mahapralaya (Great Dissolution) of the entire cosmos takes place.

5. Philosophical Perspective

These cycles of time are not just astronomical calculations but also symbols of moral and spiritual truths:

- Satya Yuga → Spiritual perfection

- Treta Yuga → Decline in Dharma

- Dvapara Yuga → Balance of truth and falsehood

- Kali Yuga → Dominance of unrighteousness

Thus, Hindu cosmology shows that time always flows in cycles, the universe undergoes continuous creation-preservation-dissolution, and the ultimate purpose of the soul is Moksha (liberation).