Story Summary
Discover how Vishnu Dreams the Universe in this Hindu Purana tale. Witness the cosmic cycle of creation and the divine sleep that sustains all of existence.
Before time began, there was only the vast, silent expanse of the Kshira Sagara, the Milky Ocean. Upon this infinite sea lay Lord Vishnu, reclining on the coiled body of the thousand-headed serpent, Shesha. In this state of Yoga Nidra—divine sleep—Vishnu exists in a trance that transcends space and time. As he exhales, countless universes bubble forth from the pores of his skin, expanding into the void. As he inhales, these universes dissolve back into his being. From his navel, a golden lotus blossomed, and upon its petals sat Brahma, the Creator. Under Vishnu's guidance, Brahma began the task of shaping the stars, the earth, and all living beings. To us, millions of years pass, but to Vishnu, it is merely the passing of a single dream. This cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution continues eternally, reminding us that our reality is but a fragment of the divine consciousness.
The Moral
Reality is a transient manifestation of the divine; understanding the cyclic nature of existence brings inner peace and detachment.
“The entire cosmos is but a single breath of the Divine, a dream within the mind of the Infinite.”
Fun Fact
The Puranic description of universes emerging and dissolving like bubbles is often cited by scholars as an early conceptualization of the Multiverse theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Vishnu Dreams the Universe?
The story teaches that the universe is a temporary, cyclic manifestation of a higher divine reality. It encourages us to look beyond the material world to find the eternal truth.
What is Yoga Nidra in the context of Vishnu?
Yoga Nidra is the state of 'yogic sleep' or conscious dreaming where Vishnu maintains the universe. It represents a state of deep meditation where the supreme consciousness creates reality.
Who is the serpent Vishnu lies upon?
Vishnu reclines on Shesha (or Ananta), the king of all nagas. The serpent's many heads represent the infinite nature of time and the protection of the cosmic order.
How is Brahma related to Vishnu's dream?
Brahma is the secondary creator who emerges from a lotus growing from Vishnu's navel. While Vishnu provides the foundation, Brahma executes the physical design of the world.
What does the Milky Ocean symbolize?
The Kshira Sagara, or Milky Ocean, symbolizes the primordial state of unmanifested consciousness. It is the pure essence from which all life and matter eventually emerge.
How long does Vishnu’s dream last?
In Hindu cosmology, a single breath of Vishnu encompasses the entire life of a universe. This spans billions of human years, illustrating the vastness of cosmic time.
