Dwapara Yuga

According to Hindu mythology and scriptures, the universe progresses through four Yugas (ages), each characterised by a cosmic cycle of creation and destruction. The four Yugas are Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. The third Yuga is about the life of the eighth avatar of Vishnu, Lord Krishna. The meaning of Dwapara Yuga is the age of two, where 'yuga' refers to the age of the universe and 'dwa' means two. Also known as the Bronze Age, the people of that time were born to accomplish the scriptural dharma designated to their class. These people were heroic, competitive, and naturally brave, but were also self-centred and greedy. Their sole activities were charity and penance. The Dwapara Yuga was described as a time when both immorality and morality coexisted, accompanied by a deteriorating spirituality. It was a Yuga when morals collapsed and people became dishonest, fervent, pleasure-seeking, competitive, and increasingly distant from the Divine. However, there were some positives, and significant scientific advancements were made regarding the understanding of time and space. The Dwapara Yuga, the third age of the cycle, lasted for 864,000 years. The religion during the Dwapara Yuga had two principles: compassion and honesty. As per the Puranas, the Yuga came to an end with the return of Lord Krishna to Vaikunta (Vishnu’s everlasting abode). More About Dwapara Yuga As per mythology, everyone in that Yuga was a pleasure seeker and a monarch. There was no Supreme Wisdom among people; they were not sincere. They suffered from various illnesses and diseases, and were materialistic, which led to dishonesty and insincerity. However, those who realised their weakness atoned for it. Some performed Yagnas (fire ceremonies) for monetary gain, others for the blessings of the divine. It is said that people started deviating from the moral path of Dharma long before the Dwapara Yuga, but the deviation became more rampant during this time. People used their powerful positions to take advantage. Kings fought over power, positions, and influence. People during this Yuga lost their godliness, yet some rulers protected justice and preserved virtue. Worldwide, hundreds of temples were built due to those few rulers. In conclusion, the Dwapara Yuga was marked by numerous corrupt individuals and kings, and religion had become almost non-existent. To overcome these and to bring back morality to Earth. Lord Krishna took an Avatar.  

Vishnu Avatars in Dwapara Yuga

Vishnu took a different Avatar in every Yuga to teach people consciousness and to establish Dharma (Justice or divine truth). During the Dwapara Yuga, Vishnu took two Avatars:

Krishna

Lord Krishna is Vishnu’s eighth incarnation, and the holy book of the Bhagavad Gita describes his life in detail. Born in Mathura, he personifies moral behaviour and Dharma. His Leela (holy performance) stresses unselfish conduct and dedication while spreading the language of wisdom and love. Krishna in Hinduism is revered as a hero, teacher, and god. His adventures, teachings, and life are recorded in the Bhagavad Gita, where he preaches spiritual realisation to Arjuna. The conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna on the battlefield (Kurukshetra) has profound teachings that are relevant even now. Krishna teaches the importance of responsibility, devotion, the essence of life, righteousness, and dharma. His advice to fulfill duties without worrying about the outcome emphasizes selfless conduct. His deeds in Krishna’s younger days teach the essence of life.

Buddha

According to Hindu traditions, Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) is Lord Vishnu’s ninth Avatar. He gave up his royal status to pursue enlightenment. His Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path, being the cornerstone of Buddhism, led to freedom from suffering. His profound knowledge and compassion continue to inspire people, and his emphasis on the pursuit of inner peace and mindfulness remains a cherished legacy among his followers.

Conclusion

The 864,000-year period represents a complex relationship between righteousness and human lapses. It was an era of heavenly stories and moral and ethical guidance. The values of honesty and compassion stood out amidst conceit and greed. This Yuga saw a decrease in life span and an increase in disease. However, this Yuga was remarkable, as Lord Vishnu took the avatars of the Buddha and Krishna to eliminate ignorance and reestablish Dharma. It showcases a fusion of spiritual teachings and material prosperity, making it a significant period in human progress. Sacred scriptures and texts of this era are preserved to reinforce the bond between the divine and the people.