Of Sankalpa and Parardhas

In Sanatana Dharma, every puja or ritual begins with what is known as a Sankalpa. Reflecting on the meaning of Sankalpa reveals a depth that goes beyond its surface interpretation.

The Literal Meaning of Sankalpa

The term "Sankalpa" in its simplest form denotes a vow or a resolution to achieve a specific outcome through the performance of a puja. It signifies an undertaking or a commitment. However, Sankalpa carries a profound significance that extends into the realms of cosmic order and individual purpose.

Cosmic Significance: Parardhas and Their Timescales

The Sankalpa Mantra is broadly divided into three parts:

1. Cosmic Calendar: It details the origin of the universe and our place within the grand timescale of cosmic creation. ( Adhya Brhamane to Prathame Paade)

2. Geographical Location: It pinpoints the specific location down to the last village or town on Earth. (Jambu Dweepe..  to dakhsine parshve)

3. Earth Calendar: It aligns with the Hindu calendar, marking the significance of karma and daily life. (from … varsha rutou… to… the last minute detail) 

The mantra begins with the reference to the Dwitiya Parardha. The word "Parardha" in Sanskrit means "the other half." While the Upanishads make implicit references to Parardhas, texts like the Vishnu Purana, Garuda Purana, and Bhagavata Purana explicitly mention them.

Prathama Parardha

• Primordial State: This represents the first half of Brahma's life, where the universe exists in an unmanifested, potential state. It is characterized by a dormant creation where elements, life forms, and cosmic order are latent within Brahman, the Supreme Reality.

• Cosmic Sleep (Pralaya): During this phase, all creation is absorbed back into Brahman, signifying a state of cosmic dissolution.

• Duration: Spanning 50 years of Brahma's life, with each day (and night) equivalent to 4.32 billion human years, the Prathama Parardha amounts to an estimated 155.52 trillion human years.

Dwitiya Parardha

• Manifest Universe: The second half of Brahma's life, which we are currently in, begins with a new cycle of creation. The cosmos emerges from Brahman into a fully developed state, marked by active creation, preservation, and periodic dissolution.

• Active Creation: This phase involves the dynamic participation of cosmic principles (gods, elements, beings) in the creation and maintenance of the universe.

Key Differences

1. Manifestation vs. Potentiality:

o Prathama Parardha: Represents a latent, unmanifest state focused on potentiality.

o Dwitiya Parardha: Represents an active, manifest state focused on actualization.

2. Creation Cycles:

o Prathama Parardha: Involves initial stages and cosmic dissolution (Maha Pralaya).

o Dwitiya Parardha: Begins with new creation cycles, involving ongoing minor dissolutions (Pralaya).

3. Cosmic Roles:

o Prathama Parardha: Associated with the primordial state and cosmic balance.

o Dwitiya Parardha: Associated with the manifest universe and roles of deities.

The Context of Sankalpa Mantra

The Sankalpa Mantra, by starting with the Dwitiya Parardha, places us within the grand cosmic scheme. It serves to remind us of our minuscule existence in both time and space. This realization drives a sense of humility and the importance of Swadharma (one's duty).

The Upanishads explain the creation of the universe as a Sankalpa of Brahman. The Tamil poet Kambar beautifully encapsulates this concept with the following lines:

உலகம் யாவையும் தாம் உள ஆக்கலும்

நிலை பெறுத்தலும் நீக்கலும் நீங்கலா

அலகு இலா விளையாட்டு உடையார் அவர்

தலைவர் அன்னவர்க்கே சரண் நாங்களே

This translates to, "Those who, with their divine will, easily bear all worlds as a play, their playful acts are vast and unbounded."

Similarly, the Old Testament of the Hebrews encapsulates the cosmic act of creation with the phrase, "Let there be light, and there was light" highlighting the divine will in bringing forth creation from nothingness.

Driving Humility and Purpose

Performing Sankalpa is an acknowledgment of our place in the universe and the duties we must perform. It instills humility, reminding us of our inconsequential nature in the grand scheme while emphasizing our Swadharma. As we set out to perform the puja, we seek divine guidance to fulfill our roles and achieve our resolutions within this cosmic play.

In conclusion, the Sankalpa and the understanding of Parardhas guide us to view our lives with humility and purpose, aligning our actions with the greater cosmic order and spiritual duty.