Significance of Associate

In Vaishnavism, "Associate" signifies various companions and followers. These individuals include those who accompanied Vallabhacarya, Nityananda, Upananda, and the Lord, participating in divine activities. Associates also refer to those who were with Jagannatha Mishra, and those who accompanied the Lord during His pastimes, the followers of Shaci's son, and those elevated to be with the Lord through His mercy. Furthermore, associates include those who accompanied Shri Gaurahari, Gauracandra, and Shriman Mahaprabhu, and those who expound the teachings of Sri Gaursundar.1
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Synonyms: Partner, Colleague, Companion, Ally, Connection, Link, Comrade, Connect

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Associate'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Associate" encompasses companions, followers, and attendants of divine figures like Shriman Mahaprabhu, Nityananda, and the Lord. These individuals participate in spiritual practices, assist in spreading teachings, share in divine activities, and experience communal joy and devotion.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Associates are individuals who were with Jagannatha Mishra and participated in holding their heads in lamentation.[1] (2) Associates are individuals who are elevated to be with the Lord, a state achieved through His mercy, as was the case with Aghasura.[2] (3) These are individuals who were with Vallabhacarya when a divine being arrived, and they all felt immense joy as indicated in the text.[3] (4) The companions and followers of Nityananda and Advaita, participating in their divine activities.[4] (5) The group of individuals who accompanied the main subject during the visit.[5]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) These are the attendants that served the goddess of fortune, using objects like fans, white parasols, and camaras to show their devotion and service to her.[6] (2) The companions or followers of the Lord of Vaikuntha.[7] (3) Companions or a group that accompanies a leader or significant figure, particularly in a context of spiritual or communal activities.[8] (4) Associates in the text refer to the companions who accompany Upananda, Nanda, and the Vrishabhanus to Vrindavana.[9]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The divine beings accompanying the Lord during His pastimes, including Lakshmi, Dharani, Shesha, and Garuda.[10]

From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya

(1) Associates are the ones who expound and practice the transcendental activities and teachings of Sri Gaursundar, which can alone save us from the errors to which an Age given to superficial controversies, like the present, has an abnormal besetting tendency to subscribe, according to the text.[11]

From: Chaitanya Mangala

(1) Plenary portions of the Lord who took birth on the earth to follow his command.[12]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Plural form: Associates.