The Four Yugas: Understanding the Cyclical Nature of Time in Hindu Literature

In Hindu literature, time is believed to be divided into four distinct periods known as Yugas. These Yugas are Sat Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Each Yuga has a specific duration and is said to represent a different phase in the cosmic cycle.

The Four Yugas and Their Durations

The first Yuga is Sat Yuga, also known as the Golden Age. It is considered the most virtuous and spiritually enlightened period. According to the Hindu scriptures, the duration of Sat Yuga is 4,000 divine years.

The second Yuga is Treta Yuga, also known as the Silver Age. It is believed to be a period of decline compared to Sat Yuga but still relatively virtuous. Treta Yuga has a duration of 3,000 divine years.

The third Yuga is Dvapara Yuga, also known as the Bronze Age. This period is characterized by a further decline in righteousness and spiritual awareness. Dvapara Yuga lasts for 2,000 divine years.

The fourth and final Yuga is Kali Yuga, also known as the Iron Age. It is considered the most tumultuous and spiritually challenging period. Kali Yuga has the shortest duration of all the Yugas, lasting for 1,000 divine years.

The duration ratio for these yugas is 4:3:2:1. Coincidentally, God Vishnu took 4 avatars in Sat Yuga, 3 in Treta Yuga, 2 in Dvapara Yuga, and 1 in Kali Yuga. Is it just a coincidence? The alignment between the duration ratio and the number of avatars taken by God Vishnu in each yuga seems uncanny. This synchronicity suggests a deeper connection between the cosmic cycles and the divine manifestations of God Vishnu. It may signify that the avatars are divinely orchestrated to occur in harmony with the natural rhythms of the universe.

Within each Yuga, there is a period of transition known as dawn and dusk. These transitional periods mark the beginning and end of each Yuga and are believed to be crucial for spiritual growth and transformation. The duration of dawn and dusk in each Yuga is approximately 20% of the total time period. For example, in Sat Yuga, the dawn and dusk periods would be 20% of 4,000 divine years, which is 800 divine years. Similarly, in Treta Yuga, the dawn and dusk periods would be 20% of 3,000 divine years, which is 600 divine years. In Dvapara Yuga, the dawn and dusk periods would be 20% of 2,000 divine years, which is 400 divine years. And in Kali Yuga, the dawn and dusk periods would be 20% of 1,000 divine years, which is 200 divine years.

Therefore, the total duration of Sat Yuga is 4800 divine years. Similarly 3600 divine years for Treta Yuga, 2400 divine years for Dvapara Yuga & 1200 divine years for Kali Yuga.

A divine year, or "god year," is believed to be equivalent to 360 human years. So, total human years for Sat Yuga is 1728000 human years, 1296000 human years for Treta Yuga, 864000 human years for Dvapara Yuga & 432000 human years for Kali Yuga.

The aggregation of these four Yugas is known as one Chaturyuga or Mahayuga. According to ancient scriptures, it is believed that 1000 Mahayugas make up one day for the god Brahma. Brahma is considered the creator of the universe and is believed to have a lifespan of 100 years as per the Vishnu Puran. Therefore, one day in the life of Brahma consists of 1000 Mahayugas.

The Concept of Manvantaran

71 Chaturyugas, or Mahayugas, are known as one Manvantaran. After each Manvantaran, all the Devas (celestial beings), Manu (the progenitor of the human race), and the Saptarshi (the seven sages who provide knowledge) are destroyed and created again. This cycle of destruction and creation happens every Manvantaran.

It is believed that 14 Manvantarans occur in one day for Brahma. After a period of one kalpa, which is equivalent to one day in the life of Brahma, he goes to sleep for the night. During this night, all three lokas - Swarg Lok (heaven), Bhu Lok (earth), and Patal Lok (underworld) - are destroyed, and the entire universe becomes silent. This period of destruction is known as the Night of Brahma. After the night comes to an end, Brahma wakes up and begins the process of creation once again. He recreates the entire universe, including all living beings, planets, and galaxies. This process continues for another kalpa, which is equivalent to one day of Brahma.

This cycle of creation and destruction repeats itself endlessly. After a period of 100 years of Brahma, a new Brahma is created by the supreme deity, Lord Vishnu. This marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one. The new Brahma then takes over the responsibility of creation. It is believed that we are currently in the seventh manvantara, which is a specific period within a cycle. Each manvantara is ruled by a different Manu, who is considered the progenitor of mankind. The details of the different manvantaras and their significance will be explored further in the next blog post.

ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणत क्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः॥