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Significance of Great Dissolution

The Great Dissolution is a significant cosmic event in Hindu cosmology that signifies the return of all existence to its source. It encompasses the dissolution of the universe, resulting in a state of darkness and void, where all forms are annihilated before potentially being recreated. The concept is reflected across various philosophical traditions, such as Purana, Vyakarana, Shaktism, and Dharmashastra, emphasizing its role in marking the end of creation and the transition into a new cycle of existence.

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Great Dissolution'

Hinduism Books

The Great Dissolution in Hinduism symbolizes the ultimate cosmic event of Pralaya, where all beings dissolve back into Brahma, leading to formlessness, complete annihilation, and eventually setting the stage for a new cycle of creation.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The process marking the end of desires and the material world.[1] (2) The process by which the entire universe undergoes destruction, leading to the end of all visible existence.[2] (3) The process where the universe and all things are said to revert to nothingness before being recreated.[3] (4) The ultimate end of beings where they become extinct in Brahma, and therefore not capable of remembrance.[4]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The period of Pralaya during which all created forms are absorbed back into the divine source.[5] (2) Refers to Pralaya, the time when the universe undergoes destruction and is devoid of the divine Power necessary for creation.[6] (3) The final end of existence where all forms dissolve, as per Hindu cosmology.[7]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The process when the universe is destroyed, resulting in a state of emptiness without gods or celestial bodies.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A hypothetical event where everything is said to be destroyed, but there is a belief that not all things are destroyed at the same time.[9] (2) A significant cosmic event after which deities such as Brahma are created again, with Ishvara providing them with knowledge to pass on.[10] (3) The merging of everything in the root-cause, referred to as the Great Universal (mahasamanya), as understood by those who believe in this concept.[11] (4) The ultimate cause where all universals are said to exist, similar to atoms.[12] (5) A philosophical concept referring to a state where even elements considered eternal are destroyed.[13]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A major cosmic event involving the dissolution of all existence prior to a new cycle of creation.[14]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):
Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) A significant event marking a transition in existence, after which the mind engages with a new body based on its past experiences.[15]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) The process by which the universe is withdrawn or returned to a state of formlessness, associated with Kali鈥檚 nature.[16]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.