What Does Hinduism Say About Multiverse?

Hinduism and the Concept of the Multiverse

Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, offers profound insights into the nature of the universe, consciousness, and reality. Unlike Western perspectives that often depict the universe as a singular entity with a definitive beginning and end, Hindu scriptures describe a multiverse—a cosmos teeming with multiple worlds, dimensions, and cycles of creation and destruction.

This concept finds its roots in the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Hindu cosmology does not limit existence to just one universe but speaks of countless lokas (worlds), brahmandas (cosmic eggs), and parallel realms, aligning remarkably with modern scientific theories of the multiverse.

1. Hindu Cosmology and the Multiverse

A. The Infinite Universes (Ananta Brahmandas)

Hindu texts speak of Ananta Brahmandas (infinite universes). The Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam) states:

“There are innumerable universes besides this one, and although they are unlimitedly large, they move about like atoms in You [Lord Krishna]. Therefore, You are the unlimited Supreme Personality of Godhead, who has innumerable energies.” (Bhagavata Purana 10.14.11)

This idea closely resembles modern theories in quantum mechanics and string theory, which propose multiple universes existing simultaneously, each with unique physical laws.

B. The Structure of the Multiverse – The 14 Lokas

Hinduism divides existence into 14 lokas (realms), categorized into:

• Seven higher worlds (Urdhva Lokas): Spiritual and divine realms
• Seven lower worlds (Adho Lokas): Subterranean and infernal realms

The higher realms include:

1. Satya Loka (Brahma Loka) – The highest spiritual realm, where Lord Brahma resides.
2. Tapo Loka – The realm of great sages and ascetics.
3. Jana Loka – The abode of enlightened beings.
4. Mahar Loka – A realm of spiritually advanced souls.
5. Swar Loka (Svarga Loka) – The celestial realm of Devas (gods).
6. Bhuvar Loka – The intermediate world between the divine and earthly realms.
7. Bhu Loka – The earthly realm where humans reside.

The lower realms (also called Patalas) include Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala, and Patala, inhabited by various supernatural beings like Nagas (serpent beings) and Asuras (demons).

These realms imply a hierarchical multiverse, where different dimensions exist simultaneously, a concept parallel to modern discussions on parallel universes and extra dimensions in physics.

C. Cyclical Creation and Dissolution

The Hindu concept of time is non-linear, describing the universe in cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. Each universe undergoes cycles of:

• Srishti (Creation) – Initiated by Brahma
• Sthiti (Sustenance) – Maintained by Vishnu
• Laya (Destruction) – Dissolved by Shiva

Each cycle lasts for 4.32 billion years (one day of Brahma), after which dissolution occurs, and a new universe emerges. This cyclical nature suggests a continuous process of multiple universes appearing and disappearing, much like modern cyclic universe theories in cosmology.

2. Hinduism’s Parallel Universes and Multiple Realities

A. Krishna’s Infinite Cosmic Forms

The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 11) describes Lord Krishna revealing his Vishwarupa (universal form) to Arjuna, showing infinite universes within Himself:

“O Arjuna, behold the entire universe with all its moving and non-moving entities, assembled together in My body.” (Bhagavad Gita 11.7)

This vision suggests that numerous parallel universes exist simultaneously, each contained within the divine consciousness, resonating with modern holographic universe theories.

B. Narada’s Experience of Parallel Worlds

The sage Narada Muni, known for traveling across different realms, once visited King Muchukunda. After spending time there, he returned to Devaloka (heaven), only to find that thousands of years had passed in just a few moments. This aligns with the theory of time dilation and suggests that different universes experience time differently.

3. Scientific Correlations – How Hinduism Aligns with Modern Multiverse Theories

A. Quantum Mechanics and Many-Worlds Interpretation

Modern quantum physics proposes that particles exist in multiple states simultaneously until observed (superposition). This aligns with the Vedantic idea that consciousness determines reality, hinting at parallel worlds created by different choices.

B. String Theory and Extra Dimensions

Hinduism’s subtle realms (lokas) match the concept of extra dimensions proposed in string theory, where universes exist beyond our perception. The Puranas mention Siddha Lokas (realms of perfected beings) beyond ordinary human experience, resembling hidden dimensions in physics.

C. Big Bang and Cyclic Universes

The Hindu idea of repeated creation and dissolution of universes resembles the Big Bang and Big Crunch theories, where universes expand and contract infinitely.

4. Spiritual Significance – What This Means for Hindus

Hinduism teaches that the multiverse is not just a physical concept but also a spiritual one. It emphasizes:

• Karma and Rebirth: Souls travel across different realms based on their karmic deeds.
• Liberation (Moksha): Escaping the cycle of birth and death transcends the multiverse.
• Interconnectedness: The Vedic aphorism “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family) suggests that all beings across different worlds are interconnected.

Conclusion

Hinduism’s cosmology remarkably aligns with modern scientific concepts of the multiverse. The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and epics describe multiple universes, parallel realms, and cycles of creation, which resonate with quantum mechanics, string theory, and cyclic universe models.

Far from being just mythology, Hindu scriptures provide a profound framework for understanding the multiverse, emphasizing both scientific inquiry and spiritual wisdom. Whether through Krishna’s cosmic form, Narada’s experiences, or the concept of infinite Brahmandas, Hinduism has long recognized the vastness of existence—an idea that modern science is only beginning to explore.