Hindu cycle of the universe

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See also Hindu units of measurement.

According to Hindu Philosophy, the universe (or multiverse) never came to be at some particular point, but always has been, always will be, but is perpetually in flux. Space and time are of cyclical nature. This universe is simply the current one, which is in flux and constantly changing, when it finally ceases to manifest, a new one will arise. An interesting parallel to these ideas can be found in the ekpyrotic model of the universe. This concept is also accepted by Buddhist Dharma.

The birth of the universe (Brahma) is followed by the life of the universe (Vishnu) and the destruction of the universe (Shiva).

In a number of stories from the Puranas the continual creation and destruction of the universe is equated to the outwards and inwards breaths of the gigantic cosmic Maha Vishnu.

Hindu thesis of creation[edit]

According to Vaishnava scriptures,at first there was only "brahman" in the form of MahaVishnu,who rests on the eternal ocean.When he is asleep,nothing exists.There is only pure consciousness,an infinite potential.With his awakening,there is light and life.Out of his navel comes out Lord Brahma who assumes the duty of creation.In his first act as the creator,Lord Brahma creates four sages Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatana and Sanat-kumara,who do not have worldly views due to their devotion to Narayana or Mahavishnu,the supreme godhead.So out of his frustration and anger was created Rudra or Lord Shiva.[1] Lord Shiva assumed the duty of destruction at the end of the epochs.Thus the Holy trinity assumed their duties for an endless cycle of creation,preservation and destruction.

As per shaiva scriptures,at first the ultimate truth "Brahman" was their from whom came out Shiva without any birth or death. Vishnu is formed from the vaamanga of Shiva or the left body[citation needed]. Shiva is the extreme male power of the universe. He is the destroyer or annihilator of the universe. From him manifested the extreme female power of the universe Sati. Then the preserver of the universe Vishnu took three forms, Karnodakasayi visnu or Maha-Vishnu, Garbhodakasayivisnu and ksirodaksayi vishnu. Maha Visnu have several Garbhodakasayivishnus in the spiritual sky(The ocean of Karana). Each Garbhodakasayivishnu exhales and inhales and with each breath a Brahma is born who lives for 100 Brahma years and dies with the breath of Garbhodakasayi vishnu. Each Brahma creates a universe which comes to an end with partial annihilation after several Brahma years the annihilation of Garbhodakasayi vishnu takes place and at the last stage the dissolution of the whole karan sagar with Maha vishnu by Shiv with Tandav and this cycle again begins[citation needed].This cycle of formation and annihilation is seen in Hinduism.

Hindu scriptures hold that Lord Vishnu, the protector and caretaker of all creation, sleeps in the middle of a vast ocean on the giant snake Sheshnaga. When the cycle begins, Lord Brahma is born out of the 'lotus', an allusion to the kamal[lotus] which is the origin of all life. This 'lotus' comes out of the navel of Lord Vishnu.The lotus is known as brahma kamal. The first sound of Lord Brahma is Om, the origin of all creation.

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