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Manu (Hinduism)

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This article is about concept of Manu in Hinduism. For Surya's son and the current Manu, seeVaivasvata Manu.For other uses, seeManu.

Manu(Sanskrit:मनु) is a term found with various meanings inHinduism.In early texts, it refers to the archetypal man, or to the first man (progenitor of humanity). The Sanskrit term for 'human', मनुष्य (IAST:manuṣya) or मानव (IAST: mānava) means 'of Manu' or 'children of Manu'.[1]In later texts, Manu is the title or name of fourteen rulers of earth, or alternatively as the head of dynasties that begin with each cyclickalpa(aeon) when the universe is born anew.[1]The title of the textManusmritiuses this term as a prefix, but refers to the first Manu – Svayambhuva, the spiritual son ofBrahma.[2][3]In theHindu cosmology,eachkalpaconsists of fourteenManvantaras,and each Manvantara is headed by a different Manu.[1]The current universe, is asserted to be ruled by the 7th Manu namedVaivasvata.[2]Vaivasvata was the king ofDravidabefore thegreat flood.[4]He was warned of the flood by theMatsya(fish)avatarofVishnu,and built a boat that carried the Vedas, Manu's family and theseven sagesto safety, helped by Matsya. The tale is repeated with variations in other texts, including theMahabharataand a few otherPuranas.It is similar to other floods such as those associated withGilgameshandNoah.[5]

Fourteen Manus[edit]

There are fourteen Manus that rule in succession during eachKalpa(day ofBrahma). The currentKalpahas the following Manus:

List of Manus according to Source
Manvantara Bhagavata Purana[6] Brahma Purana[7] Linga Purana[8] Skanda Purana 1[9] Skanda Purana 2[10]
1 Swayambhuva
2 Svarocisha
3 Uttama
4 Tapasa/Tamasa
5 Raivata
6 Chakshusha
7 Vaivasvata
8 Savarni
9 Daksha-savarni Raibhya Dharma Brahma-savarni Bhautya
10 Brahma-savarni Raucya Savarnika Rudra-savarni Raucya
11 Dharma-savarni Thefour Merusavarnis Pisanga Daksa-sarvarni Brahma-savarni
12 Rudra-savarni Apisangabha Dharma-savarni Rudra-savarni
13 Deva-savarni Sabala Raucya Meru-savarni
14 Indra-savarni Varnaka Bhautya Daksha-savarni

Swayambhuva Manu[edit]

Thefirst Manu.He was the mind born son of the godBrahma,and husband ofShatarupa.He had three daughters, namely Akuti, Devahuti and Prasuti. Devahuti was given in marriage to Prajapati and she gave birth to nine daughters, and a single son namedKapila.Prasuti gave birth to several daughters includingKhyati,Anasuyaamongst many, and Akuti gave birth to one son namedYajnaand one daughter. Both Kapila and Yajna, who were sons of Devahuti and Akuti respectively, were incarnations of Vishnu. Svayambhuva Manu, along with his wife, Satarupa, went into the forest to practice austerities on the bank of the River Sunanda. At some point of time, Rakshasas attacked them, but Yajna, accompanied by his sons, the demigods, swiftly killed them. Then Yajna personally took the post of Indra, the King of the heavenly planets. Svayambhuva Manu's abode isBrahmavarta,with the town of Barhismati as the capital. Barhismati was formed when Visnu in his cosmic boar form (Varaha) shook his body, there fell large hair, which turned into the town. The small hairs which fell turned into kusa and kasa grass.[11]

In this Manvantara, the Saptarshis wereMarichi,Atri,Angiras,Pulaha,Kratu,Pulastya,andVashishtha.[12] In Svayambhuva-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was calledYajna.

Swarochisha Manu[edit]

The Saptarshis were Urjastambha, Agni, Prana, Danti, Rishabha, Nischara, and Charvarivan. In Svarocisha-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Vibhu.

Thesecond Manu,whose name was Svarocisha, was the son of Agni, and His sons were headed by Dyumat, Sushena and Rochishmat. He invented clothing and made it for mankind. At his deathbed, Devala Rishi was born from Shiva's third eye to succeed Svarochisa Manu in making clothes for mankind. and In the age of this Manu, Rochana became Indra, the ruler of the heavenly planets, and there were many demigods, headed by Tushita. There were also many saintly persons, such as Urjastambha. Among them was Vedasira, whose wife, Tushita, gave birth to Vibhu. Vibhu was the incarnation of Vishnu for thisManvantara.He remained a Brahmachari all his life and never married. He instructed eighty-eight thousand dridha-vratas, or saintly persons, on sense-control and austerity.

Uttama Manu[edit]

The Saptarshis for this Manvantara were Kaukundihi, Kurundi, Dalaya, Sankha, Pravahita, Mita, and Sammita. In Uttama-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Satyasena.

Uttama, the son of Priyavrata, was thethird Manu.Among his sons were Pavana, Srinjaya and Yajnahotra. During the reign of this Manu, the sons of Vashista, headed by Pramada, became the seven saintly persons. The Satyas, Devasrutas and Bhadras became the demigods, and Satyajit became Indra. From the womb of Sunrita, the wife of Dharma, the Supreme Lord Narayana appeared as Satyasena, and killed all the evilRakshasaswho created havoc in all the worlds, along with Satyajit, who was Indra at that time.

Tapasa/Tamasa Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Jyotirdhama, Prithu, Kavya, Chaitra, Agni, Vanaka, and Pivara. In Tapasa-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Hari.

Tapasa/Tamasa, the brother of the third Manu, was thefourth Manu,and he had ten sons, including Prithu, Khyati, Nara and Ketu. During his reign, the Satyakas, Haris, Viras and others were demigods, the seven great saints were headed by Jyotirdhama, and Trisikha became Indra. Harimedha begot a son named Hari, who was the incarnation of Vishnu for this Manvantara, by his wife Harini. Hari was born to liberate the devoteeGajendra.

Raivata Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Hirannyaroma, Vedasrí, Urddhabahu, Vedabahu, Sudhaman, Parjanya, and Mahámuni. In Raivata-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Vaikuntha, not to be confused withVishnu's divine realm,of the same name.

Vaikuntha came as Raivata Manu, the twin brother of Tamasa. His sons were headed by Arjuna, Bali and Vindhya. Among the demigods were the Bhutarayas, and among the seven brahmanas who occupied the seven planets were Hiranyaroma, Vedasira and Urdhvabahu.

Chakshusha Manu[edit]

SudyumnanseesRudraandParvati

Saptarshis list: Sumedhas, Virajas, Havishmat, Uttama, Madhu, Abhináman, and Sahishnnu. In Chakshusha-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Ajita.

Ajita came as Chakshsusa Manu, the son of the demigod Chakshu. He had many sons, headed by Puru, Purusa, and Sudyumna. During the reign of Chakshusa Manu, the King of heaven was known as Mantradruma. Among the demigods were the Apyas, and among the great sages were Havisman and Viraka. He had a daughter named Jyothismati, who wished for the most powerful being as her husband. When asked Indra, the king of gods, Indra replied that his storms could be pushed away by Vayu. Vayu said that his winds could not push away the earth, and thus Bhumavat, the male personification of the earth, was stronger. Bhumavat said that Adishesha, who holds both Vishnu and the earth, is the strongest. Adishesh told Manu and Jyothishmati that his second avatar on earth would be stronger than himself, and thus Jyothishmati was reborn as Revati to marry that avatar, Krishna's brother Balarama.

Vaivasvata Manu[edit]

TheSeventh Manu Saptarshis list:Marichi,Atri,Angiras,Pulaha,Kratu,Pulastya,andVashishtha,and other likeJamadagni,Kashyapa,Gautama,Vishvamitra,Bharadvaja.[citation needed]During Vaivasvata-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar is calledMatsya.

Theseventh Manu,who is the son ofVivasvan,is known as Sraddhadeva (or satyavrata) or Vaivasvat (son of Vivasvan). He has ten sons, namedIkshvaku,Nabhaga, Dhrsta, Saryati, Narisyanta, Dista (Nabhanedista), Tarusa (Karusha), Prsadhra, Vasuman (Pramshu) andIla(Sudyumna). In this manvantara, or reign of Manu, among the demigods are the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Visvedevas, Maruts, Asvini-kumaras and Rbhus. The king of heaven, Indra, is known asPurandara,and the seven sages are known as Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Atri, Vashista, Gautama, Agastya and Bharadwaja

Surya Savarni Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Diptimat, Galava,Parasurama,Kripa,Drauni orAshwatthama,Vyasa,andRishyasringa.[13]In Savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sarvabhauma.

In the period of theeighth Manu,the Manu isSurya Savarnika Manu.He is the son of Surya by his second wife,Chhaya.He is thus the half-brother to Shraddhadeva Manu. His sons are headed by Nirmoka, and among the demigods are the Sutapas.Bali,the son ofVirochana,isIndra,and Galava and Parasurama are among the seven sages. In the age of this Manu, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sarvabhauma, the son of Devaguhya.

Daksa Savarni Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Savana, Dyutimat, Bhavya, Vasu, Medhatithi, Jyotishmán, and Satya. In Daksha-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Rishabha.

Theninth Manuis Daksha-savarni. He is the son of Lord Varuna. His sons are headed by Bhutaketu, and among the demigods are the Maricigarbhas. Adbhuta is Indra, and among the seven sages is Dyutiman. Rishabha would be born of Ayushman and Ambudhara...

Brahma Savarni Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Havishmán, Sukriti, Satya, Apámmúrtti, Nábhága, Apratimaujas, and Satyaket. In Brahma-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Vishvaksena.

In the period of thetenth Manu,the Manu is Brahma-savarni. He is the son of Upsaloka( The son of lordKartikeya) Among his sons is Bhurishena, and the seven sages are Havishman and others. Among the demigods are the Suvasanas, and Sambhu is Indra. Vishvaksena would be a friend of Sambhu and will be born from the womb of Vishuci in the house of a brahmana named Visvasrashta.

Dharma Savarni Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Niśchara, Agnitejas, Vapushmán, Vishńu, Áruni, Havishmán, and Anagha. In Dharma-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Dharmasetu.

In the period of theeleventh Manu,the Manu is Dharma-savarni, the son ofSatya Yuga.He has ten sons, headed by Satyadharma. Among the demigods are the Vihangamas, Indra is known as Vaidhrita, and the seven sages are Aruna and others. Dharmasetu will be born of Vaidhrita and Aryaka.

Rudra Savarni Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Tapaswí, Sutapas, Tapomúrtti, Taporati, Tapodhriti, Tapodyuti, and Tapodhan. In Rudra-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sudhama.

In the period of thetwelfth Manu,the Manu is Rudra-savarni, whose sons are headed by Devavan. The demigods are the Haritas and others, Indra is Ritadhama, and the seven sages are Tapomurti and others. Sudhama, or Svadhama, who will be born from the womb of Sunrita, wife of a Satyasaha.

According to Manava Purana, Rudra Savarni Manu is the son ofShivaandParvati.

Raucya or Deva Savarni Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Nirmoha, Tatwadersín, Nishprakampa, Nirutsuka, Dhritimat, Avyaya, and Sutapas. In Deva-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Yogeshwara.

In the period of thethirteenth Manu,the Manu is Deva-savarni. Among his sons is Chitrasena, the demigods are the Sukarmas and others, Indra is Divaspati, and Nirmoka is among the sages. Yogeshwara will be born of Devahotra and Brihati.

Indra Savarni Manu[edit]

Saptarshis list: Agnibáhu, Śuchi, Śhukra, Magadhá, Gridhra, Yukta, and Ajita. In Indra-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Brihadbhanu.

In the period of thefourteenth Manu,the Manu is Indra-savarni. Among his sons are Uru and Gambhira, the demigods are the Pavitras and others, Indra is Suci, and among the sages are Agni and Bahu. Brihadbhanu will be born of Satrayana from the womb of Vitana.

Almost all literature refers to the first 9 Manus with the same names but there is a lot of disagreement on names after that, although all of them agree with a total of 14.[14]

Bibliography[edit]

Main article:Manusmriti

The texts ascribed to theSvayambhuva ManuincludeManava Grihyasutra,Manava SulbasutraandManava Dharmashasta(Manusmṛtior "rules of Manu" ).[15]

In Jainism[edit]

Main article:Kulakara

Jain theology mentions the 14th patriarch namedNabhiraja,mentioning him also as Manu.[16]This, state scholars, links Jain tradition to Hindu legends, because the 14 patriarchs in Jain tradition are similar to the 14 Manus in Hindu legends.[16]The Manu ofJainismis the father of 1stTirthankaraRishabhanatha(Adinatha).[16]This ancient story is significant as it includes one of earliest mentions ofikshu(sugarcane) processing.[16]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^abcRoshen Dalal (2010).Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide.Penguin Books. p. 242.ISBN978-0-14-341421-6.
  2. ^abRoshen Dalal (2010).The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths.Penguin Books. p. 229.ISBN978-0-14-341517-6.
  3. ^Erdosy, George; Witzel, Michael (1995).Language, Material Culture and Ethnicity. The Indo-Aryans of Ancient South Asia: Rgvedic history: poets, chieftains and politics.De Gruyter. pp. 202–204.
  4. ^Alain Daniélou (11 February 2003).A Brief History of India.Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. pp.19–.ISBN978-1-59477-794-3.
  5. ^Klaus K. Klostermaier (5 July 2007).A Survey of Hinduism: Third Edition.SUNY Press. p. 97.ISBN978-0-7914-7082-4.
  6. ^His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.Teachings of Lord Caitanya (Third Edition): The Golden Avatara.The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. pp. 109\u2013.ISBN978-91-7149-730-7.
  7. ^Motilal Banarsidass (1 January 1955).Brahma Purana - Parts I - IV.pp.29(3.4-7).
  8. ^J.L.Shastri (1951).Linga Purana - English Translation - Part 1 of 2.pp.24(7.22-28).
  9. ^N.A (1950).THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 2.MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI. pp.45(5.71-75).
  10. ^N.A (1951).THE SKANDA-PURANA PART. 7.MOTILAL BANARSIDASS PUBLISHERS PVT. LTD, DELHI. pp.317(25.22-24).
  11. ^Motilal Bansaridas Bhagavata Purana, Book 1, Skandha III Page 345
  12. ^Account of the several Manus and ManwantarasVishnu Purana,translated byHorace Hayman Wilson,1840, Book III: Chapter I. p. 259, The first Manu wasSwáyambhuva,then cameSwárochisha,thenAuttami,thenTámasa,thenRaivata,thenChákshusha:these six Manus have passed away. The Manu who presides over the seventh Manwantara, which is the present period, isVaivaswata,the son of the sun...
  13. ^Maharishi AswathamaRetrieved 2015-02-15
  14. ^Summary of Manu in Ancient Literatureमनु (आदिपुरुष)Ghanshyam Dusane
  15. ^The Laws of ManuArchived17 April 2013 at theWayback Machine.See 63:These seven very glorious Manus, the first among whom is Svayambhuva, produced and protected this whole movable and immovable (creation), each during the period (allotted to him).
  16. ^abcdNatubhai Shah 2004,pp. 15–16.

Sources[edit]

External links[edit]

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