Pralay

In Hindu mythology, Pralay (or "Proloy") means the day when 'shrishti' and 'Brahmaand' (i.e the Cosmos) will be destroyed by the fury of Nature. The literal meaning for Pralay (from Sanskrit) is a devastating flood of unimaginable magnitude, but in Hinduism, the meaning of Pralay refers to the the destruction of the Universe.

A vague analogy can be drawn between the concepts of Pralay (Hinduism), Qayamat (Islam) and Armageddon (Biblical religions).

From the Markandeya Purana:"At the end of the night, when the inundating Pralay receded and the Lord awakened from His prolonged sleep, He began the work of creation again. It was even more amazing for Markandeya to see the inundating water recede and new creation taking place. He began to pray the Lord with folded hands. Pleased by his prayers, the Lord said that He always protected His devotees even during the most severe crises. Markandeya then asked about the appearance of the true devotees of the Lord. He also expressed his curiosity to know the reasons of their birth."