The Four Yugas and It's Features

The four Yugas are the cosmic eras in the Vedic tradition and represent a cycle of time that repeats itself eternally. Each Yoga has distinctive characteristics in terms of morality, spirituality and social conditions. Here is a detailed description of the four Yugas:

1. Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga)

Satya Yuga, also known as Krita Yuga, is the age of truth and righteousness. It is the first and longest of the four Yugas, spanning 1,728,000 human years.

Main features:

Virtue and morality are at its peak.

Human beings are highly spiritual and live in harmony with the dharma (cosmic order).

There is no sickness, suffering and no corruption.

Beings live for thousands of years.

Meditation and contemplation are the foremost spiritual practices.

2. Treta-Yuga

Treta Yuga is the second Yuga and has a duration of 1,296,000 human years.

Main features:

Virtue and morality begin to wither away.

Humanity is still spiritually advanced, but there are already signs of corruption.

People become more inclined to material desires and attachments.

Avatars of Vishnu as Rama appear in this era to restore dharma.

Rituals and sacrifices become common spiritual practices.

3. Dvapara Yuga

Dvapara Yuga is the third Yuga and lasts 864,000 human years.

Main features:

Virtue and morality deteriorate even further.

Vedic knowledge begins to decline and confusion increases.

The struggle between good and evil becomes more evident and the avatars of Vishnu and Krishna himself (the avatara, from whom the avatars emanate) seem to protect the dharma.

Worship and devotion become common spiritual practices.

4. Kali Yuga

Kali Yuga is the fourth and last Yuga and lasts 432,000 human years. Currently, according to tradition, we are at Kali Yuga.

Main features:

Virtue and morality are at their lowest point.

Corruption, violence and ignorance are widespread.

Human life expectancy is significantly shortened.

Humans are strongly attached to material possessions and sensory gratification.

Spirituality is on the decline, but the simple repetition of the divine names (kirtan) is considered an effective means to attain liberation.

Cycles of the yoga.

These four Yugas form a complete cycle called Maha Yuga or Chatur Yuga, which lasts a total of 4,320,000 human years. A thousand of these Maha Yugas form a day of Brahma, the creator, and so many others form his night. It is said that at the end of each Kali Yuga, the universe suffers partial destruction (Pralaya), followed by regeneration that marks the beginning of a new cycle with Satya Yuga.

Spiritual Importance.

Each Yoga offers unique spiritual challenges and opportunities. Despite the progressive degeneration through Yugas, the goal remains the achievement of moksha (liberation) through maintenance of dharma, adherence to spiritual principles, and devotion to God.