| Aspect | Adam (Genesis 5) | Manu (Hinduism) |
|---|---|---|
| Primordial Ancestor | Adam, created in God's image | Svāyambhuva Manu, the first Manu, son of Brahma |
| Spouse | Eve | Śatarūpā |
| Children | Cain, Abel, Seth, and other sons and daughters | Ākūti, Devahūti, Prasūti, Priyavrata, and Uttānapāda |
| Notable Descendants | Seth → Enosh → Kenan → Mahalalel → Jared → Enoch → Methuselah → Lamech → Noah | Ākūti's son Yajña (an incarnation of Vishnu); Devahūti's son Kapila (a sage); Prasūti's descendants include Daksha and others |
| Lifespans | Ranged from 365 years (Enoch) to 969 years (Methuselah) | Manus reign for 306.72 million years each; Svāyambhuva Manu's lifespan aligns with this duration |
| Symbolic Significance | Represents the beginning of humanity and the introduction of sin | Embodies the archetype of the ideal human and progenitor of mankind in each cosmic cycle |
| Flood Narrative | Noah builds an ark to survive a divine flood | Vaivasvata Manu (7th Manu) builds a boat to survive a great deluge, guided by the Matsya avatar of Vishnu |
| Cosmic Cycles | Linear timeline leading to the coming of the Messiah | Cyclical time with 14 Manus per kalpa (a day of Brahma), each ruling a manvantara |
| Theological Role | Ancestor of all humans; his disobedience introduces original sin | Lawgiver and progenitor; sets moral and social codes for humanity |
Adam's Lineage: In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Adam's genealogy serves to trace the lineage from creation to Noah, emphasizing themes of obedience, sin, and redemption. The lifespans, though extensive, are finite and serve to highlight the mortality introduced by sin.
Manu's Lineage: In Hindu cosmology, each Manu presides over a manvantara, a vast period lasting 306.72 million years. Svāyambhuva Manu, the first Manu, is credited with establishing human society and moral order. His descendants play pivotal roles in various Puranic narratives, contributing to the cyclical nature of time and existence in Hindu thought. vanisource.org+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
Time Perception: The Judeo-Christian timeline is linear, focusing on a beginning and an end, whereas Hinduism embraces a cyclical concept of time with recurring epochs.
Role of Progenitors: Both Adam and Manu are seen as the first humans, but while Adam's story centers on the fall and its consequences, Manu's narrative emphasizes the establishment of dharma (righteousness) and societal structures.
Flood Narratives: Both traditions feature flood stories where a chosen individual (Noah or Manu) preserves life, highlighting themes of divine judgment and renewal.