Synthesis of Science and Agamas: Age of the Universe

14 min readMay 4, 2024

Raju B Maliger, Devayani R Maliger

Abstract: This article compares modern cosmology with ancient Agamas (Hindu scriptures) about the origin and the age of the universe. In recent times there has been tremendous interest among cosmologists to decipher the antiquity of the universe. Several calculations on the age of Methuselah (HD 140283), a population-II star, indicate that the star is older than the current age of our universe (13.8 billion years). The discovery of six massive galaxies, which should not have existed in the universe’s first 500–700 million years, has shocked the scientific community. The cyclic model of the universe, a theory proposed by Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok, addresses the limitations of the Big Bang model of the universe. That the universe undergoes periodic cycles of expansion and contraction (crunch), and that its cycles run for several trillions of years, is consistent with the vedic model of the universe wherein successive creation and destruction cycles occur at precise time points until the universe undergoes complete annihilation, resulting in the dawn of a new creation cycle. Here, we compare the cyclic models of the universe proposed by modern and vedic cosmologies.

Keywords: Universe, Big Bang theory, Methuselah, Agamas, cyclical model, multiverse

Introduction: Since the beginning of the last century there has been tremendous interest among cosmologists to decipher the origin and the age of the universe. The Big Bang theory, although has its own limitations, is popular among cosmologists. Several new theories, such as the new Cyclic Universe model, have proposed alternate views about the origin of the universe. It is interesting to note that ancient Hindus had calculated the age of the universe using vedic model of cosmology. This article attempts to analyze the origin and the age of our universe by comparing the data provided by modern cosmology and the vedic model of the universe.

The Big Bang theory: According to the Big Bang theory 13.8 billion years ago, all matter, energy, space, and time came into existence in a titanic explosion called the Big Bang. The model assumes that time has a beginning and that the universe emerged from nothingness (creation ex nihilo) into the present state, which is full of matter and energy, and it has been expanding and cooling for the last 13.8 billion years. [1] In other words, there existed a singularity of zero volume of infinite density and energy, which exploded, multiplied, and expanded to form the present state of the universe. The overall narrative of the entire history of the universe is supported through observational evidence, which include: 1) the expansion of the observable universe, 2) the presence of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation, 3) the abundance of the lightest chemical elements such as hydrogen and helium, and 4) the age of Methuselah [HD 140283], the oldest known population-II star in the universe. [2]

Limitations of the Big Bang theory: Methuselah [HD 140283], a population II star, is estimated to be 190 light years away from the earth. Scientists observed Methuselah in the year 2000 using European Space Agency’s (ESA) Hipparcos satellite, and estimated that it is approximately 16 billion years old, which is more than the estimated age of our universe (according to Big Bang model). Later Bond et al. calculated the age of Methuselah to be 14.46 billion years.[3] A 2014 investigation estimated the age of the star to be 14.27 billion years. Brian Kobeelein et al. measured the star’s metallicity and calculated its age to be 14.46 billion years (±800 million years). [4] If we take into account these uncertainties the actual age of Methuselah star has a 70 % probability of being between 13.66 and 15.36 billion years. There is also a 30 % probability that the star is outside that range, with a 15% probability that it is even lower.[5] Considering the above scenarios there is a high probability that the Methuselah star is older than the estimated age of the universe, and hence, many cosmologists have questioned the validity of the Big Bang theory. In order to arrive at the beginning of the Big Bang we need to go back in time where temperature and density became infinite. To achieve this we need to extrapolate 15 orders of magnitude higher in temperature and 60 orders of magnitude higher in density. However, this leads to mathematical singularity, which is an improbable phenomenon to achieve for initiating the Big Bang. Also, the idea that the ever-expanding universe (from mathematical singularity) is essential to smoothen and flatten the universe is misleading. However, if periodic slow phases of contraction of the universe along with expansion are considered then it can accommodate low energy density and low entropy density, and approaches empty Minkowski space. These parameters are essential for the formation of stars, planets, galaxies, and the present state of the universe. A slow contraction of the universe will also be useful for explaining cosmic microwave background (CMB). Hence, the cyclic model of periodically expanding and contracting universe may hold the key for explaining the nature of the universe. [6]

Modern cosmology & Agamas: Several new theories such as the Steady State model, the Ekpyrotic model, Plasma cosmology, the Big Bounce theory, String theory, Cosmic Inflation theory, and Oscillating model of the universe have attempted to address the limitations of the Big Bang model of the universe. Studies on pre-bang universe have become the latest frontier of cosmology. [7] Carl Sagan, a renowned American cosmologist and astrophysicist, had spoken about the cyclical nature of the universe and its large time scales more than 25 years ago: “The Hindu religion is the only one of the world’s great faiths dedicated to the idea that the cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite, number of deaths and rebirths. It is the only religion in which the time scales correspond, no doubt by accident, to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma, 8.64 billion years long, longer than the age of the earth or the sun and about half the time since the Big Bang. And there are much longer time scales still.” [8] Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok have proposed the new Cyclic Universe model (Endless Universe model) in which space and time exist forever and that the Big Bang is not the beginning of time. Rather it acts as a bridge to a preexisting contracting universe from a previous era. As per this model the universe undergoes an endless sequence of cycles in which it contracts in a big crunch and reemerges in an expanding big bang, with trillions of years of evolution in between. Each cycle begins with a bang, which is a collision between branes that creates matter and radiation and the universe continues to expand. After the matter and radiation have been thinned out (post expansion cycle), the universe begins, a period of contraction, which ends in a crunch at which matter and radiation are created. The two branes bounce apart, but now filled with the newly created hot matter and radiation where density dominates the older, thinned out matter-radiation from the previous cycles. Hence, the universe has returned to the same state as it was after the last bang and the cycle begins anew. [6] In the year 2023, The James Web Space Telescope (JWST) captured the images of 6 massive galaxies (referred to as universe breakers), which were formed/existed in the universe’s first 500–700 million years. These galaxies are found to be 100 times more massive than what standard cosmological theories predict. One of these galaxies holds100 billion stars, indicating it would exceed the total amount of the mass available in the universe at that time (500–700 million years post big bang). Many astrophysicists including Dr. Michio Kaku have opined that these findings could shatter our scientific understanding of the big bang model of the universe. [9] A recent research has indicated that the acceleration of the universe will be coming to an end in the next 65 million years, following which it will go through a phase of slow contraction. [10]

It is interesting to note that for the first time in modern cosmological research few theories emphasize on pre-bang period by predicting that the age of the universe exceeds 13.8 billion years. Paul Steinhardt, the Albert Einstein Professor in Science at Princeton University, in his conversation with Edge.com says “The ancient Hindus, for example, had every elaborate and detailed cosmology based on a cyclic universe. They predicted the duration of each cycle to be 8.64 billion years- a prediction with three-digit accuracy. It disagrees with the number that I am going to suggest which is in trillions of years than billions.”[11] Similar views were expressed by Fritjof Capra, in his book, The Tao of physics : “This idea of a periodically expanding and contracting universe, which involves a scale of time and space of vast proportions, has arisen not only in modern cosmology, but also in ancient Indian mythology. Experiencing the universe as an organic and rhythmically moving cosmos, the Hindus were able to develop evolutionary cosmologies which come very close to our modern scientific models.” [8] As per Agamas 8.64 billion years is the total cycle of periodic sustenance and annihilation of life in the universe.

Calculation of the age of our universe: As per the Endless Universe model of Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok time is endless in the sense that it goes on forever in the past and forever in the future. [11] According to Bhagavad Gita never was there a time when we did not exist, nor will there be a time in future shall any of us cease to exist. [12] Agamas consider time as an eternal independent reality, and is beginningless and endless. The Sankalpa mantra, which is recited at the time of Yajna (fire) ceremony in Indian homes goes like this: “Beginning from Brahma’s life, in the second half of Brahma’s life, in the kalpa of Shweta-Varaha, in the reigning period of current Vaivasvata Manu, in the 28th Mahayuga of current Manvantara, in the Kaliyuga, in the first quarter of this yuga (Kaliyuga), in Jambu island, in the land of Bharata, to the south of Meru mountain, in the current period now reigning….” This mantra provides details such as the current age of the universe and the geographic location of the place. Let us consider the salient features of vedic cosmology according to the agamas (scriptures).

· The birth/rebirth of our universe begins with the birth/rebirth of Brahma, the god of creation.[13] In the beginning of the first half of Brahma’s life the millennium is called Brahma-Kalpa, where Brahma was born. [14]

· The total lifespan of Brahma is 100 divine years. At the end of his 100 divine years the universe undergoes complete annihilation.[15]

· 100 divine years of Brahma are divided into 2 parts: the first half and the second half. Each half of Brahma’s life is called Parardha. The first half (Parardha) of the duration of Brahma’s life is already completed and now we are in the second half (parardha). [16]

· A day of Brahma is called Kalpa and so is his night. [17]

· In a day of Brahma there are 14 Manvantaras and each Manvantara is divided into 71 Mahayugas. [18]

· According to the Sankalpa mantra the current Brahma is in the second half of his life. So, 50 Brahma years have already elapsed and we are in the first Brahma day (first day of second half of Brahma’s life), and in that first day we are in the 7th Manvantara, and in the 28th Mahayuga of the total of 71 yuga cycles. In other words, in the 51st year and the first day of Brahma 6 Manvantaras have already elapsed.

· There are 4 yugas- Satya, Treta, Dwapara & Kali. The duration of the Satya yuga is 4,800 divine years, that of Treta yuga is 3,600 divine years, that of Dvapara yuga is 2,400 divine years, and that of Kali yuga is 1,200 divine years. The aggregate number of years of all of these combined is equal to 12,000 divine years and is called a Mahayuga. [19]

· 1 Mahayuga = Satya + Treta + Dwapara + Kali

= (4800 +3600+2400+1200) x360 — in solar years

= 12,000 x 360

= 43,20,000 solar years

· In a day of Brahma there are 14 Manvantaras and 71 mahayugas [20] — -T1

· Before and after each Manvantara there is a sandhya (junction) of 1.728 million years. [21] Since there are 14 manvavantaras in a day of Brahma there should be a total of 15 sandhyas in a span of 14 Manvantaras.

Gap period to be added = 1.728 million years x 15

= 2,59,20,000 years — — — — — — — — T2

· 1 day of Brahma = 1 Kalpa = T1 + T2

= 14x71x43,20,000 + 2,59,20,000

= 4294080000 + 25920000

= 4,32,00,00,000 solar years = 4.32 billion solar years

· We arrive at the same number, 4,32,00,00,000 solar years, through a verse in the Bhagavad Gita (8.17) “By human calculation, a thousand yugas taken together is the duration of Brahma’s one day. And such also is the duration of his night.” [22]

1 Kalpa =1 day of Brahma = 1000 x43,20,000= 4,32,00,00,000 solar years

1 Kalpa =1 night of Brahma = 1000 x 43,20,000= 4,32,00,00,000 solar years

Age of our universe = current age of Brahma = 50 Brahma years + 6 Manvantaras + 7 junctions (Sandhyas) + 27 Mahayugas + 1 Satya yuga + 1 Dwapara yuga + 1 Treta yuga + 5125 years of the current Kaliyuga (as of Feb 18, 2023)

Age of our universe = 50x360x2x1000 + 6x71x43,20,000 + 7 x 17,28,000 + 27 x 43,20,000 + 17,28,000 +12,96,000 +8,64,000 + 5125 (solar years)

Age of our universe = Current age of Brahma = 1.55521972949 x 10¹⁴ solar years

Age of our universe = Age of Brahma= 155.5219 trillion solar years

As per vedic cosmology universe undergoes infinite cycles of creation and destruction during its manifested and unmanifested states of matter and energy. Agamas (Mahabharata, Shanti parva, section 349, pp 187–193) also mention the names of previous 6 Brahmas: Virinchi, Padmabhu, Swayambhu, Parmeshthi, Surajyeshtha, Hemagarbha, Shatananda (current Brahma). Hence, considering the mahakalpa (lifespan) of each of these previous 6 Brahmas the total time elapsed until the seventh Brahma is (311.04 trillion years x 6 Brahmas) + 155.5219 trillion years (age pf current Brahma). This is equal to 2021.7619 trillion solar years, which can be termed as the Greater Cosmic Period of the universe!

The epochs of creation and destruction cycles within the greater cycles of the universe can be calculated using the time scales provided in other agamas. [23,24] The powers of 10 are given in Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1: Powers of 10 in vedic number system [23]

Vedic number: Power of 10

Ekam 10⁰ = 1

Dasha 10¹ = 10

Shatam 10² = 100

Sahasram 10³ = 1,000

Aayutam 10⁴ = 10,000

Niyutam 10⁵ = 100,000

Prayutam 10⁶ = 1,000,000 (million)

Arbudam 10⁷ =10,000,000 (10 million)

Nyarbudah 10⁸ =100,000,000 (100 million)

Samudrah 10⁹= 1,000,000,000 (1 billion)

Madhyah 10¹⁰ = 10,000,000,000 (10 billion)

Antah 10¹¹ = 100,000,000,000 (100 billion)

Parardhah 10¹² =1,000,000,000,000 (1000 billion)

Table 2. Large vedic numbers [24]

Vedic number- Higher vedic number- Equivalent power of 10

1 Vṛnda 10²²

10⁵ Vṛnda 1 Mahavṛnda 10²⁷

10⁵ Padma 1 Mahapadma 10³⁷

10⁵ Mahapadma 1 Kharva 10⁴²

10⁵ Kharva 1 Mahakharva 10⁴⁷

10³ Mahakharva 1 Samudram 10⁵⁰

10⁵ Samudram 1 Mahaugha 10⁵⁵

The current universe, from its last inception, will thus last for a total of 100 Brahma divine years (of 7th Brahma), which is equal to 311.04 trillion human years. This end period is called Maha-pralaya (Great dissolution). After that the universe undergoes total annihilation, which heralds a new cycle of creation with the birth of new Brahma.

Remaining life of the universe = 311.04–155.5219= 155.5181 trillion solar years

Vedic model of the universe vs cyclic universe theory: Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita “Material nature should be understood to be beginningless. The transformations and the modes of matter are products of material nature.” [25] Bhagavad Gita also says “at the beginning of Brahma’s day (Kalpa) all living entities become manifest from unmanifest state, and thereafter, when Brahma’s night falls they are merged into unmanifest state again.[26] Further, at the end of every millennium (kalpa) all material manifestation enters into My nature, and at the beginning of another millennium (kalpa), by My potency I again create. The whole cosmic order is under Me. By my will it is manifested again and again, and by My will it is annihilated at the end. By its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.” [27] As per agamas life is manifested only during the day (Kalpa) of Brahma and remains in unmanifest state during the night (Kalpa) of Brahma. Every Kalpa (divine day) is followed by a pralaya (partial dissolution). This process of creation and annihilation is repeated until the time of Mahakalpa (311.04 trillion years)- the maximum permissible age of the universe and that of the current Brahma. Comparing this with the cyclic universe theory proposed by Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok new matter and energy are created every trillion years when two sheet-like “branes” collide along an extra dimension of space. There can be endless cycles and hence the universe could be far older than 13.8 billion years (Big Bang model). [28]

Multiverse theory: The vedic model also describes multiverse theory. Bhagavata Purana says “Every universe is covered by seven layers- Earth, water, fire, air, sky, total energy, false ego- each 10 times greater than the previous one. There are innumerable universes besides this one, and although they are unlimitedly large, they move about like atoms in you. Therefore you are called unlimited. [29,30] Further references are given in Brahma Samhita, which talks about all universes existing in the primeval Lord [31], who maintains and manifests the infinite universes, both spiritual and mundane. [32,33]

Conclusion: Recent studies have indicated that there are several inconsistencies in the Big Bang model of the universe. The authors believe that the Endless Universe model proposed by Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok is in some aspects similar to the vedic model of the universe, where creation and annihilation cycles repeat periodically for up to 311.04 trillion years, which is the maximum permissible age of the universe. The current age of the universe according to Vedic model is 155.5219 trillions years, which disagrees with the Big Bang theory. Endless Universe model talks about expansion and contraction cycles running in trillions of years prior to the beginning of the big bang. However, there is no published data on the inception point and the number of expansion and contraction cycles that have elapsed prior to the big bang. The vedic model is very clear about the inception point (155.5219 trillion years ago) and the successive epochs of creation and annihilation cycles of the ageing universe. The discovery of 6 massive galaxies that should not have existed in the universe’s first 500–700 million years has questioned the validity of the Big Bang theory. Most certainly these galaxies belong to a pre Big Bang era. If cycles of expansion and contraction have existed prior to the Big Bang then modern cosmological models need to calculate the inception point by going back trillions of years in time. We hope that in future new cosmological theories will arrive at a figure closer to the gigantic number (155.5219 trillion human years) provided by the vedic model of the universe.

Acknowledgements: The first author would like to offer his sincere gratitude to Sri. Guddappa K. Maliger, his grandfather, for imparting tremendous knowledge on large vedic numbers during the author’s formative years. It provided an incredible platform for learning vedic mathematics and vedic cosmology.

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12. Bhagavad Gita 2.12

13. Srimad Bhagavatam 3/9/23

14. Srimad Bhagavatam 3/11/35

15. Srimad Bhagavatam 3/11/32

16. Srimad Bhagavatam 3/1/34

17. Srimad Bhagavatam 2/10/46

18. Srimad Bhagavatam 3.11.23–24