In Sanatan Dharma, the concept of Sthiti refers to the act of preservation or maintenance of the universe and all its entities. It is the second phase in the cosmic cycle of creation, sustenance, and dissolution (Srishti, Sthiti, and Pralaya). The process of Sthiti ensures the stability, balance, and continued existence of the cosmos, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining order and harmony in the world.
The preservation aspect is primarily associated with Lord Vishnu, who is considered the Preserver of the universe. His role, as depicted in Sanatan Dharma, is not just limited to maintaining physical balance but also upholding Dharma (cosmic order) and protecting the righteous beings from the forces of evil and chaos.
The Importance of Sthiti in the Cosmic Cycle
Sthiti, or preservation, is the second stage in the eternal cosmic cycle, following Srishti (creation) and preceding Pralaya (dissolution). Together, these stages form a continuous loop of creation, preservation, and destruction, ensuring the constant renewal and balance of the universe.
Key Aspects of Sthiti:
- Maintaining Cosmic Order: Preservation is essential for ensuring the orderly functioning of the universe. Lord Vishnu’s role in Sthiti involves maintaining the balance between the forces of good (Dharma) and evil (Adharma). This preservation ensures that creation does not descend into chaos or anarchy.
- Protection of Righteousness: One of the most significant functions of preservation is to protect the righteous and Dharma. Vishnu, through his incarnations (avatars), often intervenes when Adharma threatens to overwhelm the world. By maintaining cosmic order, Vishnu ensures that the path of righteousness is followed and that the good are safeguarded.
- Sustaining Life and Creation: Sthiti involves sustaining all living beings and the environment in which they thrive. It is the period when the world remains stable, allowing life to flourish, knowledge to be passed on, and the material world to function harmoniously.
The Role of Lord Vishnu in Sthiti (Preservation)
In Sanatan Dharma, Lord Vishnu is revered as the ultimate preserver of the universe. He is often depicted in a peaceful, benevolent form, symbolizing protection, stability, and continuity. Vishnu’s responsibility as the preserver is crucial for maintaining the universe in a balanced state, ensuring that creation continues without disruption.
Vishnu’s Duties in Sthiti:
- Upholding Dharma: Vishnu’s primary role in Sthiti is to protect and uphold Dharma. He ensures that the cosmic order is maintained by intervening whenever it is threatened by forces of evil, as seen in his various incarnations like Rama, Krishna, and Narasimha.
- Protection of the Earth and Its Creatures: Vishnu is also known for his role in preserving the Earth (called Bhudevi) and all the creatures living upon it. He ensures that the Earth remains fertile and capable of supporting life, through his various cosmic acts of preservation.
- Guiding and Protecting Devotees: Vishnu’s preservation also includes safeguarding his devotees. Through his avatars and divine intervention, he ensures that the righteous are protected from harm and the unrighteous are brought to justice.
Sthiti and the Dashavatara: Vishnu’s Incarnations for Preservation
The role of Sthiti is evident in the various avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu, each of which descends to Earth during times of crisis to restore balance and maintain order. These avatars are instrumental in the preservation of both the physical universe and the moral framework of society.
Examples of Vishnu’s Incarnations in Preservation:
- Matsya (The Fish): In this avatar, Vishnu saves the sacred scriptures (Vedas) and the sage Manu from a great flood, ensuring that knowledge and creation are preserved.
- Kurma (The Tortoise): During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Vishnu incarnated as a tortoise to support Mount Mandara, which was being used to churn the ocean for the elixir of immortality. This act of preservation secured the life of the universe.
- Narasimha (The Man-Lion): Vishnu as Narasimha restored order by protecting his devotee Prahlada and destroying the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who had upset the cosmic balance.
- Krishna (The Divine Cowherd): As Krishna, Vishnu guided the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, upholding Dharma in the battle against the Kauravas, thus preserving righteousness in the world.
The Concept of Sthiti Beyond Lord Vishnu
While Vishnu is the primary preserver in Sanatan Dharma, the concept of preservation extends beyond just the physical world and its beings. It encompasses the preservation of:
- Knowledge (Jnana): Ensuring that wisdom and teachings are passed down through generations and preserved for future times.
- Cultural and Spiritual Practices: The safeguarding of rituals, traditions, and spiritual teachings that maintain harmony within society.
- The Earth: Through divine guidance, preservation extends to the environment, ensuring the sustenance of natural resources and the health of the planet.
Sthiti and the Cycles of Time
In the larger cosmic context, Sthiti is not a static state but rather a dynamic process. It occurs within the framework of the vast cyclical nature of time, as described in Sanatan Dharma. The cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution repeat eternally, with Sthiti being the phase in which the universe exists in balance and harmony.
- Kalpas (Eons): Each cycle of time is called a Kalpa, and Sthiti is the phase within each Kalpa where the universe remains in its current state of balance and stability, before it eventually moves into the phase of Pralaya (dissolution).
- Yugas (Ages): The preservation of the universe also aligns with the cycles of the Yugas, the four ages of the world (Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga). Sthiti ensures that life progresses through these ages, upholding moral and cosmic laws until the end of each cycle.
Conclusion
Sthiti (preservation) is a vital concept in Sanatan Dharma, signifying the maintenance and stability of the universe. Through the divine intervention of Lord Vishnu and the cyclical nature of time, the preservation of the world is ensured, both physically and morally. By upholding Dharma and protecting the righteous, Sthiti creates an environment in which creation can thrive, life can flourish, and cosmic balance is maintained. It highlights the divine’s constant involvement in preserving the universe, ensuring that order prevails in a world where disorder and evil constantly threaten the fabric of existence.