Significance of Blood river
Blood river serves as a powerful metaphor in both Purana and Theravada texts. In Purana, it vividly depicts the aftermath of battle, highlighting the extensive destruction and loss of life, creating a horrific image of a river flowing with blood. In Theravada, Blood river symbolizes the violent conflicts among the Licchavi princes, arising from jealousy over a courtesan. Overall, Blood river encapsulates themes of violence, loss, and the consequences of human conflict.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Blood river'
In Buddhism, Blood River symbolizes the violence and strife caused by jealousy, specifically the conflicts among Licchavi princes over a courtesan, serving as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of envy.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A metaphor for the violence and conflict that erupted among the Licchavi princes due to jealousy over a courtesan.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Blood river'
In Hinduism, Blood River symbolizes the devastation of war, illustrating the extensive destruction and high casualties through a vivid metaphor of a river flowing with blood, capturing the horror and aftermath of battle.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A metaphorical description of the battlefield strewn with the blood of fallen warriors.[2] (2) A vivid metaphor depicting the carnage and aftermath of the battle, emphasizing the extent of destruction and loss.[3] (3) A horrific image symbolizing the high casualties in battle, described as an awful river flowing with blood.[4]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The imagery describing the flow of soldiers' blood that contributes to the chaotic landscape of war.[5]