Significance of Bow
Synonyms: Arch, Curve, Knot, Tie, Ribbon, Bowstring, Arc
In French: Arc; In Dutch: Boog; In Finnish: Keula; In Spanish: Arco; In Portugese: Arco; In Italian: Arco; In German: Bogen; In Swedish: Rosett; In Malay: Tunduk; In Polish: Ukłon
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bow'
In Buddhism, "Bow" symbolizes the tool used to fire the arrow of incorrect views. This arrow pierces the mind of a Buddhist monk. It suggests the bow represents a source of harmful or misguided beliefs.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A weapon consisting of a flexible stave strung with a cord, used metaphorically for focused effort.[1] (2) This is the instrument used to launch the arrow of wrong views that has pierced the mind of the bhiksu, according to the Buddha.[2]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) An item that was so strong that only the Bodhisattva was able to draw it, creating a sound heard throughout Kapilavastu.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Bow'
In Hinduism, the bow is a multifaceted symbol. It represents weapons of war, strength, and valor, wielded by deities and heroes like Rama and Krishna. It embodies divine power, skill, and readiness for action, often linked to archery and used in rituals and battles.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The bow wielded by Satyaki was described as having a tough staff decked with gold and adorned with many golden moons.[4] (2) The bow is a weapon carried by Bhimasena, who, along with his mace and sword, appears exceptionally powerful, reminiscent of Maghavan after a great victory.[5] (3) Arjuna cut off Susarman's bow with a sharp arrow, disabling him from continuing the fight with that weapon.[6] (4) These, along with arrows and maces, formed the rafts by which to cross the mighty rivers on the battlefield.[7] (5) A bow is a weapon used in battle, which could be cut off by an arrow or replaced with another formidable bow.[8]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) An archery weapon used by both Dama and Vapushmat, whose strings were split by the impetus of the other’s arrows.[9] (2) A bow is a unit of measurement equal to four cubits, also known as a pole, and equal to two nadikas.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The group will behold the wondrous bow, which is a terrific, vast object of matchless might, and the king gained the bow from the Gods as the price of his sacrifice.[11] (2) Bow represents a weapon of war, and Lakshmana emphasizes that his warrior's bow is not for show, but for deadly purpose, to pierce the foe and protect Rama's interests, signifying readiness for battle.[12] (3) The dauntless giant drew his bow to meet the tree with swift arrows, checking its onward way during the battle.[13] (4) Two glorious items gleaming, backed with gold, meet for the mightiest hand to hold, found in the leafy bower.[14] (5) The tool used to strike a deer, to bleed and be used in a sacrifice.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The bow is a central weapon for both Indrajita and Lakshmana, with Indrajita boasting about the power of his bow and Lakshmana countering with his own skillful use of the weapon; the shafts loosed from Indrajita's great bow will scatter limbs.[16] (2) These weapons were furnished to the infantry, along with cutlasses, darts, maces, harpoons, and others.[17] (3) A divine and legendary bow, worshipped by kings, that represents strength and valor.[18]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) This weapon is wielded by both Pradyumna and Shamvara, used to shoot arrows and engage in combat.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Bows were among the items plundered by the Yadavas, who, with the backing of Lord Krishna's power, frequently engaged in such acquisitions.[20] (2) A bow is a weapon, specifically one originating from Sauvira, and another taken from the mlecchas, indicating different regions produced bows.[21] (3) It is an object given by Lord Vishnu in the battle for Tripura City and received from Lord Shiva's hand to kill the kshatriyas.[22] (4) A weapon for shooting arrows, made of a curved piece of wood or other flexible material with a string connecting the ends, is the bow.[23] (5) A weapon used to propel arrows, symbolizing strength, skill, and the ability to defend oneself.[24]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) This is an object associated with a powerful figure, symbolizing hope and potential deliverance from suffering.[25] (2) The text mentions the bow as one of the Lord's weapons, breathing fire, signifying its divine power.[26] (3) The bow is mentioned as a weapon wielded by the Lord, as stated in the provided text.[27] (4) An item that was followed by other weapons, such as the conch, mace, and sword, in the expansion of the Lord and also permeated the aura of the discus during the advent of Rama.[28]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The text states that an enchanting bow graced His hand, adding to His beautiful appearance.[29]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) This is placed upon the sacrifice, and is introduced as part of the ritual that Krishna and Balarama are invited to witness.[30]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A unit of measurement equivalent to four cubits, used to determine the width of a pasture-ground around a village or town.[31] (2) Also referred to as 'Karmuka,' it is one of the items that should be given for purification after the act of killing an inconstant woman.[32]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A weapon that the Purohita is responsible for equipping the king with during the preparation for battle.[33]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) This expression signifies a form of respect, often indicating reverence or submission.[34]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The "bow" in the text is an act of reverence directed towards the Self who is Consciousness, the entity responsible for the universe's creation, dissolution, and sustenance.[35]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) This is a tool, the 'bow', used to launch the arrow, mentioned in the text as a means to an end in the context of a spiritual journey.[36]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The text mentions that on getting up from the bed, the king shall be received by troops of women armed with bows, indicating a ceremonial guard of honor.[37]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The bow is strung and identified as Indra's Vritra-killer, with the sacrificer being Indra, representing the nobleman's strength for consecration.[38]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) If the Moon should appear like a bow, be of disagreeable aspect and of blood color, mankind would suffer from hunger.[39]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) An action of humility performed before the divine being, with a question about how to do so when not following.[40]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The implement that serves both as the starting point and the instrument in the act of shooting an arrow.[41]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) This is one of the objects carried by Sakini in her four lotus-hands, according to the provided text.[42]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) Dhanur is the Sanskrit word for this.[43]
Jain concept of 'Bow'
In Jainism, "Bow" holds multiple meanings. It can be a weapon, a unit of measurement for height, an attribute of Acyuta symbolizing defense, or a tool for showcasing skills. Each usage reflects different aspects of Jain teachings, including action, measurement, and virtue.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Soldiers twanged these after taking armor, and a multitude of arrows then flew up.[44] (2) The Master's fingers are not characterized by a bow, along with other weapons, which sets him apart from divine representations.[45] (3) The bow is an item held by both Sanmukha and Vidita, further emphasizing the figures' attributes.[46] (4) The bows are made of horn curved like frowns of Yama angered, strung with ease by some of the warriors, and they are essential weapons in the battle, symbolizing the readiness for combat.[47] (5) A powerful weapon that needed to be strung in order to win Sita’s hand in marriage, is a test of strength and skill for potential suitors.[48]
The concept of Bow in local and regional sources
In the provided text, "Bow" symbolizes two key aspects. Firstly, it represents Lingadu's potential for violence as a weapon. Secondly, it signifies the Ghasi woman's son's claim to the princess's hand, highlighting his strength and legitimacy.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The bow in Mohon's hand stopped abruptly as the warning was given, indicating the immediate cessation of his violin playing.[49] (2) Arjun broke the bow asunder but pull he could not the bow-string, referencing a challenge or task that was partially accomplished but ultimately incomplete.[50] (3) The weapon that Lingadu used, highlighting his potential for violence and conflict within the narrative.[51]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) At length the reputed son of the Ghasi woman came and pulling the bow with ease announced himself as the true husband of the princess.[52]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) As he grows, the Prince gets a bow and arrow-stem, and an arrowhead to hunt animals, showcasing his development and skills as a hunter.[53]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The bow, or dhanus, is a unit of measurement smaller than a krosha, as there are 500 bows within a single krosha, and it contributes to the breakdown of the yojana.[54]
Classical concept of 'Bow'
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) The bow refers to the weapon that King Dareios used to shoot an arrow towards heaven, vowing to take vengeance upon the Athenians for their actions.[55] (2) An object used to test the strength and ability of young men, with the criterion for ruling the land being the ability to stretch it in a particular way.[56] (3) This was given to the king of the Persians as a symbol of strength and a challenge to match the Ethiopians' capabilities before considering war.[57]
From: The Authoress of the Odyssey
(1) A weapon used by a specific character to demonstrate skill and to initiate revenge against the suitors, symbolizing his return and claim to power.[58] (2) The bow, a gift from Iphitus, is the central object in the contest where suitors attempt to string it and shoot an arrow through twelve axe-heads.[59] (3) Ulysses' bow will be used in a competition set by Penelope, where the suitor who can draw it most easily and shoot an arrow through twelve axeheads will win her hand.[60]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) A weapon that Ulysses used, which was hung against the wall after running out of arrows, before resorting to spears and other close-combat weapons.[61] (2) A weapon owned by Ulysses that is used in a challenge to determine who will marry Penelope; it is a symbol of strength and skill.[62] (3) The bow is a central element in the tournament proposed by Penelope, requiring suitors to string it and shoot an arrow through twelve axes to win her hand.[63]
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) The bow is a ranged weapon used for launching arrows, employed by warriors like Helenus who drew his bow and attacked his opponent with an arrow.[64] (2) A weapon used by a character taking cover behind a shield, used to shoot and kill individuals in a throng, contributing to the battle.[65] (3) The bow is the weapon of Pandarus, whose skill with it is questioned by Aeneas after Diomed wreaks havoc among the Trojans, prompting Pandarus to lament its ineffectiveness and consider breaking it.[66] (4) The bow was made from the horns of a wild ibex which Pandarus had killed as it was bounding from a rock.[67] (5) The bow is a weapon carried by Alexandrus, along with a panther skin and a sword, as he advances to challenge the Achaeans, symbolizing his readiness for combat.[68]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) A weapon is used by an individual against the monsters, bringing them to earth.[69]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) Bow is a weapon that Usertsen uses, before he even draws it, the nomads have fled, emphasizing his speed and effectiveness in battle.[70] (2) Along with weapons of war, these lay idle in barracks, symbolizing a time of peace.[71]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) The bow is presented as a sign in heaven, specifically the crescent moon, indicating there would be no more destructive deluges, because timekeeping no longer relied on the setting stars.[72]