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 refers to the dissolution or destruction of the universe.
The Purāṇas classify Pralaya into four main types: Nitya, Naimittika, Prākṛtika, and Ātyantika.
Step 2: Nitya Pralaya (B).
This is the daily dissolution, where life ends every day (like the cycle of day and night).
Step 3: Naimittika Pralaya (D).
This occurs at the end of a Kalpa (a day of Brahma), where the three worlds are dissolved.
Step 4: Prākṛtika Pralaya (C).
This is the dissolution of the entire cosmos into its original Prakṛti (primordial nature).
Step 5: Ātyantika Pralaya (A).
This is the ultimate liberation or Mokṣa, where the individual soul is freed forever.
Step 6: Correct Order.
Thus, the order is: Nitya (B) → Naimittika (D) → Prākṛtika (C) → Ātyantika (A).
Step 7: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is option (2) B, D, C, A.