Hindu Beliefs on Cosmology: Why No God of Time?

While Hinduism is replete with deities associated with a myriad aspects of life—from monkeys to boars to wealth and knowledge—there is a curious absence of a dedicated god or goddess associated with time. Time, after all, is arguably the most precious commodity in our lives, yet it remains unpersonified in the Hindu pantheon. Why is this so?

The Divine Sun: The Obvious Deity of Time

The most obvious deity associated with time is the Sun. In Hinduism, the Sun is considered a Dev (a divine being) and not a mere god as it is widely worshipped and respected. Here is why the Sun aligns perfectly with the concept of time:

Time Scale: Our time scales, including major cycles like Manvantharam (a period in Hindu cosmology), are based on the Earth's revolution around the Sun. This shows a direct correlation between the celestial body and the temporal measurement. Brahma's cosmic year: According to Hindu mythology, the life of Brahma is said to be 100 years, each of which consists of a day during which the Sun travels around the center of the Milky Way galaxy. This cosmic scale emphasizes the Sun's importance in determining cosmic time. Dependence: We are deeply connected to the Sun for life itself, and there is no other god capable of changing this fundamental aspect of our existence.

Kaala Bhairava: Time and Respect

Interestingly, there is a concept in Hinduism that emphasizes the relationship between time and respect. Kaala Bhairava, a form of Bhairava, embodies the idea that time is loyal to those who treat time with self-respect. Conversely, it warns that time will exact retribution on those who misuse or disrespect it, symbolized by the Kaala Chakra (the wheel of time).

Self-respect, in this context, is synonymous with living a virtuous life and doing good deeds.

Time as Kaali: The Energy of Time

In Sanskrit, the term kaal means "time," and Kaali, a female deity, personifies the energy of time. Kaali, as a form of Bhairava, represents the transformative and powerful nature of time.

Shiva, the god of time, is seen as the progenitor and ruler of time. In Vedic tradition, it is written, 'None but Shiva' can be considered the supreme god.

Shiva is the Lord of Time, the one who governs and transcends time. His role as the MahaKala (the great time) is pivotal, and as the MahaKaleshwara (the great lord of time), he is considered to be beyond time itself.

Reflections on the Absence of a God of Space or Time

It is intriguing to note that humans do not appear to need a god of space, location, or intersections. Gods in the Hindu pantheon are created based on how humans perceive and make sense of the world. In the context of Hinduism, creation, being, and destruction are more central concepts than time alone. The Fates or the Muses in Greek mythos play a similar role in representing these fundamental aspects of the universe.

Over time, Hinduism has evolved, and the significance of some ancient gods has diminished. For instance, in the Vedic period, gods like Mitra, Pushan, and Manyu were prominent, but they have since been replaced or merged with more significant deities like Rudra, Brahma, and Vishnu.

Yama, the god of death, personifies how humans often humanize deities to fit their own narratives. In Hindu mythology, Yama is a figure capable of striking deals, cracking jokes, and even being tricked, reflecting the complex human relationship with the concept of time and mortality.

In Hindu cosmology, the universe is managed by Brahma, the creative aspect, and Shiva, the destructive aspect. As Shiva's importance grew, so did the importance of his disciples, leading to the rise of Shivaism as a significant religious movement. This is counterbalanced by the Vaishnava sect, which reimagines the universe as a multiverse, where every universe has its Brahma and Shiva, diminishing their roles and those of their disciples, with Vishnu emerging as the central figure, including the concept of time.

Note: The guiding principles and deities in Hinduism are not static and have evolved over time, reflecting the complexities of human understanding and belief systems.