Manvantara

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Manvantara or Manuvantara,
[1]
or age of a Manu,
[2]
the Hindu progenitor of humanity, is an astronomical
period of time measurement. Manvantara is a Sanskrit sandhi, a combination of words manu and antara,
manu-antara or manvantara, literally meaning the duration of a Manu, or his life span.
[3]
Each Manvantara is created and ruled by a specific Manu, who in turn is created by Brahma, the Creator
himself. Manu creates the world, and all its species during that period of time, each Manvantara lasts the
lifetime of a Manu, upon whose death, Brahma creates another Manu to continue the cycle of Creation or
Shristi, Vishnu on his part takes a new Avatar, and also a new Indra and Saptarishis are appointed.
Eventually it takes 14 Manus and their respective Manvantaras to create a Kalpa, Aeon, or a Day of
Brahma, according to the Hindu Time Cycles and also the Vedic timeline. Thereafter, at the end of each
Kalpa, there is a period - same as Kalpa - of dissolution or Pralaya,
[4]
wherein the world (earth and all life
forms, but not the entire universe itself) is destroyed and lies in a state of rest, which is called the, Night of
Brahma.
After that the creator, Brahma starts his cycle of creation all over again, in an endless cycle of creation
followed by Destruction for which Shiva, Hindu God of destruction, and also renewal, is invoked towards
the end of each such cycle.
[5]
Contents
1 Duration of a Manvantara
1.1 Sub-divisions
1.2 Comparison to the Age of the Universe from Modern Astronomy
2 Manus of the veta Vrha Kalpa
2.1 First Manvantara - the interval of Swayambhu Manu
2.2 Second Manvantara - the interval of Swarochisha Manu
2.3 Third Manvantara - the interval of Auttami Manu
2.4 Fourth Manvantara - the interval of Tamasa Manu
2.5 Fifth Manvantara - the interval of Raivata Manu
2.6 Sixth Manvantara - the interval of Chakshusha Manu
2.7 The present, seventh Manvantara - the interval of Vaivasvata Manu
2.8 Eighth (Future) - Savarni Manu
2.9 Ninth - Daksa Savarni Manu
2.10 Tenth - Brahma Savarni Manu
2.11 Eleventh - Dharma Savarni Manu
2.12 Twelfth - Rudra Savarni Manu
2.13 Thirteenth - Raucya or Deva Savarni Manu
2.14 Fourteenth - Indra Savarni Manu
3 See also
4 References
5 External links
Duration of a Manvantara
The actual duration of a Manavantara, according to the Vishnu Purana is seventy one times the number of
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Manvantara in Hindu units of time
measurement, on a logarithmic scale.
years contained in the four Yugas, with some additional years, adding
up to 852,000 divine years, or 306,720,000 human years
[6]
Vishnu
Purana, translated by Horace Hayman Wilson, 1840, Book I: Chapter
III. p. 26-28. Seven Rishis, certain (secondary) divinities, Indra,
Manu, the king and his sons, are created and perish in one interval,
and the interval, called a Manwantara, 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 Brhma day, that is, a day of
Brahm; the term (Brhma) being the derivative form. The Brahma
life span is 100 Brahma varshas. The following table will illustrate
clearly the link to our years and Brahma years.
Sub-divisions
1 human year (in Hindu calendar) = 1 Deva Ahoratra for God (1 day
and 1 night)
360 Deva Ahoratras = 1 Deva Vatsara
12,000 Deva Vatsara = 1 Chaturyuga
(12,000 Deva Vatsaras are defined as, 4,800 Deva Vatsaras of Krita
yuga, 3,600 Deva Vatsaras of Treta Yuga, 2,400 Deva Vatsaras of
Dvapara Yuga and 1,200 Deva Vatsaras of Kali Yuga which is 1,200
* 360 = 4,32,000 human years)
71 Chaturyugas = 1 Manvantaram (1 life span of Manu)
14 Manvantaras = 1 kalpa (1 day of Brahma)
2 Kalpas = 1 day + 1 Brahma ratra
360 days of Brahma = 1 Brahma varsha
[7]

[8]
Comparison to the Age of the Universe from Modern
Astronomy
Modern scientific astronomy estimates the Age of the Universe as
around 13 Billion years (13 * 10
9
years). Conversion of 1 day of
Brahma into human years yields 8.58816 * 10
9
years (derived as 2
kalpas * 14 Manvantaras * 71 Chaturyugas * 12,000 Deva vatsaras *
360 human years).
Manus of the veta Vrha Kalpa
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Hindu Time Chart
Manvantara

Name of Manu for

manvantara:
Manvantara-
avatara name:
01 Svayambhuva Manu Yajna
02 Svarocisha Manu Vibhu
03 Uttama Manu Satyasena
04 Tamasa Manu Hari
05 Raivata Manu Vaikuntha
06 Cakshusha Manu Ajita
07
Vaivasvata Manu
(current)
Vamana
08 Savarni Manu Sarvabhauma
09 Daksha-savarni Manu Rishabha
10 Brahma-savarni Manu Vishvaksena
11 Dharma-savarni Manu Dharmasetu
12 Rudra-savarni Manu Sudhama
13 Deva-savarni Manu Yogesvara
14 Indra-savarni Manu Brihadbhanu
First Manvantara - the interval of Swayambhu Manu
Saptarshis ( ): Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulastya, and Vashishtha.
[2][9]
svayambhuvein
the Svayambhuva-manvantara; yajnathe avatara named Yajna: In the Svayambhuva-manvantara, the
Avatar is named Yajna.
The first Manu was Svayambhuva Manu. His two daughters, namely Akuti and Devahuti, gave birth to two
sons, named Yajna and Kapila respectively. Svayambhuva Manu, along with his wife, Satarupa, went into the
forest to practice austerities on the bank of the River Sunanda. At some point in time, Rakshasas and asuras
attacked them, but Yajna, accompanied by his sons the Yamas and the demigods, killed them. Then Yajna
personally took the post of Indra, the King of the heavenly planets.
Second Manvantara - the interval of Swarochisha Manu
Urja, Stambha, Praa, Dattoli, Rishabha, Nischara, and Arvarvat. In the Svarocisha-manvantara, avatara is
named Vibhu.
The second Manu, whose name was Svarocisha, was the son of Agni, and His sons were headed by Dyumat,
Sushena and Rocishmat. In the age of this Manu, Rocana became Indra, the ruler of the heavenly planets,
and there were many demigods, headed by Tushita. There were also many saintly persons, such as Urja and
Stambha. Among them was Vedasira, whose wife, Tushita, gave birth to Vibhu. Vibhu instructed eighty-eight
thousand dridha-vratas, or saintly persons, on self-control and austerity.
Third Manvantara - the interval of Auttami Manu
Sons of Vashista: Kaukundihi, Kurundi, Dalaya, ankha, Pravhita, Mita, and Sammita. In the Auttama-
manvantara, He (avatara) is named Satyasena.
Uttama, the son of Priyavrata, was the third Manu. Among his sons were Pavana, Srinjaya and Yajnahotra.
During the reign of this Manu, the sons of Vashista, headed by Pramada, became the seven saintly persons.
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The Satyas, Devasrutas and Bhadras became the demigods, and Satyajit became Indra. From the womb of
Sunrita, the wife of Dharma, the Lord appeared as Satyasena, and He killed all the Yakshas and Rakshasas
who were fighting with Satyajit.
Fourth Manvantara - the interval of Tamasa Manu
Jyotirdhama, Prithu, Kavya, Chaitra, Agni, Vanaka, and Pivara. In the Tamasa-manvantara, He (Vishnu) is
named Hari.
Tamasa, the brother of the third Manu, was the fourth Manu, and he had ten sons, including Prithu, Khyati,
Nara and Ketu. During his reign, the Satyakas, Haris, Viras and others were demigods, the seven great saints
were headed by Jyotirdhama, and Trisikha became Indra. Harimedha begot a son named Hari by his wife
Harini. Hari saved the devotee Gajendra. This incident known as gajendra-mokshana.
Fifth Manvantara - the interval of Raivata Manu
Hirannyaroma, Vedasr, Urddhabahu, Vedabahu, Sudhaman, Parjanya, and Mahmuni. In the Raivata-
manvantara, the avatara is named Vaikuntha.
Vaikuntha came as Raivata Manu, the twin brother of Tamasa. His sons were headed by Arjuna, Bali and
Vindhya. Among the demigods were the Bhutarayas, and among the seven brahmanas who occupied the
seven planets were Hiranyaroma, Vedasira and Urdhvabahu.
Sixth Manvantara - the interval of Chakshusha Manu
Sumedhas, Virajas, Havishmat, Uttama, Madhu, Abhinman, and Sahishnnu. In the Chakshusha-manvantara,
avatara is named Ajita.
Ajita came as Chakshsusa Manu, the son of the demigod Chakshu. He had many sons, headed by Puru,
Purusa and Sudyumna. During the reign of Chakshusa Manu, the King of heaven was known as
Mantradruma. Among the demigods were the Apyas, and among the great sages were Havisman and Viraka.
The present, seventh Manvantara - the interval of Vaivasvata Manu
Kashyapa, Atri, Vashista, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadvaja.
[9]
In the Vaivasvata-manvantara,
He (Avatara) is named Vamana
The seventh Manu, who is the son of Vivasvan, is known as Sraddhadeva. He has ten sons, named Iksvaku,
Nabhaga, Dhrsta, Saryati, Narisyanta, Nabhaga, Dista, Tarusa, Prsadhra and Vasuman. In this manvantara, or
reign of Manu, among the demigods are the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Visvedevas, Maruts, Asvini-kumaras
and Rbhus. The king of heaven, Indra, is known as Purandara, and the seven sages are known as Kashyap,
Atri, Vashista, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Bharadwaj. During this period of Manu, Vishnu
appears from the womb of Aditi in his incarnation as the son of Kashyap.
Eighth (Future) - Savarni Manu
Diptimat, Galava, Rama, Kripa, Drauni, Vyasa, and Rishyasringa. Text came from .... (http://www.sacred-
texts.com/hin/vp/vp076.htm)Vishnu Purana: Book III: Chapter II In the Savarnya-manvantara, He (avatara)
is named Sarvabhauma.
In the period of the eighth Manu, the Manu is Savarni. His sons are headed by Nirmoka, and among the
demigods are the Sutapas. Bali, the son of Virochana, is Indra, and Galava and Parasurama are among the
seven sages. In this age of Manu, the incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead appears as
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Sarvabhauma, the son of Devaguhya and Sarasvati.
Ninth - Daksa Savarni Manu
Savana, Dyutimat, Bhavya, Vasu, Medhatithi, Jyotishmn, and Satya. In the Daksha-savarnya-manvantara,
He (avatara) is named Rishabha.
In the period of the ninth Manu, the Manu is Daksha-savarni. His sons are headed by Bhutaketu, and among
the demigods are the Maricigarbhas. Adbhuta is Indra, and among the seven sages is Dyutiman. In this
period of Manu, the incarnation Rishabha is born of Ayushman and Ambudhara.
Tenth - Brahma Savarni Manu
Havishmn, Sukriti, Satya, Apmmrtti, Nbhga, Apratimaujas, and Satyaket. In the Brahma-savarnya-
manvantara, the avatara is named Vishvaksena.
In the period of the tenth Manu, the Manu is Brahma-savarni. Among his sons is Bhurishena, and the seven
sages are Havishman and others. Among the demigods are the Suvasanas, and Sambhu is Indra. The
incarnation in this period of Manu is Vishvaksena, who is a friend of Sambhu and who is born from the
womb of Vishuci in the house of a brahmana named Visvasrashta.
Eleventh - Dharma Savarni Manu
Nichara, Agnitejas, Vapushmn, Vishu, runi, Havishmn, and Anagha. In the Dharma-savarnya, He
(avatara) is named Dharmasetu.
In the period of the eleventh Manu, the Manu is Dharma-savarni, who has ten sons, headed by Satyadharma.
Among the demigods are the Vihangamas, Indra is known as Vaidhrita, and the seven sages are Aruna and
others. In this manvantara, the incarnation is Dharmasetu, who is born of Vaidhrita and Aryaka.
Twelfth - Rudra Savarni Manu
Tapasw, Sutapas, Tapomrtti, Taporati, Tapodhriti, Tapodyuti, and Tapodhan. In the Rudra-savarnya He
(avatara) is named Sudhama.
In the period of the twelfth Manu, the Manu is Rudra-savarni, whose sons are headed by Devavan. The
demigods are the Haritas and others, Indra is Ritadhama, and the seven sages are Tapomurti and others. The
incarnation in this manvantara is Sudhama, or Svadhama, who is born from the womb of Sunrita. His father's
name is Satyasaha.
Thirteenth - Raucya or Deva Savarni Manu
Nirmoha, Tatwadersn, Nishprakampa, Nirutsuka, Dhritimat, Avyaya, and Sutapas. In the Deva-savarnya, He
(avatara) is named Yogesvara.
In the period of the thirteenth Manu, the Manu is Deva-savarni. Among his sons is Chitrasena, the demigods
are the Sukarmas and others, Indra is Divaspati, and Nirmoka is among the sages. The manvantara-avatara is
Yogeshwara, who is born of Devahotra and Brihati.
Fourteenth - Indra Savarni Manu
Agnibhu, uchi, hukra, Magadh, Gridhra, Yukta, and Ajita. In the Indra-savarnya-manvantara, the
avatara is named Brihadbhanu.
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In the period of the fourteenth Manu, the Manu is Indra-savarni. Among his sons are Uru and Gambhira, the
demigods are the Pavitras and others, Indra is Suci, and among the sages are Agni and Bahu. The incarnation
of this manvantara is known as Brihadbhanu. He is born of Satrayana from the womb of Vitana.
Almost all literature refers to first 9 Manus with same names but there is a lot of disagreement on names
after that, although all of them agree with total of 14.
[10]
See also
Manu
Metrics of time in Hinduism
Kalpa (aeon)
Yuga
List of numbers in Hindu scriptures
References
^ Manuantara (http://www.sacred-texts.com/the/sd/sd1-2-07.htm) The Secret Doctrine by H. P. Blavatsky, Vol.
1, p. 368, THE DAYS AND NIGHTS OF BRAHMA, THIS is the name given to the Periods called
MANVANTARA (Manuantara, or between the Manus) and PRALAYA (Dissolution); one referring to the active
periods of the Universe, the other to its times of relative and complete rest -- according to whether they occur at
the end of a "Day," or an "Age" (a life) of Brahma. These periods, which follow each other in regular
succession, are also called Kalpas, small and great, the minor and the Maha Kalpa; though, properly speaking,
the Maha Kalpa is never a "day," but a whole life or age of Brahma, for it is said in the Brahma Vaivarta:
"Chronologers compute a Kalpa by the Life of Brahma; minor Kalpas, as Samvarta and the rest, are numerous."
In sober truth they are infinite; as they have never had a commencement, i.e., there never was a first Kalpa, nor
will there ever be a last one, in Eternity.
1.
^
a

b
Account of the several Manus and Manwantaras (http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp075.htm) Vishnu
Purana, translated by Horace Hayman Wilson, 1840, Book III: Chapter I. p. 259, The first Manu was
Swyambhuva, then came Swrochisha, then Auttami, then Tmasa, then Raivata, then Chkshusha: these six
Manus have passed away. The Manu who presides over the seventh Manwantara, which is the present period, is
Vaivaswata, the son of the sun...
2.
^ Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.13.14-16 (http://namahatta.org/en/node/6996) 3.
^ Pralaya (http://www.sacred-texts.com/the/sd/sd2-1-18.htm) The Secret Doctrine by H. P. Blavatsky, Vol. 2, p.
307 THE SEVEN AND FOURTEEN MANUS.
4.
^ Manvantara (http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/manu/manu01.htm) The Laws of Manu, (Manu Smriti), Sacred
Books of the East Vol. 25, translated by Georg Bhler, 1886, Chapter I, 79. The before-mentioned age of the
gods, (or) twelve thousand (of their years), being multiplied by seventy-one, (constitutes what) is here named the
period of a Manu (Manvantara). The Manvantaras, the creations and destructions (of the world, are) numberless;
sporting, as it were, Brahman repeats this again and again.
5.
^ Measure of time (http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp037.htm) 6.
^ Time Comparison from {Khapre.org} Vedic Time Converter (http://www.khapre.org
/also/VedicTimeConverter.aspx)
7.
^ Puranic Encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani 8.
^
a

b
Inhabitants of the Worlds (http://www.sacred-texts.com/tantra/maha/maha00.htm) Mahanirvana Tantra,
translated by Arthur Avalon, (Sir John Woodroffe), 1913, Introduction and Preface. The Rishi are seers who
know, and by their knowledge are the makers of shastra and "see" all mantras. The word comes from the root
rish Rishati-prapnoti sarvvang mantrang jnanena pashyati sangsaraparangva, etc. The seven great Rishi or
saptarshi of the first manvantara are Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulastya, and Vashista. In other
manvantara there are other saptarshi. In the present manvantara the seven are Kashyapa, Atri, Vashista,
Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadvaja. To the Rishi the Vedas were revealed. Vyasa taught the
Rigveda so revealed to Paila, the Yajurveda to Vaishampayana, the Samaveda to Jaimini, Atharvaveda to
Samantu, and Itihasa and Purana to Suta. The three chief classes of Rishi are the Brahmarshi, born of the mind
of Brahma, the Devarshi of lower rank, and Kings who became Rishis through their knowledge and austerities,
such as Janaka, Ritaparna, etc. The Shrutarshi are makers of Shastras, as Sushruta. The Kandarshi are of the
9.
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Karmakanda, such as Jaimini.
^ Summary of Manu in Ancient Literature () (http://www.khapre.org/portal/url/dictionary
/ -/word)
10.
External links
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