IRAVATAM-ADDITION In Hindu cosmology, both the title of Indra and his divinemount Airavata (Iravatam) are positions that change with each Manvantara.
Key Facts About theSuccession Current Indra & Airavata: We are currently in theVaivasvata Manvantara (the 7th of 14). The current occupant of the throne isnamed Purandara. According to the Vishnu Purana, each Indra has his own version of the celestial elephant Airavata. A "Post" vs.an Individual: While"Indra" is the name of the king of the Devas, it is essentially atitle similar to "President" or "King". Just as a newperson takes the seat of Indra, a new celestial being takes the role of hisvahana, Airavata. Next in Line: In the upcoming Savarni Manvantara (the 8th), the position of Indra isprophesied to be held by Mahabali (the former Asura king). He willhave a different Airavata as his mount. Overview of ChangesAcross Manvantaras Manvantara Name ofIndra Mount (Vahana) 1st (Svayambhuva) Yajna Airavata (specific to that era) 2nd (Svarochisha) Vipaschit Airavata (specific to that era) 7th (Vaivasvata) - Current Purandara Airavata (Current) 8th (Savarni) - Future Mahabali Airavata (Future) While the name "Airavata" remains the same (justlike the name "Indra"), the actual divine being fulfilling that roleis different in each cycle. This reflects the cyclical nature of time in Hindu mythology, whereroles in the celestial administration are re-filled every 71 Mahayugas (oneManvantara). These resources clarify that both Indra and Airavata aretitles held by different beings across successive cosmic eras: So Iravata is notimmortal In the strict sense of "eternal existence in the samebody," no, Airavata is not immortal. In Hindu cosmology, almost all beings—including the Devas(gods) and their divine mounts—are subject to the cycles of time. Here is howhis "mortality" works: 1. Lifespan of aManvantara The position of Airavata, like that of Indra, lasts forexactly one Manvantara (approximately 306.72 million human years). According tothe Vishnu Purana, at the end of this period, the current Indra, theSaptarishis (seven sages), and their associated deities "perish" orvacate their posts to be replaced by a new set in the next era. 2. The Nature of"Amara" (Deathless) While the Devas are often called Amara (immortal), this isusually "relative immortality." The Nectar ofImmortality: Airavata and the Devas consumed Amrit (nectar) from the Churning of theOcean, which freed them from "old age and death" within their currentcosmic cycle. The GreatDissolution: At the end of a Kalpa (a day of Brahma), a Pralaya(dissolution) occurs where the lower realms of the universe are destroyed. Atthis point, even the most powerful celestial beings lose their physical forms. 3. Comparison with the"True" Immortals To see the difference, compare Airavata to the Chiranjeevis(the 7 or 8 "truly" immortal beings like Hanuman or Ashwatthama). Airavata/Indra: They hold a post for a fixed duration andthen move on. Chiranjeevis: They are individuals who have beengranted the boon to live through multiple Yugas and Manvantaras until the endof the entire universe. In summary, the soul (Atman) of the being acting as Airavatais eternal, but the specific form and position of the divine elephant end whenhis term as Indra's mount expires. Ahalya incident Based on Hindu cosmology, the incident involving Ahalya,Gautama Rishi, and Indra occurred in the current Manvantara, which is theseventh, known as the VaivasvataManvantara. Current Context: We are presently in the VaivasvataManvantara, where Purandhara is the reigning Indra. Epic Source: The incident is detailed in the Valmiki Ramayana (Bala Kanda),which is part of the current historical and mythological framework of this epoch. Significance: The story involves Indra (the kingof gods) visiting Ahalya (wife of Sage Gautama) in disguise, leading to a curseby the sage. The event is a well-known narrative, appearing in Vedicliterature (ShatapathaBrahmana) and Puranas, confirmingits place in the current era. Posted by R.Gopalakrishnan 20-02-2026 – Information by Google search -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1615728843.373068.1771580798183%40mail.yahoo.com.
