Manu (Hinduism)

Categories: Hindu mythology

In Hindu mythology, Manu is a title accorded the progenitor of humankind during an eon called a Manvantara. 14 Manvantaras make up a Kalpa, a period corresponding to a day in the life of Brahma; each Manvantara is headed by a Manu, the 14 of which are:

  1. Svayambhuva Manu
  2. Svaracisa Manu
  3. Uttama Manu
  4. Tamasa Manu
  5. Raivata Manu
  6. Caksusa Manu
  7. Vaivasvata Manu
  8. Savarni Manu
  9. Daksa Savarni Manu
  10. Brahma Savarni Manu
  11. Dharma Savarni Manu
  12. Rudra Savarni Manu
  13. Deva Savarni Manu
  14. Indra Savarni Manu

As of 2004, we are in the 7th Manvantara headed by Vaivasvata Manu.

Manu is also the name of the author of the famous Manusmriti.


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See also