Question

Choose the series of Pralaya described in Purāṇas:
A. Atyantikah
B. Nityah
C. Prakritikah
D. Naimittikah

• A. B, A, C, D
• B. B, D, C, A
• C. B, A, D, C
• D. B, C, D, A

Hint:

Remember: Nitya (daily) → Naimittika (end of Kalpa) → Prākṛtika (cosmic) → Ātyantika (mokṣa).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept of Pralaya.
Pralaya signifies the universe's dissolution or destruction.
The Purāṇas categorize Pralaya into four primary types: Nitya, Naimittika, Prākṛtika, and Ātyantika.
Step 2: Nitya Pralaya (B).
This is the daily dissolution, representing the end of life each day, akin to the day-night cycle.
Step 3: Naimittika Pralaya (D).
This occurs at the conclusion of a Kalpa (Brahma's day), leading to the dissolution of the three worlds.
Step 4: Prākṛtika Pralaya (C).
This involves the dissolution of the entire cosmos back into its original Prakṛti (primordial nature).
Step 5: Ātyantika Pralaya (A).
This denotes ultimate liberation, or Mokṣa, where the individual soul achieves eternal freedom.
Step 6: Correct Order.
The correct sequence is: Nitya (B) → Naimittika (D) → Prākṛtika (C) → Ātyantika (A).
Step 7: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (2), representing the order B, D, C, A.