Yuga's In Indian Text

Introduction

The concept of Yugas is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and texts such as the Vishnu Smriti and the Manusmriti. These texts outline the durations and characteristics of the Yugas, but they don't attribute the calculations to a single individual.

The renowned Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata (476-499 CE) referenced the Yugas in his work "Aryabhatiya," where he mentioned the elapsed time of the Yugas to date his age. This suggests that the concept was well-established by his time.

Timeline: 

Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga): The age of truth and righteousness. Lasts for 1,728,000 years.

Treta Yuga: The age when virtue diminishes slightly. Lasts for 1,296,000 years.

Dvapara Yuga: Virtue declines further. Lasts for 864,000 years.

Kali Yuga: The current age, marked by strife and discord. Lasts for 432,000 years.

The Text of Aryabhatiya

Aryabhatiya is written in Sanskrit and divided into four sections; it covers a total of 121 verses describing different moralitus via a mnemonic writing style typical for such works in India (see definitions below):

• Gitikapada (13 verses): large units of time—kalpa, manvantara, and yuga—which present a cosmology different from earlier texts such as Lagadha's Vedanga Jyotisha (ca. 1st century BCE). There is also a table of [sine]s (jya), given in a single verse. The duration of the planetary revolutions during a mahayuga is given as 4.32 million years, using the same method as in the Surya Siddhanta. It provides a detailed and structured understanding of cosmic time cycles, such as kalpa (a day of Brahma, equal to 4.32 billion years), manvantara (71 Mahayugas, which is 306.72 million years), and yuga, establishing a cosmology that differs from earlier works like the Vedanga Jyotisha.

• Ganitapada (33 verses): covering mensuration (kṣetra vyāvahāra); arithmetic and geometric progressions; gnomon/shadows (shanku-chhAyA); and simple, quadratic, simultaneous, and indeterminate equations (Kuṭṭaka).

• Kalakriyapada (25 verses): different units of time and a method for determining the positions of planets for a given day, calculations concerning the intercalary month (adhikamAsa), kShaya-tithis, and a seven-day week with names for the days of week.

• Golapada (50 verses): Geometric/trigonometric aspects of the celestial sphere, features of the ecliptic, celestial equator, node, shape of the Earth, cause of day and night, rising of zodiacal signs on horizon, etc. In addition, some versions cite a few colophons added at the end, extolling the virtues of the work, etc.

It is highly likely that the study of the Aryabhatiya was meant to be accompanied by the teachings of a well-versed tutor. While some of the verses have a logical flow, some do not, and its unintuitive structure can make it difficult for a casual reader to follow.

Indian mathematical works often use word numerals before Aryabhata, but the Aryabhatiya is the oldest extant Indian work with Devanagari numerals. That is, he used letters of the Devanagari alphabet to form number-words, with consonants giving digits and vowels denoting place value. This innovation allows for advanced arithmetical computations which would have been considerably more difficult without it. At the same time, this system of numeration allows for poetic license even in the author's choice of numbers. Cf. Aryabhata numeration, the Sanskrit numerals.

Calculations

Pic serves as illustration 

The calculation of Yugas is rooted in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and the Puranas. They use vast cosmic cycles called "Kalpas," which are made up of multiple Yuga cycles. 

Ancient Hindu scholars calculated Yugas using a blend of astronomy, mathematics, and observation. 

The precise calculation involves several steps:

• Astronomical Observations: Observing planetary positions and celestial events over long periods.
• Mathematical Formulas: Using complex mathematical models to calculate the duration of each Yuga, as seen in texts like the Surya Siddhanta.
• Cyclical Time Concept: Interpreting time as cyclical, with each Yuga representing a different phase of moral and physical decline.
• Scriptural References: Aligning calculations with descriptions found in ancient texts.

These calculations were then cross-referenced with mythological events and epics to anchor them in a historical and cultural context.

Mathematical Formulas - Surya Siddhanta

The Surya Siddhanta is a treasure trove of ancient Indian astronomy and mathematics. It uses various mathematical principles to calculate the duration of Yugas. 

Angular Speed of Planets: Calculates the angular speed of planets in degrees per day.

Planetary Revolutions: Total number of revolutions each planet completes in a Mahayuga (4.32 million years).

Sine and Cosine Tables: Uses trigonometric functions to predict planetary positions accurately.

Lunar and Solar Cycles: Incorporates cycles of the moon and sun for precise calendrical calculations.

One classic formula from the Surya Siddhanta involves calculating the mean longitude of a planet using the number of revolutions it completes in a Mahayuga (4.32 million years). Here's a snippet:

Mean Longitude=(360∘×Revolutions / Days in Mahayuga)×Elapsed Days

Where:

• 360∘ is the full circle of the orbit.
• Revolutions are the number of complete orbits a planet makes in a Mahayuga.
• Days in Mahayuga is 4,320,000 years multiplied by the number of days in a year (usually 365.25, accounting for leap years).
• Elapsed Days are the days passed since the start of the current Mahayuga.

following same methods were done to determine: 

Satya Yuga = 1,728,000 years

Treta Yuga = 1,296,000 years

Dvapara Yuga = 864,000 years

Kali Yuga = 432,000 years




Together, these form a full cycle of 4,320,000 years known as a "Mahayuga." They are often depicted as progressively deteriorating in terms of moral and physical conditions, from an ideal world in Satya Yuga to a much degenerated one in Kali Yuga.

It's mind-boggling how they achieved such accuracy with the tools and knowledge of their time 😬

There are several videos available on YouTube, hope for understanding: 

https://youtu.be/B90OcWKB1Sg?si=tHsme1At4rl8O2EK ( this says more mysteries) 

https://youtu.be/XGyiZZAX8xI?si=e6V2J0TA2W9muAEu

https://youtu.be/qBUn24gibgM?si=sjQh6DFnqJ3mCEHX

Characteristic of Yugas 

Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga):

• Virtue and righteousness prevail.
• Everyone practices yoga and meditation, leading to a spiritually advanced society.
• The story of Lord Vishnu's first four incarnations (Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, and Narasimha) occur in this Yuga.
• Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga): The age of truth and righteousness. Lasts for 1,728,000 years.
  

Treta Yuga:

• Virtue diminishes slightly but is still prevalent.
• The Ramayana, one of India's two great epics, takes place in this Yuga.
• Lord Vishnu's fifth and seventh incarnations (Vamana and Rama) occur during this period.
• Treta Yuga: The age when virtue diminishes slightly. Lasts for 1,296,000 years.

Dvapara Yuga:

• Moral and physical decline continues.
• The Mahabharata, the other great Indian epic, is set in this Yuga.
• Lord Vishnu's eighth incarnation, Krishna, and his brother Balarama appear during this time.
• Dvapara Yuga: Virtue declines further. Lasts for 864,000 years.

Kali Yuga:

• Our current age, is marked by moral and physical degradation.
• Society is characterized by strife, discord, and a decline in spiritual values
• The prophecy holds that Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Vishnu, will appear to restore righteousness at the end of this age.
• Kali Yuga: The current age, marked by strife and discord. Lasts for 432,000 years.

Debates On Timeline Cycle 

Sadhguru

Sadhguru explains that according to his interpretation of ancient texts and astronomical calculations, Kali Yuga ended around 2012. He believes that we are currently in Dwapara Yuga, which will last until around 2082, followed by Treta Yuga. Sadhguru's perspective is based on the idea that the cycles of the Yugas are linked to the Earth's axial precession and other astronomical phenomena.

He suggests that the transition between Yugas is marked by significant changes in human consciousness and societal conditions. This view offers a more optimistic outlook on the current era, emphasizing spiritual growth and enhanced human intelligence. Ref: https://youtu.be/RT8GrJW5PbM?si=rXvhmlDWp_-fez__

Swami Sri Yukteswar

Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, in his book "The Holy Science", presents a unique interpretation of the Yuga Cycle. He proposes that the traditional durations of the Yugas are incorrect and that the Yugas are much shorter. 

According to his theory:

• Satya Yuga: 4,800 years

• Treta Yuga: 3,600 years

• Dwapara Yuga: 2,400 years

• Kali Yuga: 1,200 years

He also introduces the concept of "sandhis", transitional periods of 10% the length of each Yuga, occurring at both the beginning and end of each Yuga. This results in a total cycle of 12,000 years.

Yukteswar's theory suggests that we are currently in the ascending phase of Dwapara Yuga, which began around 1699 AD and will last until 4099 AD. This perspective offers a more optimistic view of the current era, emphasizing spiritual growth and enhanced human intelligence.

Will Lord Vishnu incarnate as Kalki to end Kali Yuga? 

This final avatar is said to restore righteousness and initiate the next Satya Yuga, marking the beginning of a new cycle.

The Yugas and the epics are indeed intertwined, but they serve different purposes. The Yugas provide a framework for cosmic cycles and human evolution, while the epics, like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, offer mythological narratives that often coincide with these cosmic periods.

Sadhguru and Sri Yukteswar Giri interpret the Yugas through a modern lens, emphasizing spiritual growth and human consciousness. They suggest that the transitions between Yugas are natural cosmic cycles rather than literal divine interventions.

It's important to differentiate between the symbolic and literal interpretations. The epics use divine figures to convey moral and spiritual lessons, while the Yugas offer a broader cosmological perspective. This distinction helps us appreciate the richness of these ancient texts without getting misled by literal interpretations.

So there is no incarnations coming to end the world. DO NOT WORRY. 😉😉

Conclusion 

Contemporary interpretations, such as those by Sadhguru and Sri Yukteswar Giri, offer different timelines and perspectives. Sadhguru suggests we are in Dwapara Yuga, post-2012, emphasizing a potential shift in human consciousness. Sri Yukteswar's shorter Yuga cycle places us in the ascending phase of Dwapara Yuga, promising a future of spiritual growth.

In essence, these cycles reflect the evolving human condition, offering both a historical framework and a hopeful vision for the future. The blend of ancient wisdom and modern interpretation provides a rich tapestry of understanding and optimism.

We will delve into quantum multiverse theory and how it is related to Yugas in another blog post. 

5:20AM  27-10-24  (on date of my birthday) hehe