The tale of Ad-ima and Heva in Hindu tradition offers an intriguing parallel to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. According to some interpretations, Ad-ima and Heva are seen as the first human couple who lived on an island, often identified with Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). A natural convulsion eventually separated the island from the mainland, causing a significant shift in their living conditions. This story bears a resemblance to the myth of Atlantis, where a great civilization was submerged by the sea.
This narrative has been linked to the broader context of Hindu creation myths. Various texts, including the Puranas, provide different versions of creation, often involving divine beings and complex cosmogonies. In Hindu mythology, the first man and woman are sometimes identified as Svayambhuva Manu and Shatarupa, created by Lord Brahma. These figures are considered the progenitors of humanity in the Hindu tradition (Hinduism Way of Life) (Old World Gods).
Interestingly, some scholars suggest that the concept of Ad-ima and Heva might be influenced by earlier Upanishadic ideas. For example, the Mundaka Upanishad describes two birds perched on a tree, symbolizing the individual soul (jiva) and the supreme soul (atman). This metaphor has been interpreted as an early form of the later stories of human origins found in various cultures (Hinduism Stack Exchange).
While there is no direct evidence linking Ad-ima and Heva to Adam and Eve, these parallels highlight the common themes in human creation myths across different cultures. The story of Ad-ima and Heva enriches our understanding of Hindu mythology and its connections with other global traditions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the shared human quest to explain our origins and the forces that shape our world.
In Hinduism, there are multiple theories regarding creation, as different Puranas provide various accounts of how the world and humans came into existence. The Upanishads offer yet another perspective, often focusing on the idea that creation is a manifestation of the mind.
One equivalent to the biblical Adam and Eve in Hindu mythology is found in the Brahma Purana. According to this text, Lord Brahma created a man and a woman from his own body. The man was named Svayambhuva Manu, and the woman was named Shatarupa. Humans are said to be descended from Manu, with the term “manava” (human) derived from his name. Some linguists even suggest that the English word “man” might originate from “Manu.”
This narrative is supported by several other Puranas, which also describe Manu and Shatarupa as the first humans. For example, the Padma Purana explains that Manu and Shatarupa were among the first males and females created by Lord Rudra from his half-female form (Ardhanarishvara) upon Lord Brahma’s request. In this version, the male half produced 11 males, and the female half produced females.
