Time Periods

Yugaयुग

A cosmic age in the vast cyclical Hindu conception of time; four yugas make up one great cycle.

Detailed Explanation

A yuga is a world-age in Hindu cosmology. Four yugas — Satya (or Krita), Treta, Dvapara, and Kali — form a mahayuga, across which dharma (righteousness) gradually declines from the golden Satya Yuga to the present Kali Yuga. These cycles repeat over immense spans of time, reflecting the Hindu view of time as cyclical rather than linear, with creation and dissolution recurring endlessly.

Related Terms

Dharmaधर्म

Cosmic order, righteousness, duty, and moral law in Hinduism.

Karmaकर्म

The law of cause and effect — actions determine future experiences.

Samsaraसंसार

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by Karma.