In Hinduism, there are various interpretations and beliefs regarding the end of the world or apocalyptic events, although they might not be as explicitly outlined as in some other religious traditions. Here are a few notable concepts or predictions that have gained popularity or mention in Hindu texts and folklore:
Kali Yuga: According to Hindu cosmology, time is cyclical,
consisting of four yugas or epochs: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and
Kali Yuga. Kali Yuga is believed to be the darkest and most turbulent age,
characterized by moral decline, spiritual degradation, and societal chaos.
While there's no explicit doomsday prediction associated with Kali Yuga, it is
often depicted as a period of increasing suffering and turmoil, with the
eventual restoration of righteousness by the appearance of a future avatar of
Vishnu, Kalki.
Kalki Avatar: Kalki is prophesied to be the tenth and final
avatar of the god Vishnu, who will appear at the end of Kali Yuga to rid the
world of evil and restore righteousness. The arrival of Kalki is associated
with various apocalyptic events, including the destruction of the wicked, the
cleansing of the Earth by floods, and the beginning of a new era of
enlightenment and prosperity.
Pralaya: Pralaya refers to cosmic dissolution or the end of
the universe in Hindu cosmology. It is believed that at the end of each Kalpa
(a day in the life of Brahma, the creator deity), the universe undergoes a
period of destruction (pralaya) followed by recreation. There are different
types of pralayas mentioned in Hindu texts, including Naimittika Pralaya
(partial dissolution) and Mahapralaya (total dissolution). While these concepts
involve the end of the universe, they are part of the cyclical nature of time
and creation rather than a linear doomsday scenario.
Ragnarok-like Events: Some interpretations of Hindu
mythology draw parallels with apocalyptic events described in other cultures,
such as the Norse concept of Ragnarok. These interpretations suggest
cataclysmic battles between gods and demons, natural disasters, and the eventual
renewal of the world. While not explicitly outlined in Hindu scriptures, these
themes are sometimes extrapolated from various myths and epics.
Overall, while Hinduism contains rich cosmological
narratives and eschatological concepts, it tends to emphasize cyclical patterns
of creation, destruction, and rebirth rather than a definitive end-of-the-world
scenario. The emphasis is often on spiritual evolution, moral righteousness,
and the eventual restoration of cosmic order.