Kruta Yugadi (Satya Yugadi), the beginning of kruta Yugam or Satya yugam, is observed on Akshaya navami, Kartik Shukla Navami day. In 2025, Kruta yugadi date is October 31.
Kruta Yugam, also known as Satya Yugam, is considered as the Golden age as per Hinduism. This Yuga (era) is also known as the era of truth. This is the first yuga according to Hindu beliefs.
Akshaya Navami or Kartik Shukla Navami is considered as the day during which Satya Yuga has begun. It is believed that during Kruta Yuga, Lord Vishnu was incarnated as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha and Narasimha.
People celebrate Kruta Yugadi worshipping Lord Vishnu. Vishnu Sahasranama stotra is chanted during Kruta Yugadi. Akshay Navami is also celebrated as Amla Navami and Kushmanda Navami. Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped during Kruta yugadi.
Characteristics of Kruta Yuga
- Duration: Kruta Yuga is said to last for 1,728,000 years (or 4,800 divine years), making it the longest of the four Yugas.
- Moral Integrity: This age is marked by the presence of Dharma (righteousness) standing on all four legs. The virtues of truth, compassion, and self-restraint are predominant, and humanity is believed to be closest to God during this time.
- Spiritual Advancement: People in Kruta Yuga are spiritually advanced, living in harmony with nature and each other. There is no concept of crime or deceit; individuals are honest and virtuous.
Significance in Hindu Cosmology
- Foundation of Dharma: Kruta Yuga sets the foundation for all subsequent ages. The principles established during this period serve as a benchmark for righteousness in later Yugas.
- Divine Incarnations: It is believed that various deities, including Lord Vishnu in his form as Matsya (the fish), appeared during this age to guide humanity.
- Cyclic Nature of Time: In Hindu philosophy, time is cyclical, and each Yuga represents a phase in the moral and spiritual evolution of humanity. The transition from Kruta Yuga to the next age, Treta Yuga, marks a gradual decline in virtue.
Comparison with Other Yugas
- Following Kruta Yuga is Treta Yuga, which lasts for 1,296,000 years. During Treta Yuga, there is a slight decline in virtue as desires begin to emerge among humans.
- This decline continues into Dvapara Yuga, lasting 864,000 years, where morality diminishes further.
- The current age, known as Kali Yuga, represents the lowest point of Dharma and is characterized by strife and moral decay.
Kruta Yuga serves as an idealized period in Hindu history, emphasizing the importance of living a life based on truth and righteousness. Its teachings continue to inspire spiritual practices and ethical standards among followers today.