Lord Brahma in Multiverse of Madness

In Hinduism, conscience, reason and independent thinking have no scope for development.

- B. R. Ambedkar

Humans have an undying urge to discover areas beyond the imaginations. We started by exploring the Earth with sails, and now we're exploring outer space with rockets and massive observatories like the James Webb Telescope, which exposes innumerable galaxies and clusters millions of light-years distant.

The Western world seems to have been following this chain of discoveries for the past 600 to 800 years. During this relatively short time, the Western world first realized that the Earth is round, abandoning the geocentric theory that positioned Earth as the center of the universe. In the past century, there has been a significant boom in the concept of the multiverse—the idea that there are many different universes with infinite possibilities. However, you might be surprised to know that the people of ancient India were aware of many of these modern discoveries over 5,000 years ago.

Ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, reveal profound truths about the universe. The Sanskrit term for geography is “Bhugol,” which literally means "round Earth," indicating that this knowledge was already known. The scriptures also contain detailed descriptions of “mandals,” including the “Chandramandal” (the Moon), which revolves around the “Bhumandal” (the Earth). Additionally, the texts state that the “Bhumandal” is not stationary; it revolves around the “Suryamandal” (the Sun), and the “Suryamandal” itself revolves around the “Parmeshthi Mandal” (the Milky Way's orbit for the solar system). The scriptures even mention that there are trillions of suns in our galaxy and countless galaxies like our “Akash Ganga” (Milky Way) in the universe, amounting to approximately 10^22 suns in total.

When it comes to the concept of the multiverse, there is a great scripture called the Brahmā Samhitā found in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. It narrates a story where Lord Brahmā, the creator and father of the four Kumāras, went to meet Lord Krishna in Dwarka. Upon Brahmā's arrival at Krishna’s palace, the gatekeeper asked for his purpose. When Lord Krishna was informed of Brahmā's arrival, he instructed the gatekeeper to ask a peculiar question: “Which Brahmā are you?” Lord Brahmā was astounded by this question and responded, “How could there be any Brahmā apart from me?” The gatekeeper let him in.

When Brahmā met Lord Krishna, he inquired about the question, “What did you mean by asking which Brahmā I am?” Smiling, Lord Krishna used his yogamāyā (divine energy) to summon other Brahmās from various universes. To Brahmā’s amazement, he saw countless Brahmās—some with four heads like him, others with hundreds, thousands, and even millions of heads. Realizing the vastness of creation, Brahmā prostrated himself before Krishna. Lord Krishna explained, “Brahmāji, there are infinite universes, each with its own Brahmā, Vishnu, and Shiva. This is the extent of God’s creation.” [ Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa), Canto 10, Chapter 14 ]

This scripture reveals that Hindus were aware of the concept of the multiverse over 5,000 years ago. The Vedas contain many more truths and knowledge about existence that continue to inspire curiosity and exploration. This story, along with countless others from ancient Hindu scriptures, demonstrates the remarkable depth of knowledge preserved in the Vedas. Far from being mere mythological tales, these texts offer profound insights into the nature of existence, the cosmos, and humanity’s place within it.

As modern science continues to push the boundaries of discovery, it’s fascinating to see parallels between cutting-edge theories and the wisdom encoded in these ancient texts. The Vedas not only inspire a sense of wonder but also serve as a reminder of humanity’s timeless quest to understand the universe and our connection to it. The parallels between Vedic knowledge and modern scientific theories highlight the enduring relevance of these ancient texts in our quest for understanding. By delving into the wisdom of the Vedas, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and our place in the vast tapestry of existence. Through exploring the Vedas, we can also gain insights into the interconnectedness of different fields of knowledge and the importance of approaching scientific inquiry with an open mind. The wisdom contained in these ancient texts continues to offer valuable perspectives that can enrich our understanding of the world around us.

In a world that often separates science and spirituality, the ancient wisdom of India encourages us to view them as complementary, urging us to explore both the outer cosmos and the inner self. Perhaps the answers to the greatest mysteries of existence lie not in choosing between these paths but in integrating them. As we journey forward, may we draw inspiration from the ancient past, continuing to expand our horizons with curiosity, humility, and reverence for the infinite.

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