Creation
First Creation
In the boundless expanse of primordial existence, Purusha and Prakriti dwelled in harmonious unity, their essences intertwined in the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution. With a shared intention and a loving touch, they infused the void with the essence of their being, sculpting the raw fabric of reality into a kaleidoscope of form and substance.
As the first tendrils of creation unfurled from their divine touch, Purusha and Prakriti beheld the birth of the object, a manifestation of their combined power and boundless love. In its ethereal glow, they saw reflections of their own divine essence, woven into the very fabric of its existence.
Yet, even as they reveled in the beauty of their creation, Prakriti’s heart swelled with a bittersweet sorrow. She knew that in the vast expanse of time and space, all things were subject to the inexorable march of change and impermanence.
Moved by Prakriti’s melancholy, Purusha enfolded her in his embrace, his essence intertwining with hers in a sacred bond of love and devotion. With a tender whisper, he made a solemn vow to protect and preserve their creation, pledging his eternal guardianship against the forces of dissolution and decay.
And so, with the object of their creation bathed in the light of their love, Purusha and Prakriti entered into the timeless embrace of Yoga Nidra, their consciousness merging with the cosmic currents of existence. In the depths of their slumber, they remained vigilant guardians of their creation, their divine presence woven into the very fabric of its being, awaiting the dawn of a new age.
Protection of First Creation
When Purusha stirred from his cosmic slumber once more, his divine gaze fell upon the object of creation. As his consciousness permeated the fabric of existence, he discerned subtle changes that had unfolded since its inception. Drawing closer, he sensed a discordant energy pulsating within the very core of the object, a tumultuous clash of forces vying for dominance.
Upon closer examination, Purusha realized that the energies within the object had become entangled in a fierce conflict, unaware of the havoc they wrought upon their surroundings. With a solemn determination, Purusha resolved to intervene, seeking to restore harmony to the troubled realms of creation.
Yet, his entreaties fell upon deaf ears, as the energies continued their relentless onslaught, heedless of his pleas. In a decisive act of divine intervention, Purusha absorbed the warring energies into his being, drawing them into himself with a mighty surge of cosmic power.
As the energies merged with his essence, a torrent of divine energy surged forth, engulfing the object in a brilliant aura of protection. This shimmering veil, known as Mahamaya, wove itself intricately into every aspect of the object, shielding it from further harm and imbuing it with the essence of divine healing.
With the object enveloped in the protective embrace of Mahamaya, Purusha underwent a transformation, his divine essence splitting into two distinct entities: Shiva and Vishnu. Together, they initiated a perpetual cycle of destruction and creation within the object, ensuring its continual renewal and sustenance.
Creation from a creation
Yet, as the ebb and flow of cosmic energies danced within the confines of the object, a need for stability and order emerged. In response to this call, Brahma, another aspect of Purusha, emerged from Vishnu’s essence, assuming the mantle of creator and architect of the ever-evolving cycle of existence.
Under Brahma’s guidance, the object found equilibrium, its myriad elements orchestrated into a harmonious symphony of creation and destruction. With each cycle, the object evolved, transcending the boundaries of time and space, a testament to the enduring power of Purusha’s divine will. And so, the cycle of creation, destruction, and renewal continued unabated, guided by the eternal essence of Purusha and the divine trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
As Brahma surveyed the object, now cocooned within the protective embrace of Mahamaya, he sensed a yearning for equilibrium, a longing for order amidst the swirling chaos of creation. With a divine breath, he infused the object with the essence of form and materialistic needs, bestowing upon its ethereal energies the gift of corporeal existence.
Bhramha’s Creation
As the energies took on tangible forms, Brahma divided them into distinct categories, assigning each a specific role and responsibility in the cosmic tapestry of existence. These categories, known as the 32 Koti Devatas, represented a diverse array of divine beings, each embodying unique qualities and attributes.
Among the 32 Koti Devatas, the Adityas stood as radiant embodiments of solar energy, illuminating the cosmos with their celestial light. Led by Anshuman, Aryaman, and the mighty Indra, these twelve deities radiated power and vitality, guiding the cycles of day and night with their luminous presence.
Beside them stood the Rudras, fierce and formidable beings who wielded the power of destruction and transformation. From Shambhu, the auspicious one, to Kapali, the skull-bearer, these eleven deities embodied the primal forces of nature, driving the perpetual cycle of creation and dissolution.
The Vasus, eight in number, manifested as elemental deities, each attuned to the subtle energies of the natural world. From Aap, the embodiment of water, to Prabhash, the radiant one, these divine beings infused the object with the vitality and dynamism of the elements.
Amidst the celestial assembly, the Ashwins shone as celestial physicians and healers, offering solace and succor to the denizens of the object. Nastya and Dstra, twin brothers of divine grace and compassion, brought hope and renewal to all who sought their aid.
As Brahma ordained the roles and responsibilities of the 32 Koti Devatas, the object thrummed with divine energy, pulsating with the promise of creation and renewal. Each deity, with their unique powers and attributes, contributed to the intricate web of existence, weaving together the threads of time and destiny.
The number 32, revered as a symbol of completeness and totality in Hinduism, found expression in the myriad forms of the Koti Devatas, each contributing to the rich tapestry of cosmic life. Yet, beyond their individual manifestations, these deities served as reminders of the divine unity that permeated all of creation, binding together the disparate threads of existence in a sacred dance of cosmic harmony.
12 adityas
- Anshuman
- Aryaman
- Indra
- Twashta
- Dhata
- Parjanya
- Pusha
- Bhag
- Mitra
- Varun
- Vivaswan
- Vishnu
11 rudras
- Shambhu
- Pinaki
- Girish
- Sthanu
- Bharga
- Bhava
- Sadashiva
- Shiva
- Har
- Sharva
- Kapali
8 vasus
- Aap
- Dhruva
- Som
- Dhar
- Anil
- Anal
- Pratyush
- Prabhash
2 ashwins
- Nastya and
- Dstra.
Time split
The concept of time is cyclical, with each cycle known as a Kalpa. Brahma, the creator deity, is believed to create these time cycles through a process known as cosmic creation or Srishti. The creation of time cycles involves several stages:
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Creation of the Universe (Brahmanda): At the beginning of each Kalpa, Brahma creates the universe, including the celestial realms, the material world, and the various dimensions of existence.
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Braking of kalpas
Kalpa consists of 14 Manvantaras, and each Manvantara is presided over by a Manu. Additionally, each Manvantara is further divided into 71 Mahayugas. Here’s a breakdown of these time cycles:
- Kalpa: A Kalpa is a cosmic day or epoch, representing a full cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. It is a vast unit of time that spans billions of years.
- Manvantara: A Manvantara is a smaller time cycle within a Kalpa, corresponding to the reign of one Manu, the progenitor of humanity. Each Manvantara lasts for the duration of a Manu’s rule, which is believed to be millions of years.
- Mahayuga: A Mahayuga, also known as a “Great Age,” is a unit of time within a Manvantara. It consists of four Yugas - Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga - in descending order of virtue and righteousness. Each Mahayuga lasts for a total of 4.32 million years.
So, to summarize: A Kalpa consists of 14 Manvantaras. Each Manvantara is governed by a Manu. Each Manvantara contains 71 Mahayugas. Each Mahayuga comprises four Yugas and lasts for 4.32 million years. The total duration of a Kalpa is immensely vast, encompassing billions of years.
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Appointment of Manus: At the beginning of each Yuga, Brahma appoints a Manu, the progenitor of humanity, to serve as the ruler and lawgiver during that epoch.
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Creation of Time Cycles (Kalpas): Brahma creates the time cycles or Kalpas within which the cosmic drama unfolds. Each Kalpa consists of a series of Yugas, followed by a period of dissolution (Pralaya) and then a new cycle of creation.
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Preservation and Dissolution: Throughout each Kalpa, the universe undergoes cycles of preservation, growth, and dissolution. At the end of each Kalpa, Brahma withdraws the universe back into himself, initiating a period of cosmic dissolution (Pralaya). After a period of rest, Brahma begins the process of creation anew, giving rise to a new cycle of time.
Overall, Brahma’s creation of time cycles involves the establishment of cosmic order, the progression of epochs or Yugas, and the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. Through this cyclical process, the universe experiences the eternal dance of creation and renewal, guided by the divine will of Brahma.
Creation of realms
At the start of every kalpa creation process is restarted with creation of realms.
Brahma created multiple realms or planes of existence as part of the manifested world. These realms encompass various dimensions and levels of reality, each serving a specific purpose in the cosmic order. While the specifics may vary across different Hindu texts and traditions, here is a list of some of the realms commonly mentioned in Hindu mythology:
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Brahmaloka: The highest realm, also known as the realm of Brahma, where Brahma resides along with other celestial beings. It is considered the abode of pure consciousness and divine knowledge.
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Devaloka (Svarga): The realm of the Devas or celestial beings, situated above the earthly realm. Devaloka is characterized by divine beauty, bliss, and splendor, and it serves as the abode of various gods and goddesses.
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Manushyaloka (Earth): The earthly realm inhabited by humans. Manushyaloka is where the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth (samsara) unfolds, and it is considered a crucial realm for spiritual evolution and karma.
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Patala: The underworld or netherworld, located beneath the earthly realm. Patala is associated with darkness, mystery, and hidden treasures, and it is said to be inhabited by various supernatural beings, demons, and serpents.
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Bhuloka (Bhuvarloka): The intermediate realm between the earthly realm and the celestial realms. Bhuloka is often considered a transitional realm where souls may undergo purification or preparation for higher states of existence.
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Narakaloka: The realm of hell or the infernal regions, where souls may experience suffering and purification as a result of negative karma. Narakaloka is associated with various hells and realms of torment described in Hindu mythology.
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Gandharvaloka: The realm of the Gandharvas, celestial musicians and singers. Gandharvaloka is associated with music, dance, and artistic creativity, and it serves as the abode of these celestial beings.
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Yakshaloka: The realm of the Yakshas, nature spirits and guardians associated with forests, mountains, and natural landscapes. Yakshaloka is characterized by natural beauty and wilderness.
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Kinnaraloka: The realm of the Kinnaras, mythical beings with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse. Kinnaraloka is associated with music, poetry, and the arts.
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Siddhaloka: The realm of the Siddhas, enlightened beings or ascetics who have attained spiritual perfection through meditation and self-discipline. Siddhaloka is associated with supernatural powers and spiritual wisdom.
Division of swarga lokas
Svarga Lokas refer to the heavenly realms inhabited by celestial beings, gods, and divine entities. While the exact number and names of Svarga Lokas may vary across different texts and traditions, here are some of the commonly mentioned heavenly realms:
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Svar Loka: Also known as Indraloka or Swargaloka, Svar Loka is considered the highest realm among the Svarga Lokas. It is the abode of Indra, the king of the Devas (celestial beings), along with other powerful gods and divine beings.
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Bhuvar Loka: Situated between the earthly realm (Bhuloka) and the higher celestial realms, Bhuvar Loka serves as an intermediate realm. It is associated with celestial phenomena such as the sun, moon, stars, and atmospheric phenomena.
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Svarga Loka: This term is often used generically to refer to the various heavenly realms or sub-realms inhabited by Devas and righteous souls. Svarga Loka encompasses multiple levels of celestial abodes where virtuous beings enjoy the rewards of their good karma.
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Maharloka: Maharloka is a higher celestial realm beyond Svar Loka, inhabited by sages, divine beings, and enlightened souls. It is considered a realm of profound spiritual knowledge and cosmic wisdom.
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Janaloka: Janaloka is another celestial realm beyond Maharloka, where highly evolved souls and divine beings reside. It is associated with advanced states of consciousness and spiritual realization.
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Tapaloka: Tapaloka is a higher realm where ascetics, yogis, and seekers of spiritual knowledge dwell. It is characterized by intense spiritual practices, meditation, and austerity.
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Satyaloka: Also known as Brahma Loka, Satyaloka is the highest of all celestial realms, situated at the pinnacle of the cosmic hierarchy. It is the abode of Lord Brahma, the creator deity, and it represents the ultimate state of enlightenment and union with the divine.
Divison of pathalas
Patala Lokas refer to the netherworld or underworld realms situated beneath the earthly realm (Bhuloka). These realms are often associated with darkness, mystery, and hidden treasures, and they are believed to be inhabited by various supernatural beings, demons, and serpents. While the specifics may vary across different texts and traditions, here are some of the commonly mentioned Patala Lokas:
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Vitala: Vitala is one of the lower realms of Patala, characterized by its vast subterranean expanses and cavernous landscapes. It is said to be inhabited by powerful demons, asuras, and serpents who guard its treasures and secrets.
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Sutala: Sutala is another prominent realm within Patala, known for its opulent palaces and grandeur. It is ruled by the demon king Bali (also known as Mahabali), who is revered for his righteousness and generosity.
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Talatala: Talatala is a realm known for its abundance of precious metals and minerals, making it a coveted destination for mining and metallurgy. It is said to be inhabited by fierce demons and serpent deities who fiercely guard their riches.
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Rasatala: Rasatala is a realm associated with poison and serpents, where mighty Nagas (serpent beings) and their king Vasuki reside. It is said to be a realm of immense power and mysticism, governed by the primal forces of creation and destruction.
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Mahatala: Mahatala is a deeper and darker realm within Patala, shrouded in mystery and obscurity. It is said to be the abode of powerful demons and malevolent entities who wield dark magic and occult powers.
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Atala: Atala is a realm known for its sensual pleasures and indulgences, where beings revel in earthly delights and hedonistic pursuits. It is governed by the demon king Bala, who entices souls with materialistic desires and worldly temptations.
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Vitalatala: Vitalatala is a sub-realm situated within Vitala, characterized by its intricate networks of caves and tunnels. It is said to be inhabited by fierce rakshasas (demons) and voracious beasts who roam its dark corridors in search of prey.
These are some of the Patala Lokas commonly mentioned in Hindu scriptures and mythology. Each realm is believed to have its own unique characteristics, inhabitants, and significance within the cosmic hierarchy of the universe.
These are some of the Svarga Lokas commonly mentioned in Hindu scriptures and mythology. Each realm is believed to offer different levels of spiritual attainment, divine grace, and celestial bliss to those who dwell there, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Hindu cosmology.
Creation of beings
At the beginning of each Kalpa, Brahma, the creator deity in Hindu mythology, is believed to have created a vast array of entities, beings, and realms to populate and govern the universe. While the specifics may vary across different Hindu texts and traditions, here is a comprehensive list of some of the entities commonly believed to have been created by Brahma at the beginning of a Kalpa:
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Devas: Celestial beings or gods responsible for maintaining cosmic order and upholding righteousness.
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Asuras: Anti-gods or demons who oppose the Devas and often represent forces of darkness and chaos.
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Manus: Progenitors of humanity who serve as rulers and lawgivers during each Manvantara (age of Manu) within the Kalpa.
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Prajapatis: Lords of creation who assist Brahma in populating the universe with various beings and creatures.
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Sapta Rishis: Seven ancient sages or seers who are revered as the mind-born sons of Brahma and the progenitors of the human race.
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Nagas: Serpent beings or deities associated with water, fertility, and protection.
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Gandharvas: Celestial musicians and singers associated with music, dance, and poetry.
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Yakshas: Nature spirits or guardians associated with the earth, forests, and wealth.
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Rakshasas: Demons or evil spirits known for their ferocity and shape-shifting abilities.
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Kinnaras: Mythical beings with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse, associated with music and the arts.
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Vidyadharas: Celestial spirits associated with knowledge, wisdom, and magical powers.
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Kimpurushas: Mythical beings with the head of a lion and the body of a human, known for their valor and nobility.
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Siddhas: Enlightened beings or ascetics who have attained spiritual perfection through meditation and self-discipline.
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Apsaras: Celestial nymphs or divine dancers who entertain the Devas with their beauty and grace.
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Athma: Ethereal beings or departed souls who inhabit the realms between the material and spiritual worlds.
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Plants and Animals: Various species of flora and fauna created to inhabit the terrestrial and celestial realms.
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Various Realms and Dimensions: Different planes of existence, including heaven (Svarga), earth (Prithvi), and the underworld (Patala), along with other celestial realms and astral planes.
This list represents a broad overview of the entities believed to have been created by Brahma at the start of a Kalpa. Each entity serves a specific role in the cosmic drama of creation, preservation, and dissolution that unfolds throughout the Kalpa in Hindu mythology.
Any Material that came from Bramha took one or the other form.