Manvantaras

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A vast cosmic time cycle in Hindu cosmology representing a period of creation and dissolution
  2. A length of time in Hindu belief encompassing the cycles of the universe's existence and destruction
  3. An age defined in the context of the cosmic cycles, symbolizing the rhythm of creation, preservation, and dissolution in Hindu tradition

Etymology: This term originates from ancient Indian cosmology and philosophy, specifically within Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is a Sanskrit compound word combining "manu," referring to the archetypal progenitor or lawgiver of mankind, and "antara," meaning "interval" or "period." Together, they describe a vast cosmic cycle or epoch governed by a particular Manu, who is said to preside over the laws and moral order of that era. The concept of these immense time periods reflects the cyclical view of time prevalent in Indian thought, where the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. Each cycle, or "manvantara," spans millions of years and marks the reign of a different Manu, during which the world and human society experience a distinct phase of development and order. This word entered English discourse through the translation and study of Sanskrit texts in the 18th and 19th centuries, as Western scholars engaged with Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas and the Mahabharata. Its presence in English tends to be confined to discussions of Eastern philosophy, comparative religion, and cosmology, where it conveys a specific concept of cosmic time that contrasts strongly with the linear historical perspective common in the West. Etymologically, the formation is transparent within Sanskrit, but its rich cultural and philosophical background gives it layers of meaning that go beyond the literal parts. The idea encapsulates a worldview where time is not a simple progression but a series of grand, repeating patterns, each with its own moral and metaphysical significance.

Synonyms: cosmic cycles, world ages, epochs, eras, time periods