Creation of MYTHS

An Excellant by Mr. Narayanan.  (Comments for and against are awaiting from the knowledgeable persons like you.)




Namaskaram,



An recent interaction prompted me to look deeper into the story of creation of the universe as mentioned in the various scriptures. What I found was very interesting and I want to share the same with you.


Judaisim & Christianity believe in creation as mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (or the Old Testament). This starts with the famous line "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth". This is followed by the explanation of the 7 days of creation where God created Light, the Skies, and eventually created Man (in his image and likeness) on the 6th day. The 7th day, he rested and this became the day of the Sabbath.


Islam believes in a similar concept where God divided created the earth and heavens, the mountains, stars and the creatures. God created man from clay, breathing life into it. This man was Adam; and then the common story of Adam and Eve as mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.


The classical Greek mythology describes the existence of Chaos - primordial matter from whic was born the earth (Gaia),darkness (Nyx), desire (Eros) etc. From these were born the Titans and the eventual fight between the titans leading to the victory and rise to prominence of Zeus ruling from Mt.Olympus.


Buddhism has a very interesting view on creation; in fact it doesn't have a view at all. Buddha in his Acintita Suttha says 'There are four unconjecturables; conjecturing about these would bring madness and vexation'. One mong the 4 is conjecturing about the origins of the world. Buddhism clearly discourages such questioning and instead pays emphasis on using ones energy to work towards attaining Nirvana.


In Hinduism, there are multiple views. The common view is the existence of the Trinity and the cyclicality of time. According to this, time is cyclical and each cycle co-incides with a day in Bramha's life. Each cycle ends with Pralaya after which the world is created again. Each such cycle is divided into Manvantaras and eventually into Yugas. This is the view as per our Puranas.


Lord Bramha is said to have originated from the Hiranyagarbha (Bramha is also called the Hiranyagarbha in some places). and Hiranyagarbha (The Golden Womb) is considered the source of creation of the universe.


The word Hiranyagarbha first appears in the 10th Mandala of the Rig Veda (Hymn 121 - also called the Hiranyagarbha Sukta). The Hymn speaks about Hiranyagarbha manifesting in the universe and responsible for various forms such "His, through his might, are these snow-covered mountains, and men call sea..."


The other reference related to Cosmology is the famous Purusha Sukta (Hym 90, 10th Mandala) This is dedicated to the 'Purusha' or the cosmic being. In here is described the origin of the four varnas (Brahmin from the mouth, Khatriya from his arms, Vaishya from his thighs and Shudra from his feet), the Sun, Moon, Agni, Vayu etc.


Another more interesting Hymn is the 'Nasadiya Sukta'. This is the Sukta chanted in the opening title song of 'Bharat Ek Khoj' (the old DD serial). Nasadiya Sukta is Hymn 129 from the 10th Mandala. It begins quite paradoxically "Then was not non-existent nor existent" Going on to "What was hidden, where? who gave shelter?"


The Hymn ends with:


"But, after all, who knows, and who can say? Whence it all came, and how creation happened? the Gods themselves are later than creation, so who knows truly whence it has arisen? Whence all creation had its origin, he, whether he fashioned it or whether he did not, he, who surveys it all from highest heaven, he knows - or maybe even he does not know"


I have checked two English translations of the same verse and found similar interpretations. This is very strong and skeptical enquity. Perhaps an indication of how even in those times, differing opinions were not shunned? I do not know.


I am keenly interesting in understanding the Vedic views on creation better. My knowledge of Sanskrit is basic and I am limited by translations and interpreations by others who are not always driven by the right motives.


I would be very grateful if someone in the group can throw some more light on these topics and help us all understand our scriptures better.


A Nice Article by Mr. Narayanan

Posted for the knowledge and expecting your comments (for and against)

With Luv
Srividya