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Significance of Mahapralaya

Mahapralaya, in Vaishnavism and other Hindu philosophies, signifies the great dissolution or annihilation of the universe, marking a cataclysmic event at the end of cosmic cycles. This cosmic flood leads to a temporary cessation of existence, where all souls dissolve, reconnecting with Brahma and subsequently merging into Lord Vishnu. Mahapralaya also denotes the end of creation and the revelation of the Absolute Truth, indicating a cyclical nature of existence, contrasting individual experiences with a universal reset.1
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Synonyms: Great dissolution, Cosmic dissolution, Universal dissolution, Ultimate destruction, Final annihilation, Cosmic annihilation, End of the universe

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

Hindu concept of 'Mahapralaya'

Hinduism Books

Mahapralaya in Hinduism signifies a cyclical Great Dissolution, representing the end of the universe, where all existence ceases temporarily, leading to transformation and eventual recreation, ultimately returning souls to unity with Brahman.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The great cosmic dissolution, a time of universal annihilation.[1] (2) The great dissolution at the end of a cosmic cycle, leading to the destruction of the universe.[2] (3) The great cosmic flood that symbolizes total annihilation, where the position of Brahma is rendered insignificant.[3]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) The annihilation of the universe at the end of Brahma's life.[4] (2) The great annihilation at which time the existence of maya is destroyed, revealing the Absolute Truth.[5]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The great dissolution or annihilation of the universe when jivas (souls) disappear.[6]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) The great devastation (mahapralaya) is a cataclysmic event where all living beings rejoin with Brahma and subsequently enter Lord Vishnu.[7]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The great deluge in Hindu mythology, signifying the end of the cosmos, which Markandeya wished to witness.[8]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The great dissolution or cosmic resetting, a significant event in the cycle of existence mentioned in relation to the Supreme Soul and matter.[9] (2) The great dissolution phase in the cycle of creation and destruction according to Vedic cosmology.[10]

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 Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) Mahapralaya refers to a grand dissolution state, suggesting a cyclical nature of existence and the relation to consciousness.[11] (2) The Great Latency, a state where the highest existence and consciousness come to an end, signifying profound transformation.[12]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) A general annihilation of the world where the entire current of practical existence is interrupted, contrasting with individual experiences such as sleep.[13] (2) A grand dissolution or end of cycles, after which beings reach an ultimate state together with Brahman.[14]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

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

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The great dissolution at the end of a cycle, a concept in Hindu cosmology that signifies the end of the universe.[15]

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) The Great Dissolution, a cyclical event in which the universe is dissolved and reborn, leading to the recreation of divine beings.[16]

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.

The concept of Mahapralaya in local and regional sources

History Books

Mahapralaya, as defined in the Padarthadharmasangraha, represents an extensive unit of time signifying a long duration, highlighting its significance in understanding cosmic cycles and temporal measurements in philosophical contexts.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) The maha-pralaya is a unit of time, mentioned in the Padarthadharmasangraha, without a conversion ratio, used to measure a long duration.[17]