In the Sanatan Dharm, a cosmic timeline is given to understand the evolution and development of the society from the start. Many of us have heard about the Epic stories from our History that include – Ramayana and Mahabharata primarily. When the new generation is told to follow the traits of the prominent characters, they often argue that these events occurred in a different time when the nature of the society was completely different. This fact is extremely true. For this reason, an understanding of societal development is shared through the Four Yugas. Not only do the traits of the characters differ but also the society as a whole differs.
Background to Understand What is a Yuga
A Yuga is a timeline of a few thousand years put together in which society’s salient features continue to deteriorate. For example, the Satya Yuga, the Treta Yuga, the Dwapar Yuga and the Kali/Kal Yuga. Many experts also state that a Ghor Kal Yuga is also scheduled to happen which will mark the end of times for this cycle of the world.
The lens of understanding the four yugas should not rely only on the stories that have come to us from the different eras but also societal growth and evolution. Every Mahayuga consists of four yugas. And there are 1000 Mahayugas in one Kalpa. So, if you think you are the only one living in Kalyug, this might be completely wrong.
In the past, the Vedas highlight that our world was created as a part of one Mahayuga. The cycle of creation and destruction continues to happen to complete one cycle of life. Before the onset of a Mahayuga, Brahma creates the world which then completes one cycle. It is then destroyed by Kalki Avatar and Shiva in unison. This event paves way for the creation of another one.
To give a small understanding of the number of years in each category, I have worked out a simple math for you as per the readings:
1 Mahayuga (Chaturyuga) includes:
- Satya Yuga: 1.728 million years
- Treta Yuga: 1.296 million years
- Dvapara Yuga: 864,000 years
- Kali Yuga: 432,000 years
A Total of = 4.32 million years
1 Kalpa = 1,000 Mahayugas
This means: 4.32 million years × 1,000 = 4.32 billion years
In some versions, it is said that it takes 1 Kalpa to complete Brahma’s Day and 1 Kalpa to complete Brahma’s night. With the completion of one day of Brahma, 8.64 billion years pass.
Characteristics of the Four Yugas
Now that you have a basic understanding of the workings, let’s get down to knowing the basic features of the four yugas. I have made an attempt to accumulate all the information that I have gained from readings and popular understandings of the ancient texts in a tabular form:
| Name of the Yuga | %age of Dharma | Cosmos Age | Medium of Reproduction | Way to Get Wealth | Abilities |
| Satya Yuga – First Yuga | 100% | Childhood | Thought | Mostly Charity as Brahmans were highest in number and they are restricted from earning | – Individuals had abilities like Gods. – Height of an average individual was 25-30 feet |
| Treata Yuga – Second Yuga | 75% | Adolescence | Simple Touch | Taken through Force, Wars etc. | – Individual ability has been reduced since corruption started infiltrating. Powers were high with spiritual focus.- Height of an average individual was around 20 feet |
| Dvapar Yuga – Third Yuga | 50% | Mature | Action | Taken through deception, cheating etc. | – Individual abilities reduced considerably as spirituality decreased exponentially. Force and power was attained through minimal investment.- Height of an average individual was around 10-12 feet |
| Kal Yuga – Fourth Yuga | 25% | Venturing towards Death | Perverts | Taken through exploitation of the people in every possible way | – Individual abilities diminished to the least as spiritual progress is at a halt.- Height of an average individual is around 5-6 feet. |
Parallel Worlds
Have you ever heard of the concept of parallel worlds? If you haven’t, it’s time to research it. While science is catching up to these ideas, there are several stories in our history like Ramayana and Mahabharata where God himself shares insight into the existence of parallel worlds. If you think this is the only world existent then you are in for a surprise.
According to the ancient texts, the same series of events continue to happen with the onset of each Mahayuga. It is for human beings to make the right choices and alleviate their stature with their rebirths. The ultimate goal is to remove the attachments to Maya and realise the ultimate truths of the world and God.
In this article, I have made an attempt to put some light into the vastness of our world and its history. Just because we have chosen to turn a blind eye or rely on science more than the information in books at hand, does not diminish the fact that we as humans collectively have a choice to make. We can either continue to reject the realities and be comfortable with the environment we have built for ourselves. Or, just for this once, take a leap of faith, read the ancient texts and believe in the word of God.
Where do you want to start? Let’s talk and explore the ultimate ways to make progress in your spiritual journey. Take the step forward with me.
Did you like this read, then you might also like to read about: Treasures of Samudra Manthan
