In many cultures and religions, the end of the world, or “Pralaya” in Hinduism, is a time when everything will be destroyed. The earth will crack open, releasing molten lava, the skies will rain acid, and all life forms—animals, birds, plants—will be wiped out as if they never existed. The earth will transform into a ball of fire and steam.
Pralaya in Hindu Mythology
The Cycle of Ages
Hinduism talks about four ages: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and the present age, Kali Yuga. It is believed that when sin reaches its peak, nature will reset itself through destruction.
The Avatar of Kalki
According to Hindu texts, Kalki, the final avatar of Lord Vishnu, is yet to descend on earth to end the tyranny of Kali Yuga. The Kalki temple in Jaipur stands as a testament to this prophecy, where a statue of a white horse, Devadatta, awaits the arrival of Kalki.
Temples and Prophecies: The Signs of End Times
Kedarnath Temple: The Pillar of Time
In Maharashtra, the Kedarnath temple, carved out of mountains, is supported by a single pillar. It’s said that originally, four pillars represented the four ages. As each age ended, one pillar crumbled. Now, only one remains, symbolizing the current age, Kali Yuga.
Matangeshwar Temple: The Growing Shiva Lingam
Located in Khajuraho, the Matangeshwar temple houses a Shiva Lingam that reportedly grows every year on Sharad Purnima. This phenomenon is believed to signify a connection between earth and the heavens, hinting at an impending transformation.
Narsingh Temple: The Prophecy of Destruction
In Joshimath, Uttarakhand, the Narsingh temple is home to a statue of Lord Vishnu’s Narsingh avatar, whose hand is said to be thinning each year. Legend holds that when this hand breaks, a catastrophic earthquake will follow, merging nearby peaks and sealing the fate of the region.
Global Mythologies and Science: A Common Theme
The Universal Concept of Apocalypse
Different cultures, from Christianity’s Armageddon to Islam’s Day of Judgment, share the theme of a great final battle or calamity leading to a reset of the world.
The Scientific Perspective
Science observes that the earth undergoes natural cycles of warming and cooling every 10,000 years, which have led to mass extinctions and global transformations. Some argue that current global warming may be part of this natural cycle.
Conclusion: The Hope of a New Beginning
While these stories may or may not hold truth, they serve as reminders of the impermanence of life and the possibility of renewal. In Sanatan Dharma, the end of Kali Yuga leads to the dawn of Satya Yuga, an age of truth and righteousness.
What are your thoughts on these myths and prophecies? Share in the comments, and if you enjoyed this exploration, like and share this post. Subscribe to our blog for more unheard and unseen stories.