Significance of Four Yugas
The Four Yugas in Hindu cosmology refer to the four distinct ages: Krita (or Satya), Treta, Dvapara, and Kali. Each age possesses unique characteristics and moral standings, influencing spiritual practices and the evolution of souls. The concept underscores the cyclical nature of time and divine manifestations, with each Yuga marking a different phase in cosmic and societal development. Recognizing these ages helps in understanding the overarching spiritual and temporal narrative within Hindu belief systems.
Synonyms: Four ages, Four epochs, Four eras
In Dutch: Vier Yuga's; In German: Vier Yuga's; In Finnish: Nelj盲 Yugaa; In Spanish: Cuatro Yugas
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Four Yugas'
The Four Yugas in Hinduism describe four distinct epochs鈥擪ritayuga, Tretayuga, Dvapayuga, and Kaliyuga鈥攅ach with unique characteristics, moral dynamics, and durations, representing the cyclical nature of creation and spiritual evolution.
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The four distinct ages in Hindu cosmology: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, each with a defined duration.[1] (2) The four ages of the world in Hindu belief, within which the divine Vishnu appears in various forms to ensure cosmic order.[2] (3) The succession of four distinct ages in Bharata, known as Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali.[3]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A cyclical concept in Hindu philosophy, consisting of Krita (Satya), Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, representing different ages of existence.[4] (2) A cycle consisting of four distinct epochs known as Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali.[5]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The four distinct time periods that make up one kalpa age in Hindu cosmology, representing cycles of creation and existence.[6]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The four distinct ages or epochs in Hindu cosmology: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, each marked by specific characteristics and durations.[7]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The four Yugas are distinct epochs in Hindu cosmology, namely Satyam, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, each with its own characteristics and moral standing.[8]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The four distinct ages in Hindu cosmology: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, each having unique characteristics and durations.[9]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A period of time during which King Nriga endured his wretched condition, spanning over four cosmic cycles.[10] (2) A concept in Hindu cosmology that describes the four ages or epochs in a cycle of time, important in understanding the metaphysical significance of time in the verse.[11] (3) The four distinct epochs in Hindu cosmology that represent different ages of the universe.[12]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The four ages of time in Hindu cosmology: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, each characterized by distinct features and practices.[13]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The four ages in Hindu cosmology: Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, through which souls evolve and experience their karma.[14]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The cycles of ages (Satya, Treta, Dvapara, Kali) through which divine manifestations occur based on the spiritual condition of the jivas.[15]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The cyclical ages of Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, during which the Supreme Lord descends in different forms.[16]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The four distinct ages of the world in Hindu cosmology: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, each characterized by different levels of virtue and duration.[17]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The four distinct periods or ages in Hindu cosmology, significant in the computation of time-cycles.[18]
The concept of Four Yugas in local and regional sources
The Four Yugas in Hindu cosmology represent cycles of time characterized by varying traits: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali. The poet employs these yugas to explore existential themes, reflecting on humanity's evolution through these ages.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A concept in Hindu philosophy, representing four distinct ages in a cycle, each with unique characteristics.[19] (2) The cycle of four ages in Hindu philosophy, which the poet uses as a backdrop for exploring existential themes in his work.[20]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The four yugas, krita, treta, dvapara, and kali, are components of the caturyuga, and their durations decrease in a specific ratio, which reflects the decline of morality.[21]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The division of time into four Yugas is not mentioned in the Vedas, and are considered arbitrary assumptions of Pauranika times, as explained in the text.[22]