Thus the untold story of the universe according to Hinduism portrays a positive attitude and urge towards life.

 Introduction

Cosmology as a topic has been of interest to men right from the early ages to the present times. Different people of different cultures and religious systems have explanations of how the universe originated. Hinduism is one of the antiquated religions and gives exceptionally distinctive and profound vision of the creation of the world and its structure. In this blog presents Hinduism’s little-known story of the universe.

Understanding the Universe

The desire of searching for the purpose of this universe has been the greatest question that has challenged humanity throughout the ages. If one listens to big bang in modern science, where is all the science to give a satisfactory answer that is tangible? To this question, Einstein cannot give a specific answer or at least a clear one even today, scholars stand perplexed at this question of what was there before the big bang? Mulling over the meaning of the universe is one thing that individuals frequently attempt to discover in the course of their lives. To these questions, very little research has been done; thus, there is a research gap.

Limitation of late science has been explained below in order to give the general idea of the subject:

As is evident from the study of the existence of the physical properties of the universe through the discovery of the natural laws of the universe, conventional scientific knowledge has increasingly failed in the analysis of philosophical and metaphysical matters. This aspect may be cumbersome especially to people who would want to fill the gap that lies between theories and existence. This is the reason why one has to turn to ancient traditions such as Hinduism and look for inspirations.

 The Hindu Perspective

Hinduism contains a nitty gritty and complex cosmology that it credits to the creation and working of the universe. This view is not only rather intriguing but also provides the worldview which combines the material and the spiritual.

 The Hindu Cosmology

The Concept of Brahman

The other persevering include of Hindu cosmology is Brahman which stands for the extreme reality or the infinite soul. Brahman is without end, timeless, and the source from which everything originates. However, unlike with science, Hinduism does not perceive the separation between the creator and the creation, rather Brahman is both.

 ! Brahman

The Next Area

Cyclical Time It is essential to establish a basic link between the line and cyclical time, especially since it is one of the most dominant and gradually phases into the next area, utilizing the line to vary resources in cyclical manner.

Unlike most of the modern world that subscribes to linear time, Hinduism practice cyclical time. They hold the conviction in the patterned creation, conservation and disintegration of the universe which is alluded to as Yugas. 

Each cycle consists of four Yugas: The four of them include Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. This relative determination of time underlines its cyclical character, which separates the eternal and the constant change of the universe.

The Role of Deities

In Hindu mythology, different gods and goddesses are assigned different responsibilities with regard to the formation and the sustenance of the world. Brahma is the maker god, Vishnu is the god who preservers and Shiva is the destroyer. These are deities of the distinct phases of the universal cycle and the proper ratio of the concepts of creativeness, maintenance and destruction.

 ! Trimurti

 The Creation Story

The Cosmic Egg (Hiranyagarbha)

Apparently, one of the most brilliant features of Hindu cosmology is the story about the Golden Womb, or Hiranyagarbha. In ancient Hindu mythology the world is believed to have been formed from an egg. This egg held all the seeds for creation and later on produced the whole universe.

The remedies which were as follows :– The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan).

One of the biggest narratives is the Samudra Manthan which translates to churning of the ocean. This mythological event represents an idea of the origin of the world with the use of gods and demons’ teamwork. Some of the churning products were the river of amrita or the water of eternal life and the asura asked for the order of the world emanating from chaos.

 ! Samudra Manthan

The next topic I am going to discuss is somewhat related to the previously mentioned theme as it shows the structure of this Universe.

The Seven Lokas

According to Hindu philosophy the total creation is divided into seven Lokas or total stages. They cover the highest religious levels to the lowest physical levels. The seven Lokas are:

 1. Satya Loka

 2. Tapa Loka

 3. Jana Loka

 4. Mahar Loka

 5. Svar Loka

 6. Bhuvar Loka

 7. Bhu Loka

Every Loka is distinguished by their attributes and the inhabitants and corresponds to the various states of consciousness and existence.

The Mount Meru

Hindu religion believes that Mount Meru is the axis or center of the universe. This is represented as a holy mountain which is enclosed by numerous realms and seas. Hence why Mount Meru represents the axis mundi or the axis of the physical world linking to the spiritual or divine realm.

 ! Mount Meru

 

The Question of Why This All Exists

Dharma and Karma

As per Hinduism, there exists the concept of ‘Dharma’, meaning righteousness or order of the cosmos and, therefore ‘Karma’, meaning action or consequence. There are always repercussion to each action, and the existence of universe will always make balance in all ways. The purpose of this world or creation is to enable the soul to reincarnate and liberate itself or get Moksha.

Soul is preeminently related with the journey or with a certain mode of journeying.

The soul or Atman is countless and transcendent and travels through different births. It is also used for purification of the heart while its ultimate aim is Moksha which is freedom from rebirth. This journey is determined by one’s behaviour ( Karma) and performance of the prescribed duties ( Dharma).

 

Conclusion

From the Hindu point of view, the universe and everything existing in it can be comprehended in a much deeper way than acknowledged by today’s science. As a coherent system of beliefs that is intrinsic to Hindu philosophy, cosmology augments the physical world with a metaphysical one, and gives a clear account of the existence, organization and meaning of the universe. This ancient knowledge does not only speak of the existence of the universe and the structures within but it also speaks of the essence of one’s being and the purpose of life.

References

 1. “The Hindu Universe,” an article penned by Swami Vivekananda.

 2. “Hindu Cosmology”: Amalgamation of Dr. David Frawley.

 3. Among others, ‘The Essence of Hinduism,’ by Mahatma Gandhi.

 

I wish that you would have as much joy in learning about the universe as defined by the Hindus as I do. Don’t hesitate to post your opinions and comments see in the comments section!