Understanding the Yugas in Indian Mythology

Indian mythology encompasses four ages or yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. These epochs form a cycle known as Maha Yuga, which lasts for 4.32 million human years. Specifically, their durations are as follows:

Satya Yuga: 1.728 million years Treta Yuga: 1.296 million years Dwapara Yuga: 0.864 million years Kali Yuga: 0.432 million years

After these four yugas, the cycle repeats, indicating the natural rhythm of the cosmos as governed by a higher power, such as Brahma. Each Maha Yuga forms a part of the infinite cycle of creation and destruction, highlighting the vastness of time and the cyclical nature of existence.

The Concept of Maha Yuga and the Age of Brahma

A single Maha Yuga is equivalent to one day of Brahma, and the divine being Brahma rules for 100 heavenly years, each consisting of 360 days and nights. This results in an immense duration of 311.04 trillion human years for the entire cycle of Brahma's life, known as the Age of Brahma.

The enormity of this time scale is so vast that our current existence, including the current Kali Yuga, appears insignificant. Therefore, it is not surprising to hear that the gods and demi-gods are not engaged in any specific activities in the present Kali Yuga. This is because their primary function is not directly observable during this cycle.

Exploring Kali Yuga

Kali Yuga began a few thousand years ago and is expected to last for a total of 432,000 years. Currently, it has only spanned just over 5,000 years, leaving a much larger portion of its intended period ahead. This relatively short span within the vast cycle of Maha Yuga explains why gods are seen as idle or uninvolved in earthly affairs.

Implications of Kali Yuga

According to Indian mythology, the Kali Yuga is characterized by various negative traits, including shortened lifespans, widespread deceit, and diminishing spiritual values. It is believed that no devas or even the Triad (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) can descend to Earth during this epoch unless the practice of bhakti (devotion) reaches its peak.

The Role of Gods in Kali Yuga

Even though the gods may not be visibly active in the modern Kali Yuga, they continue to fulfill their cosmic duties. Gods and demi-gods, such as the Rain God, Air God, Creative God, and Destructive God, each have specific functions that play a crucial role in stabilizing the cosmic balance.

The concept of each god having semi-gods and associates working under broader divine tasks is an integral part of Indian mythology. These beings, whether deities or demi-gods, are engaged in their own responsibilities, contributing to the ongoing cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.

Thus, even in the seemingly inactive Kali Yuga, the deities and their duties persist, maintaining the equilibrium of the universe.