What existed prior to the creation of the universe and how this cosmos came into being remains a subject of continuous research in cosmology and has fascinated humans for centuries. Even today, as fresh studies and theories emerge, certain flaws or gaps are frequently identified in them. However, nearly 2500 to 3000 years ago, ancient sages had already provided answers to these fundamental questions. Several of those ancient insights match surprisingly well with contemporary cosmology. Maharshi Manu described the creation of the universe right in the opening chapter of the Manusmriti.
Sages led by Bhrigu approached Maharshi Manu
Before the main text of the Manusmriti begins, it is noted that great sages including Bhrigu approached Lord Manu in a state of deep concentration. They offered folded hands in reverence and asked him to explain the duties of various varnas and mixed castes in proper order. The sages requested him to elucidate the eternal dharma and rules, and first of all, to explain what existed before the creation of the universe. Hearing this profound question from the sages, Maharshi Manu began revealing the deep mysteries behind the genesis of the cosmos.
The dark era described in the verses of Manusmriti
Verses 5 through 9 of the first chapter of the Manusmriti describe the exact state of affairs just before creation took place. The text states that prior to the formation of the universe, this entire cosmos was completely enveloped in darkness. There were no discernible characteristics anywhere, and everything remained unmanifested. The entire state was beyond logic, completely unknown, and appeared as if it were fast asleep in deep slumber. The ancient sages described the expanse of this dark age in considerable detail.
Striking parallels with modern cosmology and science
The description of the dark age before creation found in the Manusmriti aligns remarkably well with modern scientific theories. At that time, modern science did not exist, yet contemporary astronomy and quantum physics present similar hypotheses regarding the dawn of the universe. Science acknowledges a dark age preceding the formation of the physical world. The most robust model regarding cosmic origins is the Big Bang theory, which states that approximately 13.8 billion years ago, time and space did not exist, and the universe was confined to an extremely dense and infinitely small point.
The Big Bang and the cosmic dark age concept
According to science, that initial point could neither be observed nor measured, which closely mirrors the 'apragyatam' meaning unknown and 'tamobhut' meaning filled with darkness states described in the Manusmriti. The ancient text similarly notes that before creation, there were no identifiable signs and everything was hidden in obscurity. Furthermore, the theory of the cosmic dark age following the Big Bang holds wide acceptance, as immediately after the event, there were no stars or sources of light in the universe. Scientists refer to that era as the cosmic dark age, which corresponds directly with the descriptions of profound darkness found in the Manusmriti.
