The phrase “from time immemorial” resonates deeply when discussing ancient Indian culture, civilization, and heritage. However, there’s a prevailing notion that ancient Indian authors paid scant attention to chronological details in recounting historical events.
Contrary to this belief, a closer examination of the Puranas reveals a different perspective. Among the five prime characteristics of the Puranas, one stands out: Kala, or time. The system of time calculation in ancient India, a gift to scholars worldwide attributed to the sage Veda Vyasa, is integral to understanding Indian temporal concepts.
Key terms in this system include Nimesha, Kshanam, Vighatika, Ghatika, Dinam, Saptaha, Paksha, Masa, Samvatsara, Yuga, Maha Yuga, Kalpa, Manvantara, Pararatha, and Brahmayush—all essential units of time in Indian tradition.
In the Indian system of time calculation, there are three distinct phases:
Phase I:
1. Nimesha: The time required for one wink.
2. 24 Nimeshas = 1 Kshanam.
3. 24 Kshanams = 1 Vighatika.
4. 60 Vighatikas = 1 Ghatika.
5. 60 Ghatikas = 1 Day.
6. 7 Days = 1 Week.
7. 15 Days = 1 Fortnight.
8. 2 Fortnights = 1 Month.
9. 6 Months = 1 Ayanam.Continuing with the time calculation in the Indian system, we move on to the second phase:
II Phase:
1. 17,28,000 human years = 1 Krta Yuga.
2. 12,96,000 human years = 1 Treta Yuga.
3. 8,64,000 human years = 1 Dvapara Yuga.
4. 4,32,000 human years = 1 Kali Yuga.
5. The sum of the above four Yugas, which equals 43,20,000 human years, is known as 1 Catur Yuga or Maha Yuga.Moving on to the third phase of time calculation in the Indian system, which involves divine elements and cosmic cycles:
III Phase:
– 1000 Maha Yugas = 1 Kalpa, which represents one day in the time of Brahma.
– In human years, the length of one Kalpa is calculated as 43,20,000 multiplied by 1000, which equals 4,32,00,00,000 human years.
– This duration is also equivalent to the length of Brahma’s night.
– Therefore, one “Aho Ratram” (day and night) for Brahma amounts to 8,64,00,00,000 human years.
– Multiplying this by 360 gives us one Brahma’s year, totaling 3,110,400,000,000 human years.
– Finally, multiplying Brahma’s year by 100 provides the lifespan of Brahma, which is 311,040,000,000,000 human years, symbolizing a hundred years in the life of Brahma.The lifespan of Brahma is divided into two halves: I Parartha and II Parartha. Each Parartha spans 155,520,000,000,000 human years. Additionally, more time units in this third phase are noteworthy:
– One Kalpa, representing a day in the life of Brahma, equals 1000 Maha Yugas or the duration of 14 Manus. Thus, one Manu’s timespan is calculated as 1000/14, which equals 71 Maha Yugas, equivalent to 1 Manvantara.
– The names of the 14 Manus are: Svayambhuva, Svarochisha, Auttami, Tamasa, Raivata, Cakshusha, Vaivasvata (Satyavrata), Savarna, Daksha Savarna, Brahma Savarna, Dharma Savarna, Rudra Savarna, Rauchya, and Bhautya. Among these, the present Manvantara is the Seventh One, known as Vaivasvata Manvantara.
Therefore, currently, the human world resides in the II Parartha of Brahma, within the Sveta Varaha Kalpa and the Vaivasvata Manvantara.
As Lord Vishnu rested within the cave, Murdanav stumbled upon him, seizing the opportunity to strike down his seemingly vulnerable foe. However, as Murdanav raised his sword to deliver the fatal blow, a radiant and formidable female figure emerged from Lord Vishnu’s form.