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Creation of Manu: In the beginning, after the creation of the universe by Brahma, the creator, the earth was devoid of life. To populate the earth, Brahma created Manu, the first human being, along with his wife Shatarupa. Manu is often described as the son of Brahma or as a manifestation of the cosmic consciousness.
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Progenitor of Humanity: Manu and Shatarupa were instructed by Brahma to engage in procreation and populate the earth with their descendants. They gave birth to numerous children, who in turn became the ancestors of all human beings. Manu is considered the father of humanity, and his lineage is traced through the generations in Hindu genealogies.
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Manus and Manvantaras: In Hindu cosmology, time is divided into cyclical periods known as Yugas, which are presided over by specific Manus. Each Manu rules over a Manvantara, which is a vast cosmic period characterized by the evolution and dissolution of the universe. During each Manvantara, humanity is created anew, and the teachings of dharma (righteousness) are propagated.
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Preservation through Flood: One of the most famous stories related to Manu is the tale of the great flood, which parallels the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. According to this narrative, during the reign of Vaivasvata Manu (the seventh Manu), the world was inundated by a catastrophic flood. Manu was instructed by Vishnu, the preserver, to build a large boat (ark) and gather pairs of all living creatures to preserve life during the deluge. After the floodwaters receded, Manu and his family repopulated the earth.
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Eternal Cycle: The creation of humanity by Manu is part of the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution that defines Hindu cosmology. Human existence is seen as a microcosm of the larger cosmic drama, with individuals experiencing birth, life, death, and rebirth in accordance with the laws of karma and dharma.