* **Duration of a Manvantara:** Each manvantara is equal to seventy-one times the number of years contained in the four Yugas, with some additional years. This is the duration of the Manu, the (attendant) divinities, and the rest, which is equal to 852,000 divine years, or to 306,720,000 years of mortals, independent of the additional period.
* **Number of Manvantaras in a Kalpa:** A kalpa (day of Brahma) lasts for 4.32 billion years (12 million divine years or 1,000 Yuga Cycles). In each kalpa, there are a total of fourteen manvantaras (14 x 71 = 994 Yuga Cycles), where each is followed by and the first preceded by a manvantara-sandhya (fifteen sandhyas) with each sandhya lasting for 1,728,000 years.
* **Current Manvantara:** We are currently in the seventh manvantara of fourteen, which is ruled by Vaivasvata Manu.
* **Significance of Manvantaras:** The concept of manvantaras is central to Hindu cosmology, as it provides a framework for understanding the cyclical nature of time and the creation and destruction of the universe. Each manvantara is a period of renewal and rebirth, followed by a period of decline and destruction. This cycle of creation and destruction is seen as essential for maintaining the balance of the universe.
Here is a table summarizing the key information about manvantaras:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 852,000 divine years (306,720,000 mortal years) |
| Number in a Kalpa | 14 |
| Current Manvantara | Vaivasvata Manu |
| Significance | Provides a framework for understanding the cyclical nature of time and the creation and destruction of the universe |
In Hindu cosmology, a manvantara, also known as Manu-antara or Manvamtara, is a cyclic period of time identifying the duration, reign, or age of a Manu, the progenitor of mankind. Each manvantara is distinguished by the Manu who rules/reigns over it, of which we are currently in the seventh manvantara of fourteen, which is ruled by Vaivasvata Manu.
A manvantara is a vast period of time, lasting for 71 Chaturyugas, which is approximately 306,720,000 human years. Each Chaturyuga is further divided into four Yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. The duration of each Yuga decreases from Satya Yuga to Kali Yuga, reflecting the gradual decline of dharma (righteousness) in the world.
During each manvantara, a new Manu is born, along with seven Rishis (sages), certain deities, an Indra (king of the gods), and a group of kings (sons of Manu). These beings all perish at the end of the manvantara, and a new cycle begins with the birth of a new Manu.
The current manvantara, the Vaivasvata Manvantara, is believed to be in its Kali Yuga, the final and most degraded of the four Yugas. This is a time of great turmoil and strife, when righteousness is at its lowest ebb. According to Hindu scriptures, the Kali Yuga will last for 432,000 years, and when it ends, a new manvantara will begin with the birth of a new Manu.
In Hindu cosmology, a **manvantara** (Sanskrit: मन्वन्तर) is a cyclic period of time identifying the duration, reign, or age of a Manu, the progenitor of mankind. In each manvantara, seven Rishis, certain deities, an Indra, a Manu, and kings (sons of Manu) are created and perish. Each manvantara is distinguished by the Manu who rules/reigns over it, of which we are currently in the seventh manvantara of fourteen, which is ruled by Vaivasvata Manu.
A manvantara is equal to seventy-one times the number of years contained in the four Yugas, with some additional years: this is the duration of the Manu, the (attendant) divinities, and the rest, which is equal to 852,000 divine years, or to 306,720,000 years of mortals, independent of the additional period. Fourteen times this period constitutes a Brahma day, that is, a day of Brahma.
Here is a table of the manvantaras and their respective Manus:
| Manvantara | Manu |
| Svayambhuva | Svayambhuva |
| Swārōcīṣa | Swārōcīṣa |
| Uttama | Uttama |
| Tāmasa | Tāmasa |
| Chakshuṣa | Chakshuṣa |
| Vaivasvata | Vaivasvata |
| Sāvarṇi | Sāvarṇi |
| Dakṣa | Dakṣa |
| Brahma | Brahma |
| Adbhuta | Adbhuta |
| Brahma-savarṇi | Brahma-savarṇi |
| Dharma-savarṇi | Dharma-savarṇi |
| Rudra | Rudra |
The current manvantara, the Vaivasvata Manvantara, is said to be a time of great righteousness and prosperity. However, it is also said that the Kali Yuga, the darkest of the four Yugas, is gradually increasing in influence during this manvantara.
The concept of the manvantara is a complex one, and there are many different interpretations of its meaning and significance. However, it is clear that it is an important part of Hindu cosmology, and it has been a source of fascination and inspiration for Hindus for centuries.
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