Significance of Body-guard

In Jainism, a bodyguard encompasses figures like Trimukha and Duritari, armed individuals ready for action, and protective attendants to princes or deities like Shakrendra. These bodyguards, also known as atmaraksha, were armed experts constantly guarding their master. Similarly, Puranas depict bodyguards as formidable assemblies of animals accompanying leaders or warriors protecting them, emphasizing the necessity of support during vulnerable moments. The consistent theme revolves around protection and defense, whether provided by humans or animals.

Synonyms: Bodyguard, Protector, Security guard, Sentinel, Shield, Guardian, Watchman, Escort, Security, Defender, Custodian

In Dutch: Lijfwacht; In Finnish: Henkivartija; In Spanish: Guardaespaldas

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

Hindu concept of 'Body-guard'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Body-guard" signifies both warriors protecting leaders, exemplified by Duryodhana's abandonment, and Virabhadra's formidable animal assembly of lions, tigers and elephants.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The warriors tasked with protecting a leader, highlighting Duryodhana's lack of support during his flight.[1]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Body-guard'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Body-guard signifies armed individuals skilled in protecting their master, ready for action. They are protective attendants surrounding leaders, symbolizing strength and guardianship, akin to figures guarding deities.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The body-guards to the number of a lac, fully armed, stood on the two banks, with weapons raised like those of Hari, while Sahasramshu was playing in the water.[2] (2) Individuals, also called atmaraksha, who were always armed and expert in guarding their master.[3] (3) The body-guards are individuals who were observing, with their belts fastened and weapons ready, appearing prepared to take action, suggesting a role of protection or defense.[4] (4) Protective attendants accompanying the princes, likened to oceans, emphasizing their strength in numbers.[5] (5) Attendants resembling protective figures surrounding the king.[6]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) The figure questions the whereabouts of the 3,36,000 body-guards, emphasizing its challenge to the protective forces surrounding Shakra.[7] (2) The attendants or protectors of Shakrendra, similar in characteristics to those of the god Suryabha.[8]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Classical concept of 'Body-guard'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Body-guards in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) A thousand Calasirians and a thousand Hermotybians acted as body-guard to the king each year, receiving allowances of bread, beef, and wine.[9]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

Plural form: Body-guards.