In the beginning, there was only pure energy—the fundamental force that birthed all existence. This boundless energy pulsed through the cosmos, vibrating with potential and creativity. From this primordial essence emerged three principal deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Each of these gods was endowed with unique powers and responsibilities that would shape the universe.
Brahma, the Creator, was entrusted with the monumental task of crafting the universe and all living beings within it. With a mere wave of his hand, he molded galaxies from stardust, spun planets into existence, and breathed life into the first creatures that would roam the land, swim in the seas, and soar through the skies. His creative spirit knew no bounds, and he reveled in the diversity of life he brought forth.
Vishnu, the Sustainer, took on the vital role of maintaining the delicate balance of the universe. He watched over the realms with unwavering vigilance, ensuring that the forces of creation and destruction remained in harmony. Whenever chaos threatened to disrupt the order of existence, Vishnu would manifest in various forms to restore equilibrium, guiding civilizations and nurturing them through trials and tribulations.
Shiva, the Destroyer, wielded the profound power of transformation and renewal. He understood that destruction was not an end but a necessary part of the life cycle. Through his cosmic dance, he dismantled the old to make way for the new, allowing for rebirth and regeneration. His fiery presence ignited change, reminding all beings that endings could lead to fresh beginnings.
Recognizing the need for balance, pure energy created these three gods to oversee the universe's intricate workings. Each god was paired with a goddess counterpart, embodying complementary forces that enriched the cosmos. Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, was linked with Brahma, inspiring creativity and enlightenment in all beings. Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune, stood by Vishnu, bestowing abundance and joy upon those who honored the balance of life. Parvati, the goddess of power and transformation, was united with Shiva, empowering individuals to embrace their journeys of change and self-discovery.
Together, the three main gods and their goddess counterparts wove a grand tapestry of creation. They harmoniously orchestrated the birth of stars, the formation of planets, and the emergence of all living things. Through their combined efforts, the universe flourished—a vibrant manifestation of pure energy's infinite potential.
The balance of the universe was not a static state but a dynamic dance among the three powers. The Maintainer, the Creator, and the Destroyer worked in harmony, each playing a crucial role in the grand symphony of existence. The Maintainer's gentle touch preserved and protected, while the Creator's vibrant energy brought forth new life. The Destroyer's transformative power cleared the way for growth and renewal.
This cosmic dance was a delicate balance of give and take, where each power respected the others' roles and boundaries. It was not a fixed pattern but an ever-changing rhythm that adapted to the universe's needs. Those who sought to understand the workings of the cosmos had to learn to appreciate the beauty and complexity of this celestial ballet.
The universe was divided into fourteen lokas, each with its own unique characteristics and inhabitants. Created by the three main gods and their goddess counterparts, each loka served a specific purpose in the grand design.
The seven upper lokas were realms of great beauty and wonder, home to the gods and goddesses who maintained the universe's balance. In contrast, the seven lower lokas were darker and more treacherous, inhabited by creatures that thrived in the shadows.
**The Seven Upper Lokas:**
- **Satya-loka:** The realm of Brahma, where each soul is liberated from the cycle of rebirth.
- **Tapa-loka:** The abode of the Ayohnija devadasis.
- **Jana-loka:** The dwelling place of Brahma's sons.
- **Mahar-loka:** A sanctuary for enlightened beings like Markandeya.
- **Svar-loka:** The heavenly realm between the Sun and the Polar Star, home to Indra and the 330 million gods.
- **Bhuvar-loka (or Pitri-loka):** The space between Earth and the Sun, inhabited by semi-divine beings.
- **Bhur-loka:** The Earth, one of billions of inhabited worlds in the universe.
**The Seven Lower Lokas:**
- **Atala-loka:** Ruled by Bala, a son of Maya, who possesses mystical powers.
- **Vitala-loka:** Governed by Hara-Bhava, a form of Shiva.
- **Sutala-loka:** The kingdom of the demon king Bali.
- **Talatala-loka:** The realm of Maya, where Shiva resides under her protection.
- **Mahatala-loka:** The dwelling place of many nagas (serpents).
- **Rasatala-loka:** The home of the demons known as Danavas and Daityas.
- **Patala-loka (or Naga-loka):** The lowest realm, ruled by Vasuki, the King serpent, representing the deepest point of the Underworld.
Each loka contained numerous smaller worlds, contributing to the vast multiverse that existed within this cosmic framework. In every world, the presence of the three main powers was crucial for survival. If only one or two powers were present, imbalance and chaos would ensue. The Maintainer's power of preservation was essential for sustaining life, while the Creator's energy fostered growth. The Destroyer's transformative force was vital for clearing the path for renewal.
Without one of the three main powers, a world faced inevitable destruction. The overwhelming force of the Destroyer would lead to chaos, while unchecked creation would spiral into disorder without the balance of the Maintainer and Destroyer. Conversely, the Maintainer alone would result in stagnation and decay.
The three main gods, aware of the importance of balance, ensured their avatars were present in every world. These avatars, imbued with the powers of creation, preservation, and destruction, upheld the delicate equilibrium necessary for survival.
Bhur-loka, or Earth, held a unique position in the universe, situated between the lower and upper lokas. This vulnerability made it a frequent target for invasions from the lower lokas. To counter this threat, the three main gods consistently sent their avatars to Earth, ensuring that balance could be maintained and chaos prevented.
With their avatars on Earth, the gods could swiftly address any imbalance, using their combined powers to restore order and harmony. This strategic decision not only protected Earth but also safeguarded the entire universe, as the balance of Bhur-loka had a ripple effect on the other lokas.
In every world, the cycles of time unfolded in a repeating pattern. Each cycle consisted of three loops, separated by vast spans of years. During each loop, the avatars of the three main gods collaborated to maintain the world's balance.
At the end of each cycle, one avatar would ascend to the domain of the three main gods, merging with the divine essence. A new avatar would then be born, with the remaining two avatars guiding and mentoring it to regain its former power.
However, the period between the ascension of the old avatar and the new one's empowerment was fraught with chaos. The disruption of balance led to turmoil, with the forces of creation, preservation, and destruction thrown into disarray.
As the new avatar began to reclaim its power, the fourteen lokas would collapse into one another, unleashing chaos and destruction throughout the universe. The lower lokas, driven by darkness and malice, would seize the opportunity to attack the upper lokas, seeking to exploit the disorder.
Bhur-loka, as the first line of defense, would be inundated with dark creatures and monsters, threatening the very fabric of existence. The three main gods, through their avatars, would strive to restore balance and order, using their combined powers to banish the encroaching darkness back to the lower lokas.
The world would remain in turmoil until the new avatar regained its full strength, restoring equilibrium and driving the darkness back to its realm. Once again, the three main gods, through their avatars, would uphold the balance of the universe, guiding the worlds through the cycles of time.
In this vast cosmos, the three main powers of creation, preservation, and destruction governed the fundamental forces of existence. When the Creator created, the Maintainer maintained, and the Destroyer destroyed, their powers intertwined with the world, imbuing it with their essence.
However, the pure power of the three main gods was too immense for mortals to wield directly. Those who sought to harness this energy had to develop methods to alter their forms, allowing them to control and channel the power. This formed the basis of the power system—a complex network of energies and abilities that governed the universe.
Only the three main gods and their avatars could wield the pure power of creation, preservation, and destruction. In the mortal realm, power was measured by IQ, or mental acuity. As individuals ascended to godhood, their power transformed into God mana, a divine energy fueled by their connection to nature. Divinity was attained through faith, and those who possessed it were deemed chosen by the gods.
Various types of mana existed within the universe, each with unique properties and characteristics, including:
- **Nature mana:** A primal energy flowing through the natural world.
- **Spirit mana:** A spiritual energy connecting all living beings.
- **Magic mana:** A mystical energy utilized for spellcasting and magic.
- **Demon mana:** A dark energy wielded by demons and malevolent beings.
When the three main powers were harnessed by a demon, they transformed into demon mana—a twisted and corrupted energy fueled by darkness and malice.
The universe operated under a hierarchy of rankings that governed the power and status of individuals, divided into three main categories: God ranking, Demon ranking, and Mortal ranking.
**God Ranking:** This was subdivided into upper, middle, and lower gods, with higher gods reigning above the upper gods. Upper gods could create their own worlds and were regarded as some of the most powerful beings in existence.
**Demon Ranking:** This category was also divided into upper demons, middle demons, and lower demons, with higher demons surpassing upper demons in strength. Some upper demons ruled their own realms, instilling fear throughout the universe.
**Mortal Ranking:** Mortals derived their power from vardan, or blessings, bestowed by the three main gods, upper gods, or upper demons. These blessings granted mortals access to formidable abilities and energies, albeit limited compared to the divine powers of gods and demons. Some mortals enhanced their abilities, unlocking a new power known as aura, which was fueled by thoughts, with each thought influencing its use.
These rankings established the social hierarchy of the universe, with those possessing the most power and status occupying the highest ranks. Yet, there were always those who aspired to ascend through the ranks, seeking greater power and influence in the cosmos.
As the cycles of time continued, the interplay of these powers and rankings shaped the destinies of worlds, weaving a complex narrative of ambition, conflict, and harmony across the vast expanse of the universe.