Yuga facts for kids
- This article is about the Yugas in Hinduism. For the Indian meditation exercise, go to Yoga.
Hindus believe in special periods of time called yugas. These are like long "ages" or "eras." There are four main yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. When one Kali Yuga finishes, a new Satya Yuga starts, and the cycle begins again.
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What Are Yugas?
The concept of yugas helps Hindus understand the different stages of the world. Each yuga has its own length and special qualities. People's goodness, how long they live, and their connection to gods change with each age.
Satya Yuga: The Golden Age
Satya Yuga is the very first age. It is also known as Krita Yuga. This age lasts for a very long time, about 1,728,000 years. It is called "the age of truth" or the "Golden Age." During this time, all humans are good and very religious. They are guided by gods and live for many centuries.
Treta Yuga: The Age of Heroes
Treta Yuga is the second age. It lasts for about 1,296,000 years. In the last Treta Yuga, the god Vishnu appeared in different forms called avatars. These avatars included Vamana, Parashurama, and Ramachandra. The famous Indian epic story, Ramayana, takes place during this period.
Dvapara Yuga: A Time of Change
Dvapara Yuga is the third age. This age lasts for about 864,000 years. During Dvapara Yuga, people are still religious, but their lives become much shorter. The last Dvapara Yuga ended when the god Krishna passed away. The great Indian epic Mahabharata tells stories from the final years of this age.
Kali Yuga: The Dark Age
Kali Yuga is the fourth and final age. It is the shortest, lasting for 432,000 years. This age is often called the "dark age." During Kali Yuga, humans start to lose their spirituality. They feel less connected to the gods. Hindus believe that we are living in a Kali Yuga right now.
Related Pages
See also
In Spanish: Yuga para niños
