Garg Samhita- How Text Begins

The Garg Samhita, authored by Maharishi Garg, begins with a divine hymn, Govindstotram, using rich metaphorical language to glorify Shri Radha-Krishna, whose essence pervades the entire text. It opens with a dialogue between sage Saunaks and sage Garg followed by a conversation between Sage Narada and King Bahulashva, who elaborates on the supreme nature of Radha-Krishna.

Maharishi Garg touches upon the ancient concept of a multiverse, as mentioned in sacred scriptures. In the first chapter, Sage Shaunaka asks Sage Garg to speak about Radha-Krishna. Garg recounts Narada’s dialogue with King Bahulashva, where Narada reveals the divine nature of Shri Radha-Krishna.

The narrative shifts to a cosmic concern—Mother Earth, tortured by demonic forces, appeals to Lord Brahma, who first comforts her and then directs her to Lord Vishnu. Joined by Lord shiva and other demigods, they meet Lord Vishnu, who tells them to seek Shri Krishna, the Supreme Being beyond even the gods. Lord Brahma shows his ignorance about Lord Krishna, requests Lord Vishnu to show them the Lord of the Lord's Shri Krishna. 

Lord Vishnu then reveals the path in Karana Ocean, a divine spiritual path created by his Vamana avatar. Traveling this path, the gods leave their universe and see countless universes floating like kutaja fruits in the vast ocean. They pass the Viraja River, which marks the boundary between the material and spiritual worlds, and arrive at the gates of Goloka—Krishna’s eternal abode.

There, they meet Shatchandranana, a friend of Krishna. Shatchandranana asks the demigods to which universe they have come from? So that she shall tell Lord Krishana about their arrival?

The demigods  taken aback, say with little hesitation that they have not seen any other universes. They know only one universe and there is no other universe in their knowledge. 

She challenges their limited understanding by revealing the existence of countless universes, each with its own set of gods. Embarrassed, the gods fall silent. Lord Vishnu clarifies their origin as the universe where Prasnigarbha (Lord Vishnu as son of King Sutapa and his wife Prasni) descended and the universe which is broken by Lord Trivikrama's toenail. (another name of Lord Vishnu's Vaman Avatar.). 

The episode emphasizes the vastness of creation, the supremacy of Krishna, and the limitations of even the highest gods in understanding the complete cosmic reality.

Author's view

The Knowledge of the Cosmos in Ancient Hindu Texts

We often marvel at modern science for exploring galaxies and discovering new planets. But long before telescopes were invented, our Rishis and ancient texts spoke of concepts like multiple universes, parallel worlds, and cosmic layers—Ananta Koti Brahmanda (infinite universes).

It amazes me how advanced our ancestors were. They may not have had machines, but they had deep intuitive knowledge, gained through meditation, austerity, and inner vision.

Even today, our civilization struggles to accept that life may exist beyond Earth. But our scriptures boldly declare that life is not limited to this one planet or species. I personally believe there must be life on distant planets. However, that life may not necessarily resemble human life—it may be in forms and dimensions far beyond our understanding.

  Do you also believe in multiverse theory evidenced in our ancient texts or find it mere an imagination?