According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas, the sequential order of the cycle of four aeons, also known as Yugas, is Option 3: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali.
1. Krita Yuga (also known as Satya Yuga): This is considered the first and most ideal age. It is characterized by righteousness, virtue, and truthfulness. In this age, humans are said to possess heightened spiritual and intellectual capabilities. It is believed that people lived for thousands of years and were in close connection with the divine. The Krita Yuga is associated with purity and spiritual enlightenment.
2. Treta Yuga: Following the Krita Yuga is the Treta Yuga. It is considered to be a slightly less ideal age compared to the Krita Yuga. During this period, righteousness and virtue gradually diminish. People`s spiritual and intellectual capacities decline compared to the previous age. The average human lifespan is reduced, and society experiences some level of moral and ethical decay.
3. Dvapara Yuga: The Dvapara Yuga comes after the Treta Yuga. In this age, moral values and righteousness decline further. Humans become more involved in materialistic pursuits, and spirituality diminishes even more. It is believed that people`s lifespan decreases significantly, and they face more challenges and struggles in life.
4. Kali Yuga: The Kali Yuga is the last and final age in the cycle. It is characterized by a significant decline in moral and ethical values. People become heavily immersed in materialism, selfishness, and ignorance. Spirituality is at its lowest point, and people are prone to committing various kinds of vices and wrongdoings. The Kali Yuga is associated with darkness and spiritual ignorance.
The sequence of Yugas described in Option 3 (Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali) aligns with the traditional understanding of ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas. It reflects the gradual decline in moral, spiritual, and intellectual qualities as humans move from one Yuga to the next. The concept of Yugas is found in various ancient Indian texts such as the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Manu Smriti.
It`s important to note that interpretations and details about the Yugas may vary in different sources and traditions within ancient Indian cosmogony. Nonetheless, the widely accepted sequence is Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali, as described in Option 3.