Ma`rifat Adyan

Hindu puranas depict an end for the different periods of time called "Pralaya, i.e. Dissolution". In addition to this Dissolution (Mahapralaya, i.e. Great Dissolution"), other kinds of dissolutions can be found in puranas which are, in some respects, called "Pralaya". This definition of the end of the world can also be found in Islamic tradition, especially in the field of mysticism. While accepting the resurrection defined by the Glorious Quran, mystical texts explain other instances of resurrection based on realities and wisdoms hidden in it. The kinds of resurrections, when adding legal resurrection mount to four. Using an analytical approach and introducing four kinds of dissolutions in Purana and mystical traditions, the present paper makes a contrastive study of these doctrines and explores the similarities and differences and points out to their merits in the two religious traditions.