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{{short description|Hindu concept}}
In ], '''Manu''' is a title accorded the ], first king to rule this earth, who saves mankind from the universal flood. He is honest which is why he is called "Satyavrata", or faster on to the truth.
{{about|concept of Manu in Hinduism|Surya's son and the current Manu|Vaivasvata Manu|other uses|Manu (disambiguation){{!}}Manu}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}


'''Manu''' ({{langx|sa|मनु}}) is a term found with various meanings in ]. In early texts, it refers to the archetypal man, or the first man (]). The Sanskrit term for 'human', मनुष्य (]: manuṣya) or मानव (IAST: mānava) means 'of Manu' or 'children of Manu'.<ref name="Dalal2010p242">{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |pages=242 }}</ref> In later texts, Manu is the title or name of fourteen rulers of earth, or alternatively as the head of dynasties that begin with each cyclic '']'' (aeon) when the universe is born anew.<ref name="Dalal2010p242"/> The title of the text '']'' uses this term as a prefix, but refers to the first Manu – Svayambhuva, the spiritual son of ].<ref name=dalalp229/><ref>{{Cite book |last=Witzel |first=Michael |editor=George Erdosy |chapter=Ṛgvedic history: Poets, chieftains and polities |title= The Indo-Aryans of Ancient South Asia: Language, Material Culture and Ethnicity |doi=10.1515/9783110816433-019 |publisher=De Gruyter |location=Berlin |url-access= subscription |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110816433/html?lang=en |date=1995 |isbn=9783110144475 |series =Indian Philology and South Asian Studies, Vol. 1 |pages=307–352<!-- the pages given, pp. 202–204, are in a chapter by Fredrik T. Hiebert, so were likely mistaken. NOTE ENDS-->}}</ref> In the ], each ''kalpa'' consists of fourteen ]s, and each Manvantara is headed by a different Manu.<ref name="Dalal2010p242"/> The current universe, is asserted to be ruled by the 7th Manu named ].<ref name=dalalp229>{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal |title=The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pNmfdAKFpkQC |year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-0-14-341517-6 |pages=229 }}</ref> Vaivasvata was the king of ] before the ].<ref>{{cite book |first=Alain |last=Daniélou |title=A Brief History of India |url=https://archive.org/details/briefhistoryofin00dani |url-access=registration |date=11 February 2003 |publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Co |isbn=978-1-59477-794-3 |page=}}</ref> He was warned of the flood by the ] (]) ] of ], and built a boat that carried the Vedas, Manu's family and the ] to safety, helped by Matsya. The tale is repeated with variations in other texts, including the ] and a few other ].<ref>{{cite book |author=Klaus K. Klostermaier |title=A Survey of Hinduism |edition=Third |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E_6-JbUiHB4C&pg=PA97 |date=5 July 2007 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-7914-7082-4 |page=97 }}</ref>
From the ], Book 1:Adi Parva:Sambhava Parva:Section LXXV: "And Manu was endued with great wisdom and devoted to virtue. And he became the progenitor of a line. And in Manu's race have been born all human beings, who have, therefore, been called Manavas. And it is of Manu that all men including Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and others have been descended, and are, therefore, all called Manavas. Subsequently, O monarch, the Brahmanas became united with the Kshatriyas. And those sons of Manu that were Brahmanas devoted themselves to the study of the Vedas." He was said to have 10 sons:


==Fourteen Manus==
"The ten sons of Manu are known as Vena, Dhrishnu, Narishyan, Nabhaga, Ikshvaku, Karusha, Saryati, the eighth, a daughter named Ila, Prishadhru the ninth, and Nabhagarishta, the tenth. They all betook themselves to the practices of Kshatriyas. Besides these, Manu had fifty other sons on Earth. But we heard that they all perished, quarrelling with one another."


There are fourteen Manus that rule in succession during each '']'' (day of ]). The current ''Kalpa'' has the following Manus:
During an eon called a ]. 14 Manvantaras make up a ], a period corresponding to a day in the life of ]; each Manvantara is headed by a Manu, the 14 of which are:
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
|+List of Manus according to Source
|-
! Manvantara !!]<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2-VhBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT109|title=Teachings of Lord Caitanya: The Golden Avatara|author=His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada|publisher=The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust|isbn=978-91-7149-730-7|pages=109–u2013 |edition=Third }}</ref>
!]<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/brahma_purana_english_full|title=Brahma Purana |series= Parts I – IV|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |location=Delhi|date=1955|at= (3.4–7) |edition=First}}</ref>
!]<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/LingaPuranaJ.L.ShastriPart1|title=Linga Purana|series= Part 1 of 2 |language=en |translator-last1=Shastri |translator-first1=J. L.|date=1951|at=: (7.22–28)}}</ref>
!] 1<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13010|title=The Skanda-Purana |series= Part 2 |translator-last1=Shastri |translator-first1=J. L.|translator-last2=Bhatt |translator-first2= G. P. |edition=First |date=1950 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Pvt. Ltd |location=Delhi |at= (5.71–75)}}</ref>
!] 2<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.13008|title=The Skanda-Purana|series= Part 7 |translator-last1=Shastri |translator-first1=J. L.|translator-last2=Bhatt |translator-first2= G. P. |edition=First |date=1951 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Pvt. Ltd |location=Delhi|at= (25.22–24)}}</ref>
|-
| 1 || colspan="5" | ]
|-
| 2 || colspan="5" | Svarocisha
|-
| 3 || colspan="5" | Uttama
|-
| 4 || colspan="5" | Tapasa (Tamasa)
|-
| 5 || colspan="5" | Raivata
|-
| 6 || colspan="5" |]
|-
| 7 || colspan="5" | ]
|-
| 8 || colspan="5" |]
|-
| 9 || Daksha-savarni
|Raibhya
|Dharma
|Brahma-savarni
|Bhautya
|-
| 10 || Brahma-savarni
|Raucya
|Savarnika
|Rudra-savarni
|Raucya
|-
| 11 || Dharma-savarni
| rowspan="4" |The ]
|Pisanga
|Daksa-sarvarni
|Brahma-savarni
|-
| 12 || Rudra-savarni
|Apisangabha
|Dharma-savarni
|Rudra-savarni
|-
| 13 || Deva-savarni
|Sabala
|Raucya
|Meru-savarni
|-
| 14 || Indra-savarni
|Varnaka
|Bhautya
|Daksha-savarni
|}


# ] ===Swayambhuva Manu===
The '''first Manu'''. He was the mind born son of the god ], and husband of ]. He had three daughters, namely Akuti, Devahuti and Prasuti. Devahuti was given in marriage to Prajapati and she gave birth to nine daughters, and a single son named ]. Prasuti gave birth to several daughters including ], ] amongst many, and Akuti gave birth to one son named ] and one daughter. Both Kapila and Yajna, who were sons of Devahuti and Akuti respectively, were incarnations of Vishnu. Svayambhuva Manu, along with his wife, Satarupa, went into the forest to practice austerities on the bank of the River Sunanda. At some point of time, Rakshasas attacked them, but Yajna, accompanied by his sons, the demigods, swiftly killed them. Then Yajna personally took the post of Indra, the King of the heavenly planets. Svayambhuva Manu's abode is ], with the town of Barhismati as the capital. Barhismati was formed when Visnu in his cosmic boar form (]) shook his body, there fell large hair, which turned into the town. The small hairs which fell turned into {{lang|sa|kuśa}} and {{lang|sa|kāsa}} grass.<ref>{{cite book |translator-last=Shastri |translator-first=J. L. |title=Bhagavata Purana |series=Parts 1–5 |date=1950 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |location=Delhi |at=Part 1; Skandha III; , 22:29–30 |chapter=Marriage of Kardama and Devahūti |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/BhagavataPuranaMotilalEnglish/page/n345/mode/1up |language=en }}</ref>
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]
# ]


In this Manvantara, the ] were ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="Manu">{{cite book |title=The Vishnu Purana |chapter-url=https://sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp075.htm |chapter=Book III: Chapter I – Account of the several Manus and Manwantaras |page=259 |date=1840 |translator=Horace Hayman Wilson |translator-link=Horace Hayman Wilson |title-link=Vishnu Purana |quote= The first Manu was ], then came ], then ], then ], then ], then ]: these six Manus have passed away. The Manu who presides over the seventh Manwantara, which is the present period, is ], the son of the sun{{nbsp}}...}}</ref>
], we are in the 7th Manvantara headed by Vaivasvata Manu.
In Svayambhuva-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called ].


===Swarochisha Manu===
The Matsya avatar of Vishnu is said to have appeared to King Manu, while he washed his hands in a river. The little fish asked the king to save it, and kept growing bigger and bigger. It also informed the King of a huge flood which would occur soon. The King builds a huge boat, which houses the fish and his family and other seeds of animals to repopulate the earth. This story is very similar to other deluge stories in ancient Sumerian mythology which preceded the story of Noah's ark.
The Saptarshis were Urjastambha, Agni, Prana, Danti, Rishabha, Nischara, and Charvarivan.
In Svarocisha-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Vibhu.


The '''second Manu''', whose name was Svarocisha, was the son of Agni, and His sons were headed by Dyumat, Sushena and Rochishmat. He invented clothing and made it for mankind. At his deathbed, Devala Rishi was born from Shiva's third eye to succeed Svarochisa Manu in making clothes for mankind. and In the age of this Manu, Rochana became Indra, the ruler of the heavenly planets, and there were many demigods, headed by Tushita. There were also many saintly persons, such as Urjastambha. Among them was Vedasira, whose wife, Tushita, gave birth to Vibhu. Vibhu was the incarnation of Vishnu for this ]. He remained a Brahmachari all his life and never married. He instructed eighty-eight thousand dridha-vratas, or saintly persons, on sense-control and austerity.
Manu is also the name of the author of the famous Manusmriti. It is considered by some Hindus to be the law laid down for Hindus. But as it is a smriti, whenever there is a conflict between what is mentioned in it and that mentioned in shruti (Vedas and Upanishads) the latter is considered to be correct. It is also suspected that the myth of Manu and his writings i.e. Manu smriti (slavery system) was a creation of a brahmin called Sumati Bhargava during the reign of a brahmin king Pushya Mitra Sunga (around 170 BCE) who was persecuting buddhists & promoting hinduism. He had set a prize of 100 gold coins on every buddhist and jain monks head and hence caused their slaughter. Buddhists were relegated to low caste and were called sramanas. The ultimate aim of creating the myth of manu ( & manusmriti) was to justify the slavery system as of divine origin so as to make it palatable to masses practising hinduism with the motive to make the upper caste (brahmins) rich & influential as it promised heaven to those who helped and gave donations to brahmins.


==See also== ===Uttama Manu===
The Saptarshis for this Manvantara were Kaukundihi, Kurundi, Dalaya, Sankha, Pravahita, Mita, and Sammita.
*]
In Uttama-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Satyasena.
*]
*] Germanic sons of Manno


Uttama, the son of Priyavrata, was the '''third Manu'''. Among his sons were Pavana, Srinjaya and Yajnahotra. During the reign of this Manu, the sons of Vashista, headed by Pramada, became the seven saintly persons. The Satyas, Devasrutas and Bhadras became the demigods, and Satyajit became Indra. From the womb of Sunrita, the wife of Dharma, the Supreme Lord Narayana appeared as Satyasena, and killed all the evil ] who created havoc in all the worlds, along with Satyajit, who was Indra at that time.
{{HinduMythology}}


===Tapasa (Tamasa) Manu===
]
Saptarshis list: Jyotirdhama, Prithu, Kavya, Chaitra, Agni, Vanaka, and Pivara.
In Tapasa-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Hari.


Tapasa (also called ''Tamasa''), the brother of the third Manu, was the '''fourth Manu''', and he had ten sons, including Prithu, Khyati, Nara and Ketu. During his reign, the Satyakas, Haris, Viras and others were demigods, the seven great saints were headed by Jyotirdhama, and Trisikha became Indra. Harimedha begot a son named Hari, who was the incarnation of Vishnu for this Manvantara, by his wife Harini. Hari was born to liberate the devotee ].
]

]
] ===Raivata Manu===
Saptarshis list: Hirannyaroma, Vedasrí, Urddhabahu, Vedabahu, Sudhaman, Parjanya, and Mahámuni.
]
In Raivata-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Vaikuntha, not to be confused with ], of the same name.
]

Vaikuntha came as Raivata Manu, the twin brother of Tamasa. His sons were headed by Arjuna, Bali and Vindhya. Among the demigods were the Bhutarayas, and among the seven brahmanas who occupied the seven planets were Hiranyaroma, Vedasira and Urdhvabahu.

===Chakshusha Manu===
] sees ] and ]]]
Saptarshis list: Sumedhas, Virajas, Havishmat, Uttama, Madhu, Abhináman, and Sahishnnu.
In Chakshusha-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Ajita.

Ajita came as Chakshsusa Manu, the son of the demigod Chakshu. He had many sons, headed by Puru, Purusa, and Sudyumna. During the reign of Chakshusa Manu, the King of heaven was known as Mantradruma. Among the demigods were the Apyas, and among the great sages were Havisman and Viraka. He had a daughter named Jyothismati, who wished for the most powerful being as her husband. When asked Indra, the king of gods, Indra replied that his storms could be pushed away by Vayu. Vayu said that his winds could not push away the earth, and thus Bhumavat, the male personification of the earth, was stronger. Bhumavat said that Adishesha, who holds both Vishnu and the earth, is the strongest. Adishesh told Manu and Jyothishmati that his second avatar on earth would be stronger than himself, and thus Jyothishmati was reborn as Revati to marry that avatar, Krishna's brother Balarama.

===Vaivasvata Manu===
The '''Seventh Manu'''
Saptarshis list: ], ], ], ], ], ], and ], and other like ], ], ], ], ].{{citation needed|date=December 2021}} During Vaivasvata-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar is called ].

The '''seventh Manu''', who is the son of ], is known as Sraddhadeva (or satyavrata) or Vaivasvat (son of Vivasvan). He has ten sons, named ], Nabhaga, Dhrsta, Saryati, Narisyanta, Dista (Nabhanedista), Tarusa (Karusha), Prsadhra, Vasuman (Pramshu) and ] (Sudyumna). In this manvantara, or reign of Manu, among the demigods are the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Visvedevas, Maruts, Asvini-kumaras and Rbhus. The king of heaven, Indra, is known as ], and the seven sages are known as
Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Atri, Vashista, Gautama, Agastya and Bharadwaja

===Surya Savarni Manu===
Saptarshis list: Diptimat, Galava, ], ], Drauni or ], ], and ].<ref> Retrieved 2015-02-15</ref> In Savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sarvabhauma.

In the period of the '''eighth Manu''', the Manu is ]. He is the son of Surya by his second wife, ]. He is thus the half-brother to Shraddhadeva Manu. His sons are headed by Nirmoka, and among the demigods are the Sutapas. ], the son of ], is ], and Galava and Parasurama are among the seven sages. In the age of this Manu, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sarvabhauma, the son of Devaguhya.

===Daksa Savarni Manu===
Saptarshis list: Savana, Dyutimat, Bhavya, Vasu, Medhatithi, Jyotishmán, and Satya.
In Daksha-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Rishabha.

The '''ninth Manu''' is Daksha-savarni. He is the son of Lord Varuna. His sons are headed by Bhutaketu, and among the demigods are the Maricigarbhas. Adbhuta is Indra, and among the seven sages is Dyutiman. Rishabha would be born of Ayushman and Ambudhara...

===Brahma Savarni Manu===
Saptarshis list: Havishmán, Sukriti, Satya, Apámmúrtti, Nábhága, Apratimaujas, and Satyaket.
In Brahma-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Vishvaksena.

In the period of the '''tenth Manu''', the Manu is Brahma-savarni. He is the son of Upsaloka( The son of lord ]) Among his sons is Bhurishena, and the seven sages are Havishman and others. Among the demigods are the Suvasanas, and Sambhu is Indra. Vishvaksena would be a friend of Sambhu and will be born from the womb of Vishuci in the house of a brahmana named Visvasrashta.

===Dharma Savarni Manu===
Saptarshis list: Niśchara, Agnitejas, Vapushmán, Vishńu, Áruni, Havishmán, and Anagha.
In Dharma-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Dharmasetu.

In the period of the '''eleventh Manu''', the Manu is Dharma-savarni, the son of ]. He has ten sons, headed by Satyadharma. Among the demigods are the Vihangamas, Indra is known as Vaidhrita, and the seven sages are Aruna and others. Dharmasetu will be born of Vaidhrita and Aryaka.

===Rudra Savarni Manu===
Saptarshis list: Tapaswí, Sutapas, Tapomúrtti, Taporati, Tapodhriti, Tapodyuti, and Tapodhan.
In Rudra-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sudhama.

In the period of the '''twelfth Manu''', the Manu is Rudra-savarni, whose sons are headed by Devavan. The demigods are the Haritas and others, Indra is Ritadhama, and the seven sages are Tapomurti and others. Sudhama, or Svadhama, who will be born from the womb of Sunrita, wife of a Satyasaha.

According to Manava Purana, Rudra Savarni Manu is the son of ] and ].

===Raucya or Deva Savarni Manu===
Saptarshis list: Nirmoha, Tatwadersín, Nishprakampa, Nirutsuka, Dhritimat, Avyaya, and Sutapas.
In Deva-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Yogeshwara.

In the period of the '''thirteenth Manu''', the Manu is Deva-savarni. Among his sons is Chitrasena, the demigods are the Sukarmas and others, Indra is Divaspati, and Nirmoka is among the sages. Yogeshwara will be born of Devahotra and Brihati.

===Indra Savarni Manu===
Saptarshis list: Agnibáhu, Śuchi, Śhukra, Magadhá, Gridhra, Yukta, and Ajita.
In Indra-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Brihadbhanu.

In the period of the '''fourteenth Manu''', the Manu is Indra-savarni. Among his sons are Uru and Gambhira, the demigods are the Pavitras and others, Indra is Suci, and among the sages are Agni and Bahu. Brihadbhanu will be born of Satrayana from the womb of Vitana.

Almost all literature refers to the first 9 Manus with the same names but there is a lot of disagreement on names after that, although all of them agree with a total of 14.<ref>Summary of Manu in Ancient Literature '''' Ghanshyam Dusane</ref>

==Bibliography==
{{main|Manusmriti}}
The texts ascribed to the ] include ''Manava Grihyasutra'', ''Manava Sulbasutra'' and ''Manava Dharmashasta'' ('']'' or "rules of Manu").<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/manu.htm |series=Sacred Books of the East, vol. XV |title=The Laws of Manu |publisher=Clarendon Press |date=1886 |location=Oxford |translator-last=Bühler |translator-first=George |translator-link=George Bühler|quote=These seven very glorious Manus, the first among whom is Svayambhuva, produced and protected this whole movable and immovable (creation), each during the period (allotted to him).|quote-page=1:63|no-pp=yes}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417155321/http://oaks.nvg.org/pv6bk4.html |date=17 April 2013 }}: Archived version digitised by Tormod Kinnes, from Delhi: Banarsidass 1984 reprint.</ref>

==In Jainism==
{{Main|Kulakara}}
Jain theology mentions the 14th patriarch named ]raja, mentioning him also as Manu.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|pp=15–16}} This, state scholars, links Jain tradition to Hindu legends, because the 14 patriarchs in Jain tradition are similar to the 14 Manus in Hindu legends.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|pp=15–16}} The Manu of ] is the father of 1st '']'' ] (Adinatha).{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|pp=15–16}} This ancient story is significant as it includes one of earliest mentions of ''ikshu'' (]) processing.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|2004|pp=15–16}}

==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ], king of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa.
* ]
* ], progenitor of humanity in Germanic mythology according to ].
* ], king of Lydia
* ], Hawaiian mythological character who built an ark and escaped a Great Flood.
* ], goddess in Chinese mythology best known for creating mankind.
* ]
* ], hero of the Sumerian flood epic
* ]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{citation |last=Shah |first=Natubhai |author-link=Natubhai Shah |title=Jainism: The World of Conquerors |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qLNQKGcDIhsC |volume=I |date=2004 |orig-year=First published in 1998 |publisher=] |isbn=81-208-1938-1 |ref={{sfnref|Natubhai Shah|2004}} }}

==External links==
*
{{Legendary progenitors}}
{{Adam and Eve}}

{{Authority control}}

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Latest revision as of 09:38, 10 November 2024

Hindu concept This article is about concept of Manu in Hinduism. For Surya's son and the current Manu, see Vaivasvata Manu. For other uses, see Manu.
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Manu (Sanskrit: मनु) is a term found with various meanings in Hinduism. In early texts, it refers to the archetypal man, or the first man (progenitor of humanity). The Sanskrit term for 'human', मनुष्य (IAST: manuṣya) or मानव (IAST: mānava) means 'of Manu' or 'children of Manu'. In later texts, Manu is the title or name of fourteen rulers of earth, or alternatively as the head of dynasties that begin with each cyclic kalpa (aeon) when the universe is born anew. The title of the text Manusmriti uses this term as a prefix, but refers to the first Manu – Svayambhuva, the spiritual son of Brahma. In the Hindu cosmology, each kalpa consists of fourteen Manvantaras, and each Manvantara is headed by a different Manu. The current universe, is asserted to be ruled by the 7th Manu named Vaivasvata. Vaivasvata was the king of Dravida before the great flood. He was warned of the flood by the Matsya (fish) avatar of Vishnu, and built a boat that carried the Vedas, Manu's family and the seven sages to safety, helped by Matsya. The tale is repeated with variations in other texts, including the Mahabharata and a few other Puranas.

Fourteen Manus

There are fourteen Manus that rule in succession during each Kalpa (day of Brahma). The current Kalpa has the following Manus:

List of Manus according to Source
Manvantara Bhagavata Purana Brahma Purana Linga Purana Skanda Purana 1 Skanda Purana 2
1 Swayambhuva
2 Svarocisha
3 Uttama
4 Tapasa (Tamasa)
5 Raivata
6 Chakshusha
7 Vaivasvata
8 Savarni
9 Daksha-savarni Raibhya Dharma Brahma-savarni Bhautya
10 Brahma-savarni Raucya Savarnika Rudra-savarni Raucya
11 Dharma-savarni The four Merusavarnis Pisanga Daksa-sarvarni Brahma-savarni
12 Rudra-savarni Apisangabha Dharma-savarni Rudra-savarni
13 Deva-savarni Sabala Raucya Meru-savarni
14 Indra-savarni Varnaka Bhautya Daksha-savarni

Swayambhuva Manu

The first Manu. He was the mind born son of the god Brahma, and husband of Shatarupa. He had three daughters, namely Akuti, Devahuti and Prasuti. Devahuti was given in marriage to Prajapati and she gave birth to nine daughters, and a single son named Kapila. Prasuti gave birth to several daughters including Khyati, Anasuya amongst many, and Akuti gave birth to one son named Yajna and one daughter. Both Kapila and Yajna, who were sons of Devahuti and Akuti respectively, were incarnations of Vishnu. Svayambhuva Manu, along with his wife, Satarupa, went into the forest to practice austerities on the bank of the River Sunanda. At some point of time, Rakshasas attacked them, but Yajna, accompanied by his sons, the demigods, swiftly killed them. Then Yajna personally took the post of Indra, the King of the heavenly planets. Svayambhuva Manu's abode is Brahmavarta, with the town of Barhismati as the capital. Barhismati was formed when Visnu in his cosmic boar form (Varaha) shook his body, there fell large hair, which turned into the town. The small hairs which fell turned into kuśa and kāsa grass.

In this Manvantara, the Saptarshis were Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulastya, and Vashishtha. In Svayambhuva-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Yajna.

Swarochisha Manu

The Saptarshis were Urjastambha, Agni, Prana, Danti, Rishabha, Nischara, and Charvarivan. In Svarocisha-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Vibhu.

The second Manu, whose name was Svarocisha, was the son of Agni, and His sons were headed by Dyumat, Sushena and Rochishmat. He invented clothing and made it for mankind. At his deathbed, Devala Rishi was born from Shiva's third eye to succeed Svarochisa Manu in making clothes for mankind. and In the age of this Manu, Rochana became Indra, the ruler of the heavenly planets, and there were many demigods, headed by Tushita. There were also many saintly persons, such as Urjastambha. Among them was Vedasira, whose wife, Tushita, gave birth to Vibhu. Vibhu was the incarnation of Vishnu for this Manvantara. He remained a Brahmachari all his life and never married. He instructed eighty-eight thousand dridha-vratas, or saintly persons, on sense-control and austerity.

Uttama Manu

The Saptarshis for this Manvantara were Kaukundihi, Kurundi, Dalaya, Sankha, Pravahita, Mita, and Sammita. In Uttama-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Satyasena.

Uttama, the son of Priyavrata, was the third Manu. Among his sons were Pavana, Srinjaya and Yajnahotra. During the reign of this Manu, the sons of Vashista, headed by Pramada, became the seven saintly persons. The Satyas, Devasrutas and Bhadras became the demigods, and Satyajit became Indra. From the womb of Sunrita, the wife of Dharma, the Supreme Lord Narayana appeared as Satyasena, and killed all the evil Rakshasas who created havoc in all the worlds, along with Satyajit, who was Indra at that time.

Tapasa (Tamasa) Manu

Saptarshis list: Jyotirdhama, Prithu, Kavya, Chaitra, Agni, Vanaka, and Pivara. In Tapasa-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Hari.

Tapasa (also called Tamasa), the brother of the third Manu, was the fourth Manu, and he had ten sons, including Prithu, Khyati, Nara and Ketu. During his reign, the Satyakas, Haris, Viras and others were demigods, the seven great saints were headed by Jyotirdhama, and Trisikha became Indra. Harimedha begot a son named Hari, who was the incarnation of Vishnu for this Manvantara, by his wife Harini. Hari was born to liberate the devotee Gajendra.

Raivata Manu

Saptarshis list: Hirannyaroma, Vedasrí, Urddhabahu, Vedabahu, Sudhaman, Parjanya, and Mahámuni. In Raivata-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Vaikuntha, not to be confused with Vishnu's divine realm, of the same name.

Vaikuntha came as Raivata Manu, the twin brother of Tamasa. His sons were headed by Arjuna, Bali and Vindhya. Among the demigods were the Bhutarayas, and among the seven brahmanas who occupied the seven planets were Hiranyaroma, Vedasira and Urdhvabahu.

Chakshusha Manu

Sudyumnan sees Rudra and Parvati

Saptarshis list: Sumedhas, Virajas, Havishmat, Uttama, Madhu, Abhináman, and Sahishnnu. In Chakshusha-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar was called Ajita.

Ajita came as Chakshsusa Manu, the son of the demigod Chakshu. He had many sons, headed by Puru, Purusa, and Sudyumna. During the reign of Chakshusa Manu, the King of heaven was known as Mantradruma. Among the demigods were the Apyas, and among the great sages were Havisman and Viraka. He had a daughter named Jyothismati, who wished for the most powerful being as her husband. When asked Indra, the king of gods, Indra replied that his storms could be pushed away by Vayu. Vayu said that his winds could not push away the earth, and thus Bhumavat, the male personification of the earth, was stronger. Bhumavat said that Adishesha, who holds both Vishnu and the earth, is the strongest. Adishesh told Manu and Jyothishmati that his second avatar on earth would be stronger than himself, and thus Jyothishmati was reborn as Revati to marry that avatar, Krishna's brother Balarama.

Vaivasvata Manu

The Seventh Manu Saptarshis list: Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulastya, and Vashishtha, and other like Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Gautama, Vishvamitra, Bharadvaja. During Vaivasvata-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar is called Matsya.

The seventh Manu, who is the son of Vivasvan, is known as Sraddhadeva (or satyavrata) or Vaivasvat (son of Vivasvan). He has ten sons, named Ikshvaku, Nabhaga, Dhrsta, Saryati, Narisyanta, Dista (Nabhanedista), Tarusa (Karusha), Prsadhra, Vasuman (Pramshu) and Ila (Sudyumna). In this manvantara, or reign of Manu, among the demigods are the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Visvedevas, Maruts, Asvini-kumaras and Rbhus. The king of heaven, Indra, is known as Purandara, and the seven sages are known as Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Atri, Vashista, Gautama, Agastya and Bharadwaja

Surya Savarni Manu

Saptarshis list: Diptimat, Galava, Parasurama, Kripa, Drauni or Ashwatthama, Vyasa, and Rishyasringa. In Savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sarvabhauma.

In the period of the eighth Manu, the Manu is Surya Savarnika Manu. He is the son of Surya by his second wife, Chhaya. He is thus the half-brother to Shraddhadeva Manu. His sons are headed by Nirmoka, and among the demigods are the Sutapas. Bali, the son of Virochana, is Indra, and Galava and Parasurama are among the seven sages. In the age of this Manu, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sarvabhauma, the son of Devaguhya.

Daksa Savarni Manu

Saptarshis list: Savana, Dyutimat, Bhavya, Vasu, Medhatithi, Jyotishmán, and Satya. In Daksha-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Rishabha.

The ninth Manu is Daksha-savarni. He is the son of Lord Varuna. His sons are headed by Bhutaketu, and among the demigods are the Maricigarbhas. Adbhuta is Indra, and among the seven sages is Dyutiman. Rishabha would be born of Ayushman and Ambudhara...

Brahma Savarni Manu

Saptarshis list: Havishmán, Sukriti, Satya, Apámmúrtti, Nábhága, Apratimaujas, and Satyaket. In Brahma-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Vishvaksena.

In the period of the tenth Manu, the Manu is Brahma-savarni. He is the son of Upsaloka( The son of lord Kartikeya) Among his sons is Bhurishena, and the seven sages are Havishman and others. Among the demigods are the Suvasanas, and Sambhu is Indra. Vishvaksena would be a friend of Sambhu and will be born from the womb of Vishuci in the house of a brahmana named Visvasrashta.

Dharma Savarni Manu

Saptarshis list: Niśchara, Agnitejas, Vapushmán, Vishńu, Áruni, Havishmán, and Anagha. In Dharma-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Dharmasetu.

In the period of the eleventh Manu, the Manu is Dharma-savarni, the son of Satya Yuga. He has ten sons, headed by Satyadharma. Among the demigods are the Vihangamas, Indra is known as Vaidhrita, and the seven sages are Aruna and others. Dharmasetu will be born of Vaidhrita and Aryaka.

Rudra Savarni Manu

Saptarshis list: Tapaswí, Sutapas, Tapomúrtti, Taporati, Tapodhriti, Tapodyuti, and Tapodhan. In Rudra-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Sudhama.

In the period of the twelfth Manu, the Manu is Rudra-savarni, whose sons are headed by Devavan. The demigods are the Haritas and others, Indra is Ritadhama, and the seven sages are Tapomurti and others. Sudhama, or Svadhama, who will be born from the womb of Sunrita, wife of a Satyasaha.

According to Manava Purana, Rudra Savarni Manu is the son of Shiva and Parvati.

Raucya or Deva Savarni Manu

Saptarshis list: Nirmoha, Tatwadersín, Nishprakampa, Nirutsuka, Dhritimat, Avyaya, and Sutapas. In Deva-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Yogeshwara.

In the period of the thirteenth Manu, the Manu is Deva-savarni. Among his sons is Chitrasena, the demigods are the Sukarmas and others, Indra is Divaspati, and Nirmoka is among the sages. Yogeshwara will be born of Devahotra and Brihati.

Indra Savarni Manu

Saptarshis list: Agnibáhu, Śuchi, Śhukra, Magadhá, Gridhra, Yukta, and Ajita. In Indra-savarnya-manvantara, Lord Vishnu's avatar will be called Brihadbhanu.

In the period of the fourteenth Manu, the Manu is Indra-savarni. Among his sons are Uru and Gambhira, the demigods are the Pavitras and others, Indra is Suci, and among the sages are Agni and Bahu. Brihadbhanu will be born of Satrayana from the womb of Vitana.

Almost all literature refers to the first 9 Manus with the same names but there is a lot of disagreement on names after that, although all of them agree with a total of 14.

Bibliography

Main article: Manusmriti

The texts ascribed to the Svayambhuva Manu include Manava Grihyasutra, Manava Sulbasutra and Manava Dharmashasta (Manusmṛti or "rules of Manu").

In Jainism

Main article: Kulakara

Jain theology mentions the 14th patriarch named Nabhiraja, mentioning him also as Manu. This, state scholars, links Jain tradition to Hindu legends, because the 14 patriarchs in Jain tradition are similar to the 14 Manus in Hindu legends. The Manu of Jainism is the father of 1st Tirthankara Rishabhanatha (Adinatha). This ancient story is significant as it includes one of earliest mentions of ikshu (sugarcane) processing.

See also

References

  1. ^ Roshen Dalal (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books. p. 242. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6.
  2. ^ Roshen Dalal (2010). The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths. Penguin Books. p. 229. ISBN 978-0-14-341517-6.
  3. Witzel, Michael (1995). "Ṛgvedic history: Poets, chieftains and polities". In George Erdosy (ed.). The Indo-Aryans of Ancient South Asia: Language, Material Culture and Ethnicity. Indian Philology and South Asian Studies, Vol. 1. Berlin: De Gruyter. pp. 307–352. doi:10.1515/9783110816433-019. ISBN 9783110144475.
  4. Daniélou, Alain (11 February 2003). A Brief History of India. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. p. 19. ISBN 978-1-59477-794-3.
  5. Klaus K. Klostermaier (5 July 2007). A Survey of Hinduism (Third ed.). SUNY Press. p. 97. ISBN 978-0-7914-7082-4.
  6. His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Teachings of Lord Caitanya: The Golden Avatara (Third ed.). The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. pp. 109–u2013. ISBN 978-91-7149-730-7.
  7. Brahma Purana. Parts I – IV (First ed.). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. 1955. Part I, p. 29 (3.4–7).
  8. Linga Purana. Part 1 of 2. Translated by Shastri, J. L. 1951. p. 24: (7.22–28).
  9. The Skanda-Purana. Part 2. Translated by Shastri, J. L.; Bhatt, G. P. (First ed.). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Pvt. Ltd. 1950. p. 45 (5.71–75).
  10. The Skanda-Purana. Part 7. Translated by Shastri, J. L.; Bhatt, G. P. (First ed.). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Pvt. Ltd. 1951. p. 317 (25.22–24).
  11. "Marriage of Kardama and Devahūti". Bhagavata Purana. Parts 1–5. Translated by Shastri, J. L. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. 1950. Part 1; Skandha III; p. 345, 22:29–30.
  12. "Book III: Chapter I – Account of the several Manus and Manwantaras". The Vishnu Purana. Translated by Horace Hayman Wilson. 1840. p. 259. The first Manu was Swáyambhuva, then came Swárochisha, then Auttami, then Támasa, then Raivata, then Chákshusha: these six Manus have passed away. The Manu who presides over the seventh Manwantara, which is the present period, is Vaivaswata, the son of the sun ...
  13. Maharishi Aswathama Retrieved 2015-02-15
  14. Summary of Manu in Ancient Literature मनु (आदिपुरुष) Ghanshyam Dusane
  15. The Laws of Manu. Sacred Books of the East, vol. XV. Translated by Bühler, George. Oxford: Clarendon Press. 1886. 1:63: These seven very glorious Manus, the first among whom is Svayambhuva, produced and protected this whole movable and immovable (creation), each during the period (allotted to him). Archived 17 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine: Archived version digitised by Tormod Kinnes, from Delhi: Banarsidass 1984 reprint.
  16. ^ Natubhai Shah 2004, pp. 15–16.

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