(the description of the universe and its history) has evolved in Indian mythology in several versions which share a certain general structure. Thus our own universe is described as egg-shaped and as being only one among many (which reminds one of Einstein’s circular universe and of the large number of galaxies known to astronomy). In Hindu understanding the world not only has physical reality, but comprises several dimensions which range from gross-material ones to purely spiritual ones. The earth plane is central in this hierarchy of existential dimensions, with its humans, animals and also invisible spirits. Above are six divisions of heaven (svarga), below seven divisions of the nether world (pātala) with mythical inhabitants, and in the bottom part there are seven zones of the temporary hell or purgatory (naraka).
Between world systems there is empty space (which, however, may also be inhabited by beings temporarily trapped there by their karmic destiny). The duration of one universe on the relative time scale equals, according to reckoning, the life-span of its ruler, Brahma; he lives 100 Brahmic years, which represent 311,040,000 million human years. One day of Brahma is a kalpa and represents one cycle in the life of the universe equal to 4,320 million years, followed by a period of rest during Brahma’s night when the world and beings are in a state of suspension. Brahma’s death is followed by a great cosmic night (mahārātri) when worlds and beings are reabsorbed into the divine source to be sent forth again at the beginning of the new manifestation which starts with the birth of a new Brahma. One day of Brahma, i.e. one world period or kalpa, is divided into 1000 mahāyugas; each of these lasts 4,320,000 years and is further divided into four yugas or ages of world history with progressively worsening conditions of life: (1,728,000 years), Tretā (1,296,000 years), Dvāpara (864,000 years) and Kali Yuga (432,000), the present age.
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reckoning, the life-span of its ruler, Brahma; he lives 100 Brahmic years, which represent 311,040,000 million human years. One day of Brahma is a kalpa and represents one cycle in the life of the universe equal to 4,320 million years, followed by a period of rest during Brahma’s night when the world and beings are in a state of suspension. Brahma’s death is followed by a great cosmic night (mahārātri) when worlds and beings are reabsorbed 
(1,728,000 years), Tretā (1,296,000 years), Dvāpara (864,000 years) and Kali Yuga (432,000), the present age.
