The Sanatana Project

Introduction

Time is not absolute — a fact well-known in modern science through Einstein’s theory of relativity. Yet, this very idea appears in ancient Hindu scriptures as well, especially in a fascinating tale involving Revati, daughter of King Kakudmi, and her visit to Lord Brahma. What she experienced reveals a deep philosophical understanding of time, its relativity, and the vast cosmic scales embedded in Sanatana Dharma.

Scientific Context: A Glimpse into Relativity

Modern physics, particularly Einstein’s theory of relativity, teaches us that time is not uniform across all observers.
In general relativity, time passes slower in stronger gravitational fields or at extremely high speeds. This is called time dilation.

For example, an astronaut near a black hole would experience just a few hours, while thousands of years could pass for someone on Earth.
(Source: Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, 1915)

Hindu scriptures reflect this concept remarkably in the tale of Revati.

The Story of Revati and Her Visit to Brahma

Revati was the only daughter of King Kakudmi, ruler of Kusasthali. As she reached a marriageable age, her father sought the ideal husband. Instead of consulting priests or sages, he went straight to Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma.

According to the Bhagavata Purana (9.3.27–36) and Vishnu Purana (Book 4, Chapter 1), when Revati and her father arrived, Brahma was listening to a musical performance by the Gandharvas Hāhā and Hūhū.

When the music ended and Brahma finally addressed them, he laughed gently and said:

“Many ages have passed on Earth. The descendants you left behind have long vanished. Your era is over.”

What felt like a short wait in Brahmaloka had in fact resulted in the passage of 27 Chaturyugas on Earth!

Time Math – What is 27 Chaturyugas?

Let’s break it down:

• 1 Chaturyuga = 4.32 million years
• So, 27 Chaturyugas = 27 × 4.32 million = 116.64 million years

In Revati’s frame of reference, maybe an hour or two passed. On Earth, over 116 million years had gone by — a concept entirely aligned with gravitational time dilation in modern cosmology.

The Marriage with Balarama

Upon returning, King Kakudmi found the Earth unrecognizable — the people, landscape, and society had changed. Seeking advice again, he was told to marry Revati to Lord Balarama, elder brother of Lord Krishna.

As per both Bhagavata Purana (9.3.33–36) and Vishnu Purana, Balarama used his plough to slightly reduce Revati’s height (as she belonged to a much earlier yuga where beings were physically larger).

Symbolism and Philosophical Insight

• Revati symbolizes devotion and detachment — choosing to go beyond space and time for the right dharma.
• The tale demonstrates that time flows differently across realms, just like modern multiverse or dimensional theories.
• It also subtly reminds us that our lives are a blink in the grand cosmic yuga cycle.

 Scripture References:

• Bhagavata Purana – Canto 9, Chapter 3, Verses 27–36
• Vishnu Purana – Book 4, Chapter 1
• Gandharvas mentioned: Hāhā and Hūhū

Conclusion

This story is a bridge — connecting ancient spiritual insights with contemporary science. Sanatana Dharma doesn’t separate mysticism from reality. Instead, it invites us to explore time, space, and self with curiosity and reverence.