Puranic chronology

Krishna and Arjun on the chariot, Mahabharata, 18th-19th century, India

Saptarishi

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Puranic Chronology - A new theory of ancient Indian chronology

Puranic chronology refers to the Hindu system of time measurement as described in the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Puranas. This chronology presents a vast timeline, extending from the creation of the Universe to its eventual destruction, and is a fundamental aspect of traditional Hindu cosmology. The Puranic chronology is not linear but cyclical, consisting of repeating cycles of four Yugas (ages), which together form a Mahayuga. Each Mahayuga is followed by a partial destruction, after which the cycle begins anew. This concept reflects the Hindu belief in the eternal process of creation, preservation, and dissolution.

Yugas

The four Yugas, which constitute a Mahayuga, are:

• Satya Yuga (also known as Krita Yuga), the age of truth and righteousness, where virtue reigns supreme.
• Treta Yuga, the second age, which sees a decline in virtue and the rise of human ego and individualism.
• Dvapara Yuga, the third age, characterized by further decline in virtue and the increase of vice.
• Kali Yuga, the current age, where virtue is at its lowest, and vice, strife, and discord dominate.

Each Yuga is of different duration, with the Satya Yuga being the longest and the Kali Yuga the shortest. The total duration of a Mahayuga is 4,320,000 years, with the Kali Yuga lasting for 432,000 years. According to Puranic texts, we are currently living in the Kali Yuga, which began approximately 5,000 years ago.

Cycles of Creation and Destruction

The concept of cyclical time in Hinduism also includes larger cycles beyond the Mahayuga. A thousand Mahayugas form a Kalpa, a day of Brahma, the creator god. Brahma's night is of equal length, during which the universe is in a state of dissolution. This cycle of creation and destruction repeats for 100 years of Brahma's life, after which Brahma himself dissolves, and a new Brahma and creation emerge.

Cosmic Scale

The Puranic chronology places human history within a vast cosmic scale, where the lifespan of the universe is measured in billions of years. This perspective offers a unique view of time, significantly different from the linear historical timeline common in Western thought.

Criticism and Interpretation

The Puranic chronology has been subject to various interpretations and criticisms. Some view it as a mythological or symbolic representation of time, rather than a literal one. Others see it as an attempt to grasp the incomprehensible vastness of cosmic time through religious and philosophical speculation. In recent times, some have attempted to correlate Puranic chronology with scientific theories of the age of the universe, though such efforts are speculative and not widely accepted in the scientific community.

Conclusion

Puranic chronology offers a fascinating glimpse into Hindu cosmology, presenting a view of time that is cyclical, vast, and deeply intertwined with religious and philosophical thought. While its literal historical accuracy may be debated, its significance in Hindu tradition and its influence on Hindu culture and thought are undeniable.