Wikipedia - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

Benutzer:Jaden7667/Pralaya

2022-11-27T10:06:34Z

176.128.237.169: /* Brahmapralaya */ typo

{{short description|Period of dissolution (non-activity) in Hindu cosmology}}
{{Italic title}}
{{For|ships of this name|INS Pralaya}}
{{Redirect|Proloy|the 2013 film|Proloy (film)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2014}}
[[File:Wisdom-of-manu-1916.jpg!PinterestLarge.jpg|thumb|260x260px|The [[Matsya]] (fish) [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]] saves the first [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]] during a ''Prakritapralaya.'']]
'''Pralaya''' ({{lang-sa|प्रलय||destruction|translit=Pralaya}}) is a concept in [[Hinduism|Hindu]] [[eschatology]]. Generally referring to four different phenomena,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Soifer |first=Deborah A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c9hxwj4lhSsC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA70&dq=four+pralayas&hl=en |title=Myths of Narasimha and Vamana, The: Two Avatars in Cosmological Perspective |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1-4384-2063-9 |pages=70 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=George M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7LOZfwCDpEC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA236&dq=nityapralaya&hl=en |title=Handbook of Hindu Mythology |date=2008-03-27 |publisher=OUP USA |isbn=978-0-19-533261-2 |pages=236 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bäumer |first=Bettina |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uPoIZaGGtiMC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA31&dq=nitya+pralaya&hl=en |title=Kalatattvakosa |date=1996 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishe |isbn=978-81-208-1402-8 |pages=31 |language=en}}</ref> it is most commonly used to indicate the event of the dissolution of the entire universe that follows a ''[[Kalpa (time)|kalpa]]'', which is a period of 4.32 billion years called the ''Brahmapralaya''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA312&dq=pralaya+hinduism&hl=en |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2010 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |pages=312 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=Johnson2009>{{cite book|last=Johnson|first=W.J.|title=A Dictionary of Hinduism|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2009|isbn=978-0-19-861025-0|pages=165, 241}}</ref>

Pralaya also refers to ''Nityapralaya'', the continuous destruction of all animate and inanimate beings that occurs on a daily basis, ''Prakritapralaya'', the great flood produced by [[Prakṛti|Prakriti]] (Nature) that ends all of creation after the completion of the [[Yuga Cycle|Chaturyuga]] (four-age) cycle, and ''Atyantikapralaya'', the dissolution of one's [[Ātman (Hinduism)|Atman]] (Self) due to its union with [[Brahman]] (Ultimate Reality).<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Pralaya |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241840.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> A concept that has been referenced in [[Hindu Literature|literature]] since the [[Upanishads]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2021-03-27 |title=[Chandogya Upanishad] Third Adhyaya, Eleventh Khanda (6 mantras) |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/chandogya-upanishad-madhva-commentary/d/doc626589.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> the concept of pralaya has been widely discussed in [[Hindu cosmology]] as well as [[Hindu philosophy|philosophy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2014-09-09 |title=Pralaya, Pralayā: 25 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pralaya#hinduism |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

== Description ==
{{Hinduism}}
Hindu cosmology posits an endless cycle of the periodic creation and destruction of the universe.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Klostermaier |first=Klaus K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E_6-JbUiHB4C&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA496&dq=pralaya+hinduism&hl=en |title=A Survey of Hinduism: Third Edition |date=2007-07-05 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-7914-7082-4 |pages=496 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Walls |first=Jerry L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cDl6O_mAlSUC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT389&dq=eschatology+pralaya&hl=en |title=The Oxford Handbook of Eschatology |date=2007-12-03 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-988359-2 |pages=389 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Nityapralaya ===
Nityapralaya refers to constant dissolution, the phenomenon that describes the daily entropy of the mind and the body of all living and non-living beings.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Caṭṭopādhyāẏa |first=Rāmapada |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-XY_nOafZ84C&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA52&dq=nityapralaya&hl=en |title=A Vaiṣṇava Interpretation of the Brahmasūtras: Vedānta and Theism |last2=Chattopadhyay |first2=Ramampada |date=1992 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-09570-0 |pages=52 |language=en}}</ref> Being created, all matter is subject to constant decay and destruction, and is often described to be a personal experience, leading to a temporary earthly death.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Baartmans |first=Frans |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tGLXAAAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=nityapralaya&q=nityapralaya&hl=en |title=Āpaḥ, the Sacred Waters: An Analysis of a Primordial Symbol in Hindu Myths |date=1990 |publisher=B.R. Publishing Corporation |isbn=978-81-7018-582-6 |pages=30 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Skanda Purana]] describes the Nityapralaya to be the various negative experiences and losses that a human being experiences, such as being robbed, having one's wife stolen, the arrival of one's enemy, the onset of fever, as well as blight, all of which culminates in death, the most painful experience. Such mental anguish is stated to be the result of one's own [[Karma in Hinduism|karma]]. One's karma is also stated to determine one's rebirth as various lesser beasts, the actions of the being during such births in turn determining one's karma.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shastri |first=J. L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cRhOEAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA317&dq=nitya+pralaya+daily&hl=en |title=The Skanda Purana Part 7: Ancient Indian Tradition And Mythology [Volume 55] |last2=Bhatt |first2=G. P. |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-3922-9 |pages=317 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Brahmapralaya ===
The [[Bhagavata Purana]] states that one kalpa (age), which consists of a thousand revolutions of the four ages, the [[Satya Yuga|Satya]], [[Treta Yuga|Treta]], [[Dvapara Yuga|Dvapara]], and the [[Kali Yuga|Kali]], and the reign of fourteen [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manus]], is one day in the life of the creator deity, [[Brahma]]. A pralaya is described to be an equal length of time, referred to as a night in the life of the deity. This form of the dissolution is caused by the sleep of Brahma, and is hence named after him. It is also called ''naimittika'', which means, 'occasional'. During this period, [[Narayana]] withdraws the universe within him, and also rests upon his serpent mount, [[Shesha]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2022-09-03 |title=The Four-Fold Pralaya [Chapter 4] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-bhagavata-purana/d/doc1129008.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Agni Purana]] describes that the resources of the earth are depleted by the end of the four-age cycle, leading to a severe drought for a century. All beings perish on earth during this period. The waters that are present in the [[Trailokya|three worlds]] are dried up due to their consumption by [[Vishnu]]. The seven rays of the sun become seven suns, and burn the three worlds, as well as the [[Patala|netherworld]]. The earth is described to resemble a tortoise during this event. A fire of dissolution, a manifestation of [[Rudra]], along with the breath of Shesha, burn the netherworld. The inhabitants of the three worlds first travel to Maharloka, and then to Janaloka. Vishnu causes a century of rain upon the worlds to douse the fire. He returns to his yogic sleep for an age, and waking up in his form of Brahma, he creates the universe once more. The universe is stated to remain in a non-manifested state for two ''parārdhas'' (311.04 trillion years)''.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2021-11-18 |title=Constant dissolution, occasional and total dissolution [Chapter 368] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-agni-purana/d/doc1083598.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

The term ''Mahapralaya'' stands for "Great Dissolution", and is synonymous with the Brahmapralaya.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2017-02-22 |title=Mahapralaya, Mahāpralaya, Maha-pralaya: 12 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mahapralaya |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rajarajan|first=R. K. K.|title=Water, Source of 'Genesis' and the End Macro and Micro Viṣṇu in the Hymns of the Āḻvārs|url=https://www.academia.edu/44602573|journal=The Medieval History Journal|year=2020|volume=23|issue=2|pages=296–331|doi=10.1177/0971945820956583|s2cid=227240912|issn=0971-9458}}</ref> According to the [[Shiva Purana]], the lower ten realms ([[loka|lokas]]) are destroyed during this phenomenon,<ref name="shivp">{{cite book |title=Shiv Purana|author=B. K. Chaturvedi|publisher=Diamond Pocket Books|year=2004|isbn=8171827217 |page=124 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bchgql0em9YC&q=Swargaloka&pg=PA124 }}</ref> while the higher four realms called the [[Satya-loka|Satyaloka]], Tapa-loka, Jana-loka, and Mahar-loka, are preserved. During each Mahapralaya, all 14 realms are destroyed.

=== Prakritapralaya ===
The [[Vishnu Purana]] describes the Prakritapralaya''.'' After the completion of the four-age cycle, a great flood is unleashed on [[Bhumi (goddess)|Bhumi]], the earth, by Prakriti, the personification of nature. When Jala (water) reaches the abode of the [[Saptarishi|Saptarishis]], the entire world is encompassed by a single ocean. The breath of Vishnu disperses all the clouds and reabsorbs them, after which he proceeds to sleep. When [[Agni]] destroys the world and nature, elemental dissolution begins. Jala swallows the [[Guṇa|gunas]] of the earth, and subsequently the universe, after which its [[Rasa (theology)|rasa]] is devoured by Agni. When [[Akasha]] is consumed by the flames of Agni, [[Vayu]] and sound permeate throughout, becoming one with Agni by absorbing its guna. When Vayu comes into contact with ether, it loses its elemental potency, causing ether alone to occupy the vacuum. Consciousness, combined with darkness, take over the universe, which in turn is conquered by [[Buddhi]]. At this juncture, the seven components of Prakriti recombine. The [[Hiranyagarbha]] of Brahma dissolves in the waters that surround Prakriti. Prakriti fuses with [[Purusha]], assimilating Buddhi, becoming Brahman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2014-08-30 |title=Nature of elemental dissolution (Prakrita-pralaya) [Chapter IV] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/vishnu-purana-wilson/d/doc116065.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Valborg |first=Helen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T6y0OWp1UlQC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA168&dq=prakrita+pralaya+flood&hl=en |title=Symbols of the Eternal Doctrine: From Shamballa to Paradise |date=2007 |publisher=Theosophy Trust Books |isbn=978-0-9793205-1-4 |pages=168 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Srinivasan |first=Dr A. V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pm__DQAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT13&dq=prakrita+pralaya+flood&hl=en |title=The Puranas: A Magnifying Glass for Vedic Wisdom |publisher=Periplus Line LLC |isbn=978-1-63587-202-6 |pages=13 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Pralaya |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241840.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>
=== Atyantikapralaya ===
This form of pralaya is referred to as absolute dissolution. The [[Agni Purana]] states that such a dissolution may be achieved with knowledge acquisition, after recognising the suffering caused by one's mind. It explains the cycles of birth and rebirth ([[Saṃsāra|samsara]]), and a temporary residence at abodes in between. It states that a person is born on earth based on their deeds in their previous life. It states that a person who had led a mostly sinful life would experience their fruits of performing good deeds at [[Svarga]] first, before assuming a new form to suffer for their sins at [[Naraka (Hinduism)|Naraka]]. A person who had led a mostly pious life would suffer the consequences of their sins first, after which they would enjoy the fruits of Svarga.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2021-11-18 |title=The description of absolute dissolution and the process of creation [Chapter 369] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-agni-purana/d/doc1083599.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

Atyantika refers to the liberation of one's sense of self. Atyantikapralaya is achieved with the knowledge of God, which occurs when one loses oneself in service to the [[Paramatman]], the Supreme Self. This involves the recognition that most of the cause and effect that occurs in the phenomenal universe is [[Maya (religion)|maya]], an illusion, and that all that has a beginning and an end is not real. One conquers ''avidya'' (ignorance) with the realisation that there is no distinction between one's own Atman (Self) and the Paramatman. When one finally realises this truth, one's sense of self dissolves into and unites with Brahman, and one achieves ''mukti'' (liberation).<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2017-10-17 |title=Atyantika, Ātyantika, Atyamtika: 17 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/atyantika#purana |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

==Philosophy==
In the [[Samkhya]] philosophy, one of the six schools of classical [[Indian philosophy]], ''pralaya'' means "non-existence", a state of matter achieved when the three gunas (principles of matter) are in perfect balance. The word ''pralaya'' comes from Sanskrit meaning "dissolution" or by extension "reabsorption, destruction, annihilation or death".

==In popular culture==
The word pralaya appears in the Cyclops chapter of [[James Joyce]]'s epic novel ''[[Ulysses (novel)|Ulysses]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Joyce |first1=James |title=The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ulysses, by James Joyce |url=https://gutenberg.org/files/4300/4300-h/4300-h.htm#chap12 |website=gutenberg.org |publisher=Project Gutenberg |access-date=22 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Joyce |first1=James |title=Ulysses (1922) |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Ulysses_(1922)/Chapter_12 |website=Wikisource |publisher=Wikimedia Commons |access-date=22 May 2022}}</ref>

The Swedish [[Black metal|black]]/[[melodic death metal]] band [[Dissection (band)|Dissection]] references "Mahapralaya" in their song, "[[Maha Kali]]".<ref>Dissection: "[[Maha Kali]]", Escapi Music 2004.</ref><ref>Dissection: ''[[Reinkaos]]'', Black Horizon Music 2006.</ref><ref>Dissection: ''Rebirth of Dissection'', Escapi Music 2006.</ref>

Swedish black/[[death metal]] band [[Ofermod]] references pralaya in their song, "Pralayic Withdrawal".<ref>Ofermod: ''Tiamtü'', Norma Evangelium Diaboli 2008.</ref>

==See also==
* [[Hindu units of time]]
** [[Kalpa (aeon)|Kalpa]] (day of [[Brahma]])
** [[Manvantara]] (age of [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]])
** Pralaya (period of dissolution)
** [[Yuga Cycle]] (four [[yuga]] ages): [[Satya Yuga|Satya (Krita)]], [[Treta Yuga|Treta]], [[Dvapara Yuga|Dvapara]], and [[Kali Yuga|Kali]]
* [[Hiranyagarbha]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

{{Brahmanda}}

[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]
[[Category:Time in religion]]
[[Category:Hindu cosmology]]
[[Category:Eschatology]]
[[Category:Hindu eschatology]]

Benutzer:Jaden7667/Pralaya

2022-11-26T10:53:49Z

176.128.237.169: a kalpa is ten times longer than that, see kalpa (time)

{{short description|Period of dissolution (non-activity) in Hindu cosmology}}
{{Italic title}}
{{For|ships of this name|INS Pralaya}}
{{Redirect|Proloy|the 2013 film|Proloy (film)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2014}}
[[File:Wisdom-of-manu-1916.jpg!PinterestLarge.jpg|thumb|260x260px|The [[Matsya]] (fish) [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]] saves the first [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]] during a ''Prakritapralaya.'']]
'''Pralaya''' ({{lang-sa|प्रलय||destruction|translit=Pralaya}}) is a concept in [[Hinduism|Hindu]] [[eschatology]]. Generally referring to four different phenomena,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Soifer |first=Deborah A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c9hxwj4lhSsC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA70&dq=four+pralayas&hl=en |title=Myths of Narasimha and Vamana, The: Two Avatars in Cosmological Perspective |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1-4384-2063-9 |pages=70 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=George M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7LOZfwCDpEC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA236&dq=nityapralaya&hl=en |title=Handbook of Hindu Mythology |date=2008-03-27 |publisher=OUP USA |isbn=978-0-19-533261-2 |pages=236 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bäumer |first=Bettina |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uPoIZaGGtiMC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA31&dq=nitya+pralaya&hl=en |title=Kalatattvakosa |date=1996 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishe |isbn=978-81-208-1402-8 |pages=31 |language=en}}</ref> it is most commonly used to indicate the event of the dissolution of the entire universe at the end of a [[Kalpa (time)|kalpa]] (age), which is a period of 4,320,000,000 years called the ''Brahmapralaya''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA312&dq=pralaya+hinduism&hl=en |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2010 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |pages=312 |language=en}}</ref>

Pralaya also refers to ''Nityapralaya'', the continuous destruction of all animate and inanimate beings that occurs on a daily basis, ''Prakritapralaya'', the great flood produced by [[Prakṛti|Prakriti]] (Nature) that ends all of creation after the completion of the [[Yuga Cycle|Chaturyuga]] (four-age) cycle, and ''Atyantikapralaya'', the dissolution of one's [[Ātman (Hinduism)|Atman]] (Self) due to its union with [[Brahman]] (Ultimate Reality).<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Pralaya |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241840.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> A concept that has been referenced in [[Hindu Literature|literature]] since the [[Upanishads]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2021-03-27 |title=[Chandogya Upanishad] Third Adhyaya, Eleventh Khanda (6 mantras) |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/chandogya-upanishad-madhva-commentary/d/doc626589.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> the concept of pralaya has been widely discussed in [[Hindu cosmology]] as well as [[Hindu philosophy|philosophy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2014-09-09 |title=Pralaya, Pralayā: 25 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pralaya#hinduism |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

== Description ==
{{Hinduism}}
Hindu cosmology posits an endless cycle of the periodic creation and destruction of the universe.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Klostermaier |first=Klaus K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E_6-JbUiHB4C&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA496&dq=pralaya+hinduism&hl=en |title=A Survey of Hinduism: Third Edition |date=2007-07-05 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-7914-7082-4 |pages=496 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Walls |first=Jerry L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cDl6O_mAlSUC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT389&dq=eschatology+pralaya&hl=en |title=The Oxford Handbook of Eschatology |date=2007-12-03 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-988359-2 |pages=389 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Nityapralaya ===
Nityapralaya refers to constant dissolution, the phenomenon that describes the daily entropy of the mind and the body of all living and non-living beings.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Caṭṭopādhyāẏa |first=Rāmapada |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-XY_nOafZ84C&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA52&dq=nityapralaya&hl=en |title=A Vaiṣṇava Interpretation of the Brahmasūtras: Vedānta and Theism |last2=Chattopadhyay |first2=Ramampada |date=1992 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-09570-0 |pages=52 |language=en}}</ref> Being created, all matter is subject to constant decay and destruction, and is often described to be a personal experience, leading to a temporary earthly death.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Baartmans |first=Frans |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tGLXAAAAMAAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&dq=nityapralaya&q=nityapralaya&hl=en |title=Āpaḥ, the Sacred Waters: An Analysis of a Primordial Symbol in Hindu Myths |date=1990 |publisher=B.R. Publishing Corporation |isbn=978-81-7018-582-6 |pages=30 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Skanda Purana]] describes the Nityapralaya to be the various negative experiences and losses that a human being experiences, such as being robbed, having one's wife stolen, the arrival of one's enemy, the onset of fever, as well as blight, all of which culminates in death, the most painful experience. Such mental anguish is stated to be the result of one's own [[Karma in Hinduism|karma]]. One's karma is also stated to determine one's rebirth as various lesser beasts, the actions of the being during such births in turn determining one's karma.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shastri |first=J. L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cRhOEAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA317&dq=nitya+pralaya+daily&hl=en |title=The Skanda Purana Part 7: Ancient Indian Tradition And Mythology [Volume 55] |last2=Bhatt |first2=G. P. |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-3922-9 |pages=317 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Brahmapralaya ===
The [[Bhagavata Purana]] states that one kalpa (age), which consists of a thousand revolutions of the four ages, the [[Satya Yuga|Satya]], [[Treta Yuga|Treta]], [[Dvapara Yuga|Dvapara]], and the [[Kali Yuga|Kali]], and the reign of fourteen [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manus]], is one day in the life of the creator deity, [[Brahma]]. A pralaya is described to be an equal length of time, referred to as a night in the life of the deity. This form of the dissolution is caused by the sleep of Brahma, and is hence named after him. It is also called ''naimittika'', which means, 'occasional'. During this period, [[Narayana]] withdraws the universe within him, and also rests upon his serpent mount, [[Shesha]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2022-09-03 |title=The Four-Fold Pralaya [Chapter 4] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-bhagavata-purana/d/doc1129008.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Agni Purana]] describes that the resources of the earth are depleted by the end of the four-age cycle, leading to a severe drought for a century. All beings perish on earth during this period. The waters that are present in the [[Trailokya|three worlds]] are dried up due to their consumption by [[Vishnu]]. The seven rays of the sun become seven suns, and burn the three worlds, as well as the [[Patala|netherworld]]. The earth is described to resemble a tortoise during this event. A fire of dissolution, a manifestation of [[Rudra]], along with the breath of Shesha, burn the netherworld. The inhabitants of the three worlds first travel to Maharloka, and then to Janaloka. Vishnu causes a century of rain upon the worlds to douse the fire. He returns to his yogic sleep for an age, and waking up in his from of Brahma, he creates the universe once more. The universe is stated to remain in a non-manifested state for two ''parārdhas'' (two hundred quadrillion years)''.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2021-11-18 |title=Constant dissolution, occasional and total dissolution [Chapter 368] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-agni-purana/d/doc1083598.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

The term ''Mahapralaya'' stands for "Great Dissolution", and is synonymous with the Brahmapralaya.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2017-02-22 |title=Mahapralaya, Mahāpralaya, Maha-pralaya: 12 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mahapralaya |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rajarajan|first=R. K. K.|title=Water, Source of 'Genesis' and the End Macro and Micro Viṣṇu in the Hymns of the Āḻvārs|url=https://www.academia.edu/44602573|journal=The Medieval History Journal|year=2020|volume=23|issue=2|pages=296–331|doi=10.1177/0971945820956583|s2cid=227240912|issn=0971-9458}}</ref> According to the [[Shiva Purana]], the lower ten realms ([[loka|lokas]]) are destroyed during this phenomenon,<ref name="shivp">{{cite book |title=Shiv Purana|author=B. K. Chaturvedi|publisher=Diamond Pocket Books|year=2004|isbn=8171827217 |page=124 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bchgql0em9YC&q=Swargaloka&pg=PA124 }}</ref> while the higher four realms called the [[Satya-loka|Satyaloka]], Tapa-loka, Jana-loka, and Mahar-loka, are preserved. During each Mahapralaya, all 14 realms are destroyed.

=== Prakritapralaya ===
The [[Vishnu Purana]] describes the Prakritapralaya''.'' After the completion of the four-age cycle, a great flood is unleashed on [[Bhumi (goddess)|Bhumi]], the earth, by Prakriti, the personification of nature. When Jala (water) reaches the abode of the [[Saptarishi|Saptarishis]], the entire world is encompassed by a single ocean. The breath of Vishnu disperses all the clouds and reabsorbs them, after which he proceeds to sleep. When [[Agni]] destroys the world and nature, elemental dissolution begins. Jala swallows the [[Guṇa|gunas]] of the earth, and subsequently the universe, after which its [[Rasa (theology)|rasa]] is devoured by Agni. When [[Akasha]] is consumed by the flames of Agni, [[Vayu]] and sound permeate throughout, becoming one with Agni by absorbing its guna. When Vayu comes into contact with ether, it loses its elemental potency, causing ether alone to occupy the vacuum. Consciousness, combined with darkness, take over the universe, which in turn is conquered by [[Buddhi]]. At this juncture, the seven components of Prakriti recombine. The [[Hiranyagarbha]] of Brahma dissolves in the waters that surround Prakriti. Prakriti fuses with [[Purusha]], assimilating Buddhi, becoming Brahman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2014-08-30 |title=Nature of elemental dissolution (Prakrita-pralaya) [Chapter IV] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/vishnu-purana-wilson/d/doc116065.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Valborg |first=Helen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T6y0OWp1UlQC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA168&dq=prakrita+pralaya+flood&hl=en |title=Symbols of the Eternal Doctrine: From Shamballa to Paradise |date=2007 |publisher=Theosophy Trust Books |isbn=978-0-9793205-1-4 |pages=168 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Srinivasan |first=Dr A. V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pm__DQAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT13&dq=prakrita+pralaya+flood&hl=en |title=The Puranas: A Magnifying Glass for Vedic Wisdom |publisher=Periplus Line LLC |isbn=978-1-63587-202-6 |pages=13 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Pralaya |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241840.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>
=== Atyantikapralaya ===
This form of pralaya is referred to as absolute dissolution. The [[Agni Purana]] states that such a dissolution may be achieved with knowledge acquisition, after recognising the suffering caused by one's mind. It explains the cycles of birth and rebirth ([[Saṃsāra|samsara]]), and a temporary residence at abodes in between. It states that a person is born on earth based on their deeds in their previous life. It states that a person who had led a mostly sinful life would experience their fruits of performing good deeds at [[Svarga]] first, before assuming a new form to suffer for their sins at [[Naraka (Hinduism)|Naraka]]. A person who had led a mostly pious life would suffer the consequences of their sins first, after which they would enjoy the fruits of Svarga.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2021-11-18 |title=The description of absolute dissolution and the process of creation [Chapter 369] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-agni-purana/d/doc1083599.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

Atyantika refers to the liberation of one's sense of self. Atyantikapralaya is achieved with the knowledge of God, which occurs when one loses oneself in service to the [[Paramatman]], the Supreme Self. This involves the recognition that most of the cause and effect that occurs in the phenomenal universe is [[Maya (religion)|maya]], an illusion, and that all that has a beginning and an end is not real. One conquers ''avidya'' (ignorance) with the realisation that there is no distinction between one's own Atman (Self) and the Paramatman. When one finally realises this truth, one's sense of self dissolves into and unites with Brahman, and one achieves ''mukti'' (liberation).<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2017-10-17 |title=Atyantika, Ātyantika, Atyamtika: 17 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/atyantika#purana |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

==Philosophy==
In the [[Samkhya]] philosophy, one of the six schools of classical [[Indian philosophy]], ''pralaya'' means "non-existence", a state of matter achieved when the three gunas (principles of matter) are in perfect balance. The word ''pralaya'' comes from Sanskrit meaning "dissolution" or by extension "reabsorption, destruction, annihilation or death".

==In popular culture==
The word pralaya appears in the Cyclops chapter of [[James Joyce]]'s epic novel ''[[Ulysses (novel)|Ulysses]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Joyce |first1=James |title=The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ulysses, by James Joyce |url=https://gutenberg.org/files/4300/4300-h/4300-h.htm#chap12 |website=gutenberg.org |publisher=Project Gutenberg |access-date=22 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Joyce |first1=James |title=Ulysses (1922) |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Ulysses_(1922)/Chapter_12 |website=Wikisource |publisher=Wikimedia Commons |access-date=22 May 2022}}</ref>

The Swedish [[Black metal|black]]/[[melodic death metal]] band [[Dissection (band)|Dissection]] references "Mahapralaya" in their song, "[[Maha Kali]]".<ref>Dissection: "[[Maha Kali]]", Escapi Music 2004.</ref><ref>Dissection: ''[[Reinkaos]]'', Black Horizon Music 2006.</ref><ref>Dissection: ''Rebirth of Dissection'', Escapi Music 2006.</ref>

Swedish black/[[death metal]] band [[Ofermod]] references pralaya in their song, "Pralayic Withdrawal".<ref>Ofermod: ''Tiamtü'', Norma Evangelium Diaboli 2008.</ref>

==See also==
* [[Hindu units of time]]
** [[Kalpa (aeon)|Kalpa]] (day of [[Brahma]])
** [[Manvantara]] (age of [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]])
** Pralaya (period of dissolution)
** [[Yuga Cycle]] (four [[yuga]] ages): [[Satya Yuga|Satya (Krita)]], [[Treta Yuga|Treta]], [[Dvapara Yuga|Dvapara]], and [[Kali Yuga|Kali]]
* [[Hiranyagarbha]]

==References==
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[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]
[[Category:Time in religion]]
[[Category:Hindu cosmology]]
[[Category:Eschatology]]
[[Category:Hindu eschatology]]