Other meanings of Cosmology
Religion & Philosophy
Hindu cosmology is the body of knowledge within Hinduism that describes the structure, origin, and cyclical nature of the universe. It integrates mythological narratives with philosophical concepts, presenting a universe that undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
Hindu cosmology posits a universe that is not created once but undergoes endless cycles of creation and destruction. The fundamental unit is the kalpa, a day of the creator god Brahma, lasting 4.32 billion human years. Each kalpa is divided into 14 manvantaras, each ruled by a Manu, the progenitor of humanity.1
Within each kalpa, time is further subdivided into four yugas (ages) of declining virtue: Satya (golden), Treta, Dvapara, and Kali (dark). The current age, Kali Yuga, began around 3102 BCE and is characterized by moral decay. The cycle repeats indefinitely, with each kalpa ending in a partial dissolution (pralaya) and the universe ultimately dissolving into the cosmic ocean at the end of Brahma's life (100 years of Brahma).2
The universe is envisioned as a cosmic egg (Brahmanda) divided into three regions: the celestial, the terrestrial, and the infernal. Within these are 14 lokas (worlds), with the earth (Bhurloka) in the middle. Above it are six heavenly realms, including Bhuvarloka (space) and Satyaloka (the abode of Brahma); below are seven nether realms, such as Atala and Patala, inhabited by serpents and demons.3
The earth itself is described in the Puranas as a flat disc with seven concentric island continents (dvipas) separated by seven oceans. At the center rises Mount Meru, the axis of the universe, around which the sun, moon, and stars revolve. This geocentric model is symbolic, representing the cosmos as a microcosm of the divine.4
Creation is often attributed to Brahma, who emerges from a lotus growing from the navel of Vishnu, the preserver. In the Rigveda, the Nasadiya Sukta (Hymn of Creation) offers a skeptical, philosophical account: "Who really knows? Who will here proclaim it? Whence was it produced? Whence is this creation?"5
Other traditions describe creation as a cosmic sacrifice, where the primordial being Purusha is dismembered to form the world. The goddess Devi, in Shaktism, is seen as the ultimate creative force. These myths are not literal but metaphorical, exploring the relationship between the one and the many.6
Hindu cosmology is not merely mythology; it is integrated into philosophical systems. The Vedanta schools interpret the cycles as expressions of maya (illusion) and the ultimate reality of Brahman. The Samkhya school posits a dualistic cosmology of purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter), which evolve into the material world.
Modern Hindu thinkers, such as Swami Vivekananda, have drawn parallels between these ancient cycles and modern scientific theories like the Big Bang and oscillating universe. While such comparisons are debated, they highlight the depth and flexibility of Hindu cosmological thought.7
Beyond the well-known yugas and lokas, Hindu cosmology includes intricate details often overlooked. For instance, the Vishnu Purana describes seven subterranean regions, each with distinct landscapes and inhabitants, and the Bhagavata Purana mentions the orbits of planets in relation to Mount Meru, reflecting early astronomical observations.3
The concept of kalpa also appears in Buddhist and Jain cosmologies, showing cross-cultural influence. Additionally, the Linga Purana contains a detailed account of the cosmic egg's formation, and the Markandeya Purana includes a narrative of the goddess Durga as the ultimate cause of creation. These texts reveal a rich, multi-layered tradition that has evolved over millennia.4
This article is based on authoritative sources and reflects the traditional understanding of Hindu cosmology.
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