In this article we will learn about The Dates When Yugas and Manvantaras Begin

The Dawn of the Yuga-s

In the grand tapestry of Hindu cosmology, time unfolds in cyclical epochs known as the Yugas. These epochs mark distinct phases in the evolution of human consciousness, from a golden age of spiritual enlightenment to darker times of moral decline.

According to ancient scriptures, the Yugas follow a precise order, each characterized by its unique attributes and durations. The sacred texts provide specific details regarding the commencement dates of the Yugas, offering a glimpse into the cosmic rhythm of creation.

1. Krita Yuga: The first and most auspicious age, also known as the Age of Truth, begins on the first day of the bright half of the month of Māgha.
2. Treta Yuga: Following the Satya Yuga is the Treta Yuga, an age marked by a gradual decline in virtue and righteousness. Its inception occurs on the third day of the bright half of the month of Caitra.
3. Dvapara Yuga: Subsequent to the Treta Yuga is the Dvapara Yuga, an age characterized by increasing moral ambiguity and spiritual ignorance. It begins on the twelfth day of the bright half of the month of Kārttika.
4. Kali Yuga: The final and darkest age, the Kali Yuga, is an epoch defined by moral decadence, spiritual degradation, and widespread suffering. Its advent takes place on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Āṣāḍha.

These first days of the Yugas are known as the days causing everlasting benefits if charitable gifts are offered (on these days). One should know thāt gifts made and Havanas (i.e. Fire worship, oblations to gods) performed on these four Yugādi days (‘first days of the Yugas’) yield ever-lasting benefits. Charitable gifts made over a period of hundred years in the course of a Yuga and those made on a single day, i.e. on the first day are of equal benefits.

As humanity traverses the cycles of the Yugas, it experiences the ebb and flow of spiritual consciousness, oscillating between periods of enlightenment and ignorance. Yet, amidst the flux of time, the eternal truths of dharma (righteousness), karma (action), and moksha (liberation) endure, guiding seekers on the path towards inner awakening and transcendence. 

Thus, the journey of the soul unfolds across the vast expanse of cosmic time, propelled by the eternal quest for truth and liberation.

The first days of the Yugas have been described. Now listen to the first days of the Manvantaras.

The Dawn of the Manvantara-s

In the vast expanse of cosmic time, the epochs of the Yugas are further subdivided into larger periods known as Manvantaras. Each Manvantara is presided over by a specific Manu, the progenitor of humanity, who guides the destinies of mortals with wisdom and compassion.

The scriptures provide precise details regarding the commencement dates of the Manvantaras, offering insight into the cosmic tapestry of creation. The order of the Manvantaras and their starting dates are delineated as follows:

1. The ninth day of the bright half of the month of Aśvayuj,
2. The twelfth day (of the bright half) of Kārttika,
3. The third day of the bright half of the month of Caitra,
4. The third day of the bright half of the month of Bhādrapaḍa,
5. The new-moon day in the month of Phālguna,
6. The eleventh day of (the bright half of) the month of Pauṣa,
7. The tenth day of the month of Āṣāḍha,
8. The seventh day of the month of Māgha,
9. The eighth day of the dark half of the month of Śrāvaṇa,
10. The full-moon day of the month of Āṣāḍha,
11. The full-moon day in the month of Kārttika,
12. The full-moon day of the month of Phālguna,
13. The full-moon day of the month of Caitra, and
14. The full-moon day of the month of Jyeṣṭha.

These are the first days of the Manvantaras causing everlasting benefits for the charitable gifts made on these days. 

The cyclical nature of time, the impermanence of worldly existence, and the timeless quest for spiritual enlightenment. And amidst the ever-changing tides of fate, the eternal flame of hope burns bright, guiding humanity towards the path of righteousness and divine realization.

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For most of the Hindus, the above information would be sufficient, and thus this article ends here. However, for those Hindus who are inclined to learn these truths referencing the direct quotations from the scriptures, may refer the below block for scriptural references.

The Scriptural References