Significance of Beautiful women
Synonyms: Attractive women, Lovely women, Gorgeous women, Charming women, Elegant women., Elegant women, Charming ladies
In Dutch: Mooie vrouwen; In Finnish: Kauniita naisia; In Spanish: Mujeres hermosas; In German: Schöne Frauen; In Swedish: Vackra kvinnor; In Malay: Wanita cantik; In French: Belles femmes; In Italian: Belle donne; In Portugese: Mulheres bonitas; In Polish: Piękne kobiety
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Beautiful women'
In Buddhism, "Beautiful women" represent both illusory temptations and idealized figures, embodying desire and attachment that distract from spiritual paths, while also serving as reflections of individual perception and moral integrity in various narratives.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The description of Manohara, highlighting her physical charm that captivated Prince Sudhanu.[1] (2) A depiction of the ideal partner that Kusha desires, contrasting with his own perceived ugliness.[2] (3) An appearance assumed by an ogress to deceive Dharmalabdha during his journey.[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Representations of desire and attachment that one may seek to surround themselves with in pursuit of worldly fulfillment.[4] (2) A manifestation that entices individuals through lust to drain their essence, representing temptation by spirits.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An object of desire perceived differently by various individuals based on their thoughts and emotions.[6]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Describes Sulasa, who had many courtesans and was motivated by a desire to be with the robber.[7] (2) An alluring figure that distracted the brother from his religious duties, sparking his feelings of discontent.[8]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Describes the widow who interacted with the venerable Udayin, noted for her pleasing physical appearance.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The idealized female figure sought by Anitthigandha, representing the source of his attachment and subsequent sorrow.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) An illusory figure used by the deva to test the bhikkhus' friendship and moral integrity.[11]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) A description of Lady Madri as perceived by the Acariya's mother, emphasizing her attractiveness.[12]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Figures from the subject's dream that led him towards a vihara and symbolically guided him in his spiritual journey.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Beautiful women'
In Hinduism, "Beautiful women" symbolizes a diverse range of ideals, from physical allure and emotional complexity to the embodiment of virtues, reflecting strength against societal challenges and the multifaceted nature of attraction and relationships.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The phrase references those who attended the deceased, emphasizing their previous lifestyle, and highlighting the contrast with their current fate.[14] (2) Valuable possessions that can be used strategically to distract or entice enemies.[15] (3) Refers to the alluring companions of Ravana in Lanka, serving as a contrast to Sita's loyalty to Rama.[16] (4) Refers to the offerings made during the royal procession and symbolizes abundance in the kingdom.[17] (5) Women described as attractive, often adorned with distinctive makeup and attire.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The divine figure who captivates the attention of the Devas and the demon Mahisha alike, representing beauty and strength.[19] (2) A term used by the Deva messenger as he encouraged Ruru to consider marrying someone else.[20] (3) The fawn-eyed lady encountered by king Shantanu, who is later revealed to be Ganga.[21] (4) A metaphor used to describe how Sattva quality can offer pleasure to some and evoke jealousy or pain in others, illustrating the dual nature of qualities.[22] (5) The young women who roam in the forests and are part of the pleasurable environment described.[23]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Ravana appeared surrounded by lovely or beautiful women, as the moon amidst the stars, possessing pointed ears resembling darts and full of energy in the grove.[24] (2) Those who served in the palace, adding to its charm, described as ornaments.[25] (3) A simile used to describe the river's charming aspects with various flora.[26]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A reference to Urvashi, who captivates the king and embodies charm and allure.[27] (2) Usha, referred to as the most beautiful woman in the three worlds.[28] (3) A description of Kshama, the celestial damsel tasked by Indra to approach Yama.[29]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Beautiful women were singing various themes pleasant and delightful to Sangkarshana and Adhokshaja, while Balarama, drunk with Kadamvari wine, began to sing with his wife Revati.[30] (2) Refers to the attendants around Aniruddha, framing him in a setting of admiration and allure.[31] (3) The wives and companions of Ariruddha who express their sorrow through tears.[32]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Women who possess physical beauty, particularly noted among celestials and Asuras, often targeted in the context of the rite.[33]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Kubja's transformed state after Krishna heals her, representing restoration and newfound beauty.[34]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) females who are described as attractive, capturing the attention of the figure as he reflects on them.[35] (2) Women who are noted for their beauty, with whom the subject enjoyed pastimes.[36] (3) Attractive females mentioned alongside handsome men, contributing to the overall beauty described.[37] (4) Refers to the women described in the context as artistically skilled and lovely in appearance.[38] (5) Refers to Rukmini and her companions, highlighting their physical beauty as well as their virtuous nature.[39]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Women considered aesthetically pleasing, referenced in the context of their adornment of the Lord.[40] (2) A general reference to women of exceptional beauty, especially those in the context of Vraja.[41] (3) A term of address referring to an attractive female, emphasized in the context of the metaphorical comparison with ornaments.[42] (4) The subjects affected by the sound of the flute, symbolizing allure and attraction.[43] (5) The women who are constantly at the side of the enjoyer, enjoying his attractive limbs and depicted as being superior to the wife of Shiva.[44]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Material desires that the devotee expresses indifference towards in favor of spiritual fulfillment.[45] (2) A woman characterized by her beauty, who resembles the goddess Ganga.[46] (3) Women who are considered attractive, often referenced in the context of worldly desires and associations.[47] (4) The form of Mohini assumed by Lord Hari, which bewilders demigods like Lord Shiva.[48]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Attractions related to sexual desire that pull an individual toward physical intimacy.[49]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A reference to Rookmunee, whom Krishna carried off, leading to the conflict.[50]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A group that Lord Vishvambhara charms, showcasing his attractiveness and virtue as described by Mother Shaci.[51]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) This refers to the female companions with whom the king is relaxing in the picture gallery, setting the context for the painter's arrival, according to the text.[52] (2) Women described in terms denoting admiration, contrasting with the hardships faced by Queen Candravati and Lavanyavati.[53] (3) Women whom the Gandharvas are described as being particularly fond of, suggesting a link between beauty and the desirability in the gandharva marriage context.[54] (4) The subject of discussion among Suryaprabha's wives, reflecting on the qualities women possess from various lands.[55] (5) A woman described with physical beauty, central to many tales and their moral reflectiveness.[56]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A representation of physical and aesthetic appeal prevalent in society, particularly regarding Nala.[57]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) Women who were desired and accommodated by landlords and merchants, often living with them as wives, servants, or courtesans.[58] (2) Refers to a woman’s physical beauty, which is a significant factor in attraction for men.[59]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Represents a woman whose actions regarding her chastity may be influenced by another individual's desires.[60] (2) Women whose attraction may bring joy but should be approached with moderation by a king.[61]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) An example object that demonstrates how different minds can have distinct feelings towards the same entity, highlighting subjective perception.[62]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A metaphor for temptations and distractions that may arise during spiritual practices.[63]
Jain concept of 'Beautiful women'
In Jainism, "Beautiful women" symbolizes unique attractiveness and spiritual allure, exemplified by figures like Malli and Shrimati, while also representing distractions from deeper truths, highlighting both physical beauty and spiritual significance.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An influence on Mahabala’s life that represents the allure of sensual pleasures.[65] (2) A reference to Nanda, emphasizing her unmatched beauty and qualities.[66] (3) Material objects of attraction that provide fleeting pleasure yet distract people from deeper truths.[67] (4) A term used by Prince Malla to describe his sister Malli, emphasizing her uniqueness and attractiveness compared to others.[68] (5) Refers to Queen Dharini, whose beauty attracted the camelman, leading to his intentions of taking her as a wife.[69]
The concept of Beautiful women in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Beautiful women" encompasses a range of interpretations, including virtuous figures in Udaipur, the distraction of laborers, and captivating characters in literature, highlighting both admiration and complexity in beauty across various contexts and narratives.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Ravana hears about the beauty of Seetha and falls in love with her (not love at the first sight, but love at first hearing), leading him to imprison her in his mind.[70] (2) The narrator notes that there are beautiful women among housewives and considers Arunachalam's wife to be among them.[71] (3) Rama is a beautiful man and he is having a Sundari in Sita, this.[72] (4) This refers to Sita, and Hanuman began suspecting Mandodari to be Sita since she possessed the features of a beautiful woman.[73] (5) A reference to Malti's physical appearance and enchanting qualities that captivate Rajiv's attention.[74]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A description of Kabir's wife, emphasizing her attributes that captivated the grocer.[75] (2) The group of the king's wives and concubines who became absorbed in listening to Surdas's song.[76]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the same as a blade of grass.[77]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The figure of a beautiful woman was carved, robed, adorned, and given life by a carpenter, goldsmith, tailor, and hermit working together, leading to a dispute over ownership.[78] (2) The blind man's wife, who is admired by another character, the Hettiya, thus complicating the plot.[79] (3) The Hetti girl who was married to the young man and went to the well to bring water.[80] (4) A noblewoman who captures the attention and affection of the Prince, sparking his deep sorrow and longing.[81] (5) The object of the laborer's distraction, who was blamed for causing the laborer's neglect of work.[82]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Rakshasi women who used allure to attract men to their city, hiding their true nature as demons.[83]
The concept of Beautiful women in scientific sources
Beautiful women, in this context, are a standard of femininity. Their physical attractiveness is leveraged for social status and influence, mirroring how hegemonic masculinity uses its traits for power.
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) It is a norm of femininity and is the counterpart of hegemonic masculinity, insofar as physical attractiveness is used as a means of social distinction and power.[84]
Classical concept of 'Beautiful women'
From: Popular Literature in Ancient Egypt
(1) The beautiful woman, a queen from around 700 B.C., is praised in a song on a stela in the Louvre, reflecting the ancient Egyptian ideal of feminine beauty.[85]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) They were found in the city of Amit and were the priestesses who resembled Hathor in their physical attractions, influencing festal celebrations.[86]