Let us reflect upon our Vedic scientific knowledge:
We often use the phrase "the Brahmanda (cosmic egg) has shattered" when a major problem arises or a significant event occurs. The Upanishads state that the universe was formed when the Brahmanda shattered.
The "Big Bang Theory" posits that the universe originated from the explosion of a fireball. According to this theory, the universe was formed 13.8 billion years ago.
Let us examine what our Vedic knowledge says. When we recite the Sankalpa (ritual vow), we say: "Shveta-Varaha-Kalpe, Vaivasvata-Manvantare, Kali-Yuge, Prathama-Pade..."
The "Shveta-Varaha-Kalpa" is the third Kalpa; this means two Kalpas have already concluded.
A single Kalpa consists of 14 Manvantaras. Our current era, the "Vaivasvata," is the seventh Manvantara; thus, six Manvantaras have already passed within the third Kalpa.
This implies that a total of 34 Manvantaras (2 × 14 + 6) have elapsed so far.
One Manvantara comprises 71 Mahayugas. A Mahayuga consists of four Yugas: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali.
A single Mahayuga spans 4.32 million years. Therefore, one Manvantara equals 71 × 4.32 million years.
Since we have established that 34 Manvantaras have passed, the total duration is 34 × 71 × 4.32 million years, which equals 10,428.48 million years (or approximately 10.43 billion years). Since we are currently in the Kali Yuga, the Krita, Treta, and Dvapara Yugas have already passed, and 5,000 years of the Kali Yuga have elapsed. This amounts to 38.93 lakh years. Adding this figure brings the total to 104,323.73 lakh years.
It is recorded that a "Sandhi-kala" (transitional period) occurs after the completion of each Manvantara to allow for stabilization and cleaning the garbage. The duration of this period is equal to the lifespan of the Krita Yuga—that is, 17.28 lakh years. As 34 Manvantaras have passed, the total time for these transitions is 34 × 17.28 = 587.52 lakh years.
Combining all the above figures results in a total of 104,911.25 lakh years, which is approximately 1,050 crore years.
There is no consensus among scientists regarding this figure of 1380 crores; some dispute it. However, none of our sages ever declared our Vedic knowledge to be incorrect; there was no refutation—it was universally accepted.
Just as touching a single grain of rice is enough to determine if the whole pot is cooked, let us consider one aspect of Vedic knowledge. We can predict with absolute precision exactly when solar and lunar eclipses will occur—specifying the day and the exact time interval—not just for the next year or two, but even for the year 2050. This demonstrates the remarkable accuracy of our Vedic mathematical science.
What we state regarding the origin of the universe is also the truth. What room is there for doubt?.
Perhaps it was after reading about these amazing concepts that the Irish astrologer " Cheiro " described the Indian system of time calculation as "miraculous." (I mention his name because of the proverb, "A plant in one's own backyard is of no medicinal value"; since he was a foreigner—specifically of Greek origin—his words carried greater weight.)
Subhamastu