{"id":28817,"date":"2025-11-21T09:27:35","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T08:27:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/?p=28817"},"modified":"2025-11-21T09:27:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T08:27:10","slug":"origin-of-the-universe-srimad-bhagavatam-and-the-big-bang-theory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/?p=28817","title":{"rendered":"Origin of the universe: Srimad Bhagavatam and the Big Bang Theory"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

By Brajahari das<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, I compare the origin of universe as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) and the Big Bang (BB) theory .<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

1. The initial state<\/span><\/p>\n

According to SB, the initial <\/span>state of matter immediately previous to its manifestation is called <\/span>pradh\u0101na <\/span>(SB 3.26.10p)<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>In the BB theory, this initial state is called the <\/span>singularity<\/span>. The table below compares these two states:<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Pradh\u0101na <\/span><\/p>\n

SB 3.26.10p, SB12.4.20,21<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Singularity <\/span><\/p>\n

ref : [1]-[4]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

*Unmanifested\/undifferentiated form of matter. <\/span><\/p>\n

*No manifestation of gross\/subtle element (i.e. no space, air, fire, etc).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

*No formation of matter or space. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

*Undifferentiated, yet total material elements are contained therein. <\/span><\/p>\n

*Void & No space.<\/span><\/p>\n

T<\/span>o<\/span>tal matter in zero space=infinite density<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

*Contained all of the matter of the universe, condensed in an infinitely small point of zero space<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Total matter in zero space=infinite density        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

*No manifestation of  cause\/effect. No reaction of material elements.                <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

*All the <\/span>laws of physics break down. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

*No time.                <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

*time=0                <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

*Indescribable<\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

*Cannot be described by any                mathematical\/physical model. <\/span>Defies our current understanding of physics & common sense. <\/span>         <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

*Original substance, it is the actual basis of material creation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

*The origin of universe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

*No consciousness\/soul<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

*N.A.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Table 1:  The comparison of <\/span>pradh\u0101na <\/span>from SB and the <\/span>singularit<\/span>y from BB.  All descriptions of <\/span>pradh\u0101na <\/span>are almost verbatim from SB 3.26.10p & SB12.4.20,21.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The table indicates a clear similarity between these two initial states. Both states, i.e. <\/span>pradh\u0101na and<\/span> <\/span>singularit<\/span>y, refer to a condition where no matter\/space is manifested. Since, not even space is manifested, it is just an infinitely small point. SB describes it as void. Although no manifestation of matter\/space, yet the total matter is contained and densely packed therein. It is a state where all physical laws break and thus beyond our ability to perceive.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

2. In the beginning<\/span><\/p>\n

According to both SB and BB, the process starts with introduction of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Srimad Bhagavatam<\/span><\/p>\n

SB3.26.17, <\/span>SB 2.5.22<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Big Bang Theory<\/span><\/p>\n

ref : [1]-[4]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Time is injected into the pradhana. The pradh\u0101na (unmanifested matter) is agitated and it begins to manifest.Thus creation\/activity begins.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Time starts and the process begins.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Cause: Time is injected by the glance of the Lord Mahavisnu.        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Cause: The cause for Bing Bang is admitted as unknown by modern science.<\/span>1-3<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

By glancing the Lord also injects souls with their respective karma.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

N.A.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Table 2: Time causes the transformation of the initial state into manifested universe.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \u201cEvents before the BB, are simply not defined, because there’s no way one could measure what happened at them… These had to be imposed on the universe by some external agency.\u201d Stephen Hawking, The Beginning of Time [4].<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. There are many speculative proposals regarding the origin of BB: quantum fluctuation, big bounce, multiverse, quantum gravity loop, M-theory, God etc. None of these has any evidence yet.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. There are various of <\/span>interpretations quantum mechanics, <\/span>e.g. <\/span>The Copenhagen<\/a><\/span>, Many World, Hidden Variable, de Broglie\u2013Bohm, <\/span>Von Neumann\u2013Wigner<\/a><\/span>, ect<\/span> <\/span>– on how matter takes a specific state<\/span>. According to <\/span>Von Neumann\u2013Wigner<\/a><\/span> interpretation, a conscious observation is required for matter to take a specific state<\/span>. One criticism against this interpretation is: \u201cthere was no observer during BB\u201d. The SB emphasizes on \u201cthe glance of the Lord over pradhana\u201d. However, it is worth noting that none of these <\/span>quantum interpretations<\/span> has been accepted unanimously by scientists.[6]<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Transformation of matter<\/span><\/p>\n

    According to SB, once time is injected, material nature is agitated and thus transformation begins. First, modes of material nature interacts, manifesting subtle and thereafter gross matter. In various sections of SB, the evolution of gross matter is presented consistently, i.e. space –>air –>fire –>water –>earth. The BB also agrees that with time the universe begins to evolve. BB is an empirical theory, based on methodology which deals only with <\/span>gross matter<\/span>. I have compared the transformation\/evolution of gross matter in both the SB and BB, in the table below:<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Srimad Bhagavatam<\/span><\/p>\n

    SB 2.5.25-29, SB 3.26.32-44<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Big Bang Theory<\/span><\/p>\n

    ref : [1]-[4]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    First: Interaction of the modes of material nature and manifestation of the subtle elements occurs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    N.A.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    From false ego, the first of the five elements, namely the <\/span>sky<\/span>, is generated.        <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    First the universe expands exponentially from an infinitely small point creating <\/span>space<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Because the sky is transformed, the<\/span> <\/span>air<\/span> is generated.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    As space expands, the universe cools down enabling formation of fundamental particles and eventually lighter atoms such as hydrogen & helium. Due to gravity, these elements clusters together in space forming <\/span>gas clouds<\/span>.   <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    When the air is transformed in course of time and nature\u2019s course, <\/span>fire<\/span> is generated.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    As the gas clouds become denser, gravitational collapse causes atomic fusion, and thus forming stars, which releases <\/span>light and heat<\/span>. This is the end of the \u201cdark age of the universe\u201d as the universe begins to have visible light.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Since fire is also transformed, there is a manifestation of <\/span>water.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Within the core of the star, atomic fusion generates heavier elements such as carbon and oxygen (upto iron). When the star dies, it explodes (supernova) releasing these elements into space . <\/span>Water<\/span> is formed here, due the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen. [5]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \n

    Thence the<\/span> earth<\/span> becomes manifest.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

    		\n

    Due to gravity, exploded star dust further clusters together forming planets. In \u201cearthly\u201d planets geological\/weathering process forms <\/span>soil\/earth<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    Table 3: The transformation of matter in time.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    Disclaimer : I compiled Table 3 based on my overall & limited understanding of SB. As the SB is very deep and large, there could be details that may either enhance, raise questions or invalidate these comparisons. However the individual details are accurate, and as such, I leave it to the reader\u2019s discretion to make the comparison.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    FAQ<\/span>  <\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Explosion only destroys, cannot create order.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      <\/span><\/p>\n

      Scientists generally consider \u201cexplosion\u201d as a misnomer for BB, in the sense, there was no space to explode into. Rather, BB is an expansion of space from singularity, and evolution of matter thereafter. This is similar to the \u201cagitation of pradhana\u201d and transformation into manifested prakrti, with space being the first manifested gross element. In other words, \u201cBB explosion\u201d is similar to \u201cagitation of <\/span>pradhana<\/span>\u201d in SB. In fact, Srila Prabhupada had called the \u201c<\/span>BB explosion<\/span>\u201d<\/span> as \u201cn<\/span>ot theory, but fact\u201d<\/span>, and compared it with the \u201cagitation of <\/span>pradhana<\/span>\u201d (refer below).<\/span><\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. How can e<\/span>verything starts from nothing?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        <\/span><\/p>\n

        Pradh\u0101na<\/span> is also described as void (SB 12.4.20), and yet total matter is contained therein (SB 3.26.10). Similarly, the <\/span>singularity <\/span>is an infinitesimal point, containing total mass of the universe.<\/span> Singularity\/pradh\u0101na is described as \u201cnothing\u201d\/\u201dvoid\u201d as it has no space or manifestation of matter. Yet it contains total matter for the manifestation of the universe.<\/span><\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Srila Prabhupada (SP) criticized BB as bogus.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          <\/span><\/p>\n

          SP did not reject, rather often points out the limitation of the theory. SP\u2019s focus was to establish Lord Krishna as the cause of all cause. For example, i<\/span>n the following lecture, when SP was asked about the \u201cBB explosion\u201d, SP accepted it as \u201cnot just a theory but fact\u201d, comparing it to SB, emphasizing on the cause:<\/span><\/p>\n

          <\/span><\/p>\n

          \u201cExplosion, yes. So they are seeing that explosion and the chunk, but they cannot explain how the chunk became exploded. …Material energy itself cannot explode. <\/span>The explosion theory is there… Not theory, fact<\/span>. But the total material energy, mahat-tattva, when it is glanced over by Mah\u0101-Vi\u1e63\u1e47u, then it becomes agitated, and the modes of material nature begins to act. So then these activities are executed by Mah\u0101-Vi\u1e63\u1e47u, by His glancing, simply by His glancing… So simply by glancing, He can agitate the material energy, and the creation begins.\u201d<\/span> <\/span>Srila Prabhupada<\/span>,<\/span> Lecture CC Adi 01.1<\/span>2<\/span><\/p>\n

          <\/span><\/p>\n

          Note that, SP\u2019s arguments are in line with the limitations accepted by modern science :<\/span><\/p>\n

          <\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \u201cEvents before the BB, are simply not defined, because there’s no way one could measure what happened at them…These had to be imposed on the universe by some external agency.\u201d Stephen Hawking, The Beginning of Time [4]. <\/span><\/li>\n
          2. \u201cWhat caused the BB?Any answer to this problem must begin with a key realization: both time and space are contained within the universe and came into existence only after the BB occurred. The cause of the universe must not include them, they are not available to us. It must come from outside our experience.\u201d [2]<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            <\/span><\/p>\n

            <\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. BB<\/span> is based on many assumptions and could be proven wrong in the future.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              <\/span><\/p>\n

              This could be true. But<\/span> the details in SB always remain as facts, independent of the BB. <\/span><\/p>\n

              <\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              1. God personally creates the universe, magically by his mystic potencies. He does not use scientific rules\/laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n

                Material manifestation is taken care by the external energy of the Lord. i.e. material nature :<\/span><\/p>\n

                Bg 9.10<\/span> \u2014 This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kunt\u012b, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. <\/span>Under its rule<\/span> this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.<\/span><\/p>\n

                SB 2.10.45<\/span> \u2014 There is<\/span> no direct engineering by the Lord<\/span> for the creation and destruction of the material world. What is described in the Vedas about His direct interference is simply to counteract the idea that material nature is the creator.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Conclusion<\/span><\/p>\n

                I have compiled the origin of universe based on the SB and <\/span>the<\/span> BB theory. The BB theory is based on <\/span>empirical <\/span>science which could deal only with <\/span>gross matter<\/span>. As far as evolution of <\/span>gross matter<\/span> is concerned, both SB and the BB appear to be in good agreement. SB gives further information regarding subtle elements, consciousness as well as the supreme cause. <\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n

                The cause for the BB is admitted as unknown by today\u2019s science. Moreover<\/span>, scientists believe that the cause must be beyond space and time, outside our experience and due to <\/span>external agency [2],[4]. At present there are many speculative theories, i.e. quantum fluctuation, big bounce, multiverse, quantum gravity loop, M-theory, God etc. As far as science is concerned, the idea that God caused the BB, is just as speculative as the other theories. From scientific perspective, this idea does not carry any additional weightage, and contains similar pros & cons compared to the other theories. <\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n

                H<\/span>owever, here we find an ancient text, SB – giving knowledge consistent with a modern scientific theory. Note that, this BB theory is less than one century old and it was developed based on complex physics and using high-tech equipments. The state of singularity in BB, which is a prediction <\/span>Einstein’s <\/a><\/span>theory of general relativity<\/a><\/span> and is <\/span>beyond the ability of any human mind to grasp –  is strikingly similar to the state of <\/span>pradh\u0101na<\/span> as detailed in SB. Doesn\u2019t all these indicate the credibility of SB? <\/span>W<\/span>ouldn\u2019t SB be a reasonably valid source to gain knowledge which are beyond the scope of empirical science? <\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n

                Hare krshna.<\/span><\/p>\n

                         <\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n

                I highly recommend the readers to watch the following short clips:<\/span><\/p>\n

                https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wNDGgL73ihY<\/a><\/span>  <\/span><\/p>\n

                http:\/\/www.deepastronomy.com\/what-caused-the-big-bang.html<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n

                And read the following verses<\/span> & purports<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n

                http:\/\/www.vedabase.com\/en\/sb\/12\/4\/20-21<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                http:\/\/www.vedabase.com\/en\/sb\/3\/26\/10<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                http:\/\/www.vedabase.com\/en\/sb\/3\/26\/17<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n

                Reference for BigBang:<\/span><\/p>\n

                I have provided simple\/non-technical references which can be easily understood:<\/span><\/p>\n

                [1] <\/span>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wNDGgL73ihY<\/a><\/span>  <\/span><\/p>\n

                [2] <\/span>http:\/\/www.deepastronomy.com\/what-caused-the-big-bang.html<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                [3] <\/span>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Big_Bang<\/a><\/span>, <\/span>http:\/\/www.big-bang-theory.com\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                [4] <\/span>http:\/\/www.hawking.org.uk\/the-beginning-of-time.html<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                [5]<\/span> <\/span>http:\/\/witcombe.sbc.edu\/water\/physicsuniverse.html<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                [6] <\/span>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Interpretations_of_quantum_mechanics<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/p>\n

                References from SB are given within the article.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                \"HareBy Brajahari das<\/strong><\/p>\n

                In this article, I compare the origin of universe as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) and the Big Bang (BB) theory . 1. The initial state According to SB, the initial state of matter immediately previous to its manifestation is called pradhana (SB 3.26.10p). In the BB theory, this initial state is called the singularity. The table indicates a clear similarity between these two initial states. Both states, i.e. pradhana and singularity, refer to a condition where no matter\/space is manifested. Since, not even space is manifested, it is just an infinitely small point. SB describes it as void. Although no manifestation of matter\/space, yet the total matter is contained and densely packed therein. It is a state where all physical laws break and thus beyond our ability to perceive.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28817","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=28817"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28817\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":89963,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28817\/revisions\/89963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28817"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28817"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dandavats.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}