Significance of Manvantara
Manvantara refers to significant epochs in Hindu cosmology, each presided over by a Manu, who plays a crucial role in creation and governance. These periods, often lasting around 852,000 divine years, comprise cycles of creation and dissolution, with associated divine figures. The concept highlights the cyclical nature of time, where specific events and divine actions transpire, reflecting the ongoing relationship between mankind and supernatural beings throughout various cosmic ages.
Synonyms: Age, Epoch, Cycle, Period, Era, Aeon
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Manvantara'
Manvantara in Hinduism signifies epochs within cosmology, each governed by a specific Manu. These periods represent cycles of creation, moral law, and divine governance, reflecting the evolving nature of existence and humanity's connection to the cosmos.
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) These are periods of time, each ruled by a Manu, and hearing about them is said to bestow merit, righteousness, wealth, knowledge, and other benefits.[1] (2) A cycle of time that is meant to be reigned over by Raivata as a Manu, emphasizing his destined greatness.[2] (3) An epoch in Hindu cosmology associated with the governance of a Manu, significant for understanding the cyclic nature of time.[3] (4) An age or period in Hindu cosmology, specifically referring to the eighth manvantara during which Savarni is king.[4] (5) A period comprising seventy-one repetitions of the four ages, characterized by the life cycle of Manus and their divine governance.[5]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The Manvantaras are described in the first part of the Kurma Purana, along with accounts of the creation, the Avataras of Vishnu, and the solar and lunar dynasties.[6] (2) Short accounts included in the early chapters of the Padma Purana that detail the changes of cycles in Hindu cosmology.[7] (3) A time period in Hindu cosmology described in the Bhagavata, which showcases the cyclical nature of time and divine governance.[8] (4) Different epochs in Hindu mythology describing the reign of Manus, of which the Markanda Purana provides accounts.[9] (5) Manvantaras are the specific historical epochs detailed in the Brahma Purana that chronicle the creation and the histories of dynasties.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) This is a period of time, with the present one being Vaivasvata, and the seventh in due order, according to the provided text.[11] (2) The cyclical stages of creation presided over by the Manus, which the princes will become lords of in their next births.[12] (3) A cosmic time period during which a Manu governs a world. Svarocisha Manu received sovereignty for one such period.[13] (4) An age or period in Hindu cosmology, the time span ruled by a Manu.[14] (5) The periods of rule by the Manus, which denotes the cycles of creation and the associated leaders of humanity.[15]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Manvantara refers to a period in the past when the earth was uneven, lacking regular divisions of cities and villages, and devoid of corn, rearing of kine, agriculture, or trade.[16] (2) A specific period or epoch in Hindu cosmology during which a particular Manu or progenitor governs, signifying time in creation cycles.[17] (3) A cosmic period defined by the reign of a Manu, considered a significant cycle of creation in Hindu cosmology.[18]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A period consisting of seventy-one courses of the four Yugas, marking a phase in divine time.[19]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A Manvantara is a period of time, with Kas'mira described as a lake in previous Manvantaras before becoming a province in the Vaivasvata Manvantara, as explained by Brhadasva.[20]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The text references this along with families and histories, but does not describe it in detail.[21]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) These are epochs in Hindu cosmology, mentioned in connection with Indra and divine beings.[22] (2) A period within a Kalpa characterized by specific cosmic events and significant figures.[23] (3) A period in Hindu cosmology characterized by the reign of a Manu, referenced as the context of various stories about planetary creation and divine actions.[24] (4) An interval of time recognized for the manifestation of specific avataras under Hari’s jurisdiction.[25] (5) Universal cycles presided over by different incarnations of God, such as Yajna or Vishnu.[26]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A period of time, which is equivalent to a half-hour for the people of Vraja who are experiencing suffering due to separation, as mentioned in the text.[27] (2) In the context of time periods in Hindu cosmology, specifically referring to the cyclical ages mentioned in the text.[28]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) This signifies a specific period, during which Candrakanti observed celibacy and continuously meditated on the form of Krishna.[29] (2) A term that refers to vast periods of time in Hindu cosmology, during which specific cycles of creation and dissolution occur.[30]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Cosmic cycles during which Lord Narayana reveals Vedic knowledge to Brahma and through him, to others.[31]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A defined period of time associated with each Manu's reign, characterized by creation and maintenance of the world.[32] (2) A term used to denote the regime of a Manu, formed by multiplying the 'Time-cycle of the Gods' by 'seventy-one.'[33] (3) A cyclical period during which a particular Manu governs, responsible for the creation and protection of beings after their destruction in a previous cycle.[34] (4) A unit of time in Vedic cosmology, often used in this context to denote periods of existence based on meditation practices.[35]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) A measure of time used in the text, indicating the duration of states of existence for beings in relation to their devotions and actions.[36] (2) A long period of time mentioned regarding the states of existence, particularly concerning rebirth and durations in different states.[37]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A specific period in Hindu cosmology representing a cycle of creation and the reign of a Manu.[38]
The concept of Manvantara in local and regional sources
Manvantara is defined in the Kurmamahapurana as a time period comprising 71 caturyugas, illustrating its significance in the broader context of cosmic cycles, with one kalpa representing a day of Brahma.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The Kurmamahapurana defines the manvantara, kalpa, and parardha, with relationships such as 1 manvantara equals 71 caturyugas, and day of Brahma equals 1 kalpa.[39]