Significance of Bow and arrow
Synonyms: Projectile weapon, Bow, Arrow
In Dutch: Pijl en boog
In Finnish: Jousi ja nuoli
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 and arrow'
In Buddhism, the bow and arrow symbolize aggression and violence, as seen in Kukkutamitta's narrative, yet they also illustrate how understanding and love can transcend these destructive tendencies and highlight diverse interpretations of objects and their uses.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An illustrative example used to convey the distinction between different roles and interpretations of an object and its use.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Weapons used by Kukkutamitta and his sons; symbolize aggression and the potential for violence that is overcome through love and understanding.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Bow and arrow'
In Hinduism, the bow and arrow symbolize martial skill, protection, righteousness, and readiness for battle. They are associated with iconic figures like Rama and Arjuna, representing valor, divine action, and the pursuit of righteousness.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Weapons symbolizing Raghava’s warrior status and readiness for combat.[3] (2) Symbols of Lakshmana's readiness to defend Rama and act with valor.[4] (3) The weapons that symbolize Lakshmana's readiness to protect and defend, highlighting his warrior spirit.[5] (4) The weapons Guha possesses, symbolizing his readiness to defend Shri Rama against potential threats.[6] (5) Weapons that Shri Rama and Lakshmana arm themselves with, representing their readiness for battle and defense.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Weapons associated with archery, symbolic of skill, power, and martial prowess in ancient traditions.[8] (2) Weapons possessed by Meghasandhi, used during the confrontation with Arjuna.[9] (3) The equipment Arjuna is instructed to use for the task of hitting the bird.[10]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Weapons that Nahusha, the son of Ayu, became skilled in using, a symbol of martial prowess and accomplishment.[11] (2) Weapons used by Lava in battle, symbolizing his readiness and ability to defend himself and attack.[12] (3) Traditional weaponry of warriors, indicating Lava's readiness and capability to engage in combat.[13]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Weapons typically associated with warriors, here symbolizing Arjuna's readiness for battle.[14] (2) Symbolic weapons representing strength and victory in battle for the gods.[15]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The primary equipment used in archery; the bow is used to propel the arrow towards a target.[16] (2) Items that are to be placed in the east and north directions, playing a role in the ritualistic worship setup.[17]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Symbolizes Kamadeva's readiness for battle and pursuit of Shiva, representing love's pursuit and the conflicts arising from it.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The weapons used by King Harishcandra to confront and attempt to kill the boar.[19]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The weapons taken up by King Prithu to confront the goddess of the earth for her disobedience.[20]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Symbols of divine action and protection held by Shiva, as part of his warrior aspect.[21]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Weapons that Hara used, indicating readiness for confrontation.[22]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Weapons held by Ramacandra, symbolizing the destruction of the name and fame of materialists by combating their desires.[23] (2) A weapon carried by Him, used to annihilate miscreants.[24] (3) A metaphorical representation indicating the shape of the eyebrows resembling a bow, with the nose being an arrow positioned on it.[25] (4) Weapons held by the two hands of Rama, representing protection and righteousness.[26]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An ancient weapon referenced in the text that symbolizes strength and protection given to the speaker.[27] (2) A symbol of strength and valor, representing the weaponry associated with Lord Ramacandra.[28] (3) A weapon or tool carried by the young individual, symbolizing strength and readiness.[29]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Traditional weapons used in archery, symbolizing skill and mastery in the art of dhanurvidya.[30] (2) Weapons held by the disguised figure, representing duplicity and the contrast to the aesthetic of non-violence.[31]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Weapons that Krishna carries with him during his hunting expedition.[32]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Symbolic representations of weaponry and combat as found in the Rigveda.[33]
From: Annadatri-carita (study)
(1) Symbol used on the white flag of the Ceras, representing their victories and conquests in northern regions.[34]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Symbols representing manliness that are drawn on Radha's hand, serving as an indirect communication.[35]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Weapons carried by Shakti Sakini, symbolizing the readiness to act and the precision in manifestation.[36]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A metaphor used to describe the relationship between Pranava (bow), Atman (arrow), and Brahman (mark), illustrating how one must aim for the Brahman.[37]
Jain concept of 'Bow and arrow'
In Jainism, the bow and arrow symbolize readiness and protection, as exemplified by Lakshmana's use of this weapon, representing a commitment to defend dharma and uphold righteousness against adversity.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The weapon used by Lakshmana, signifying his readiness to defend and protect.[38]
The concept of Bow and arrow in local and regional sources
The Bow and arrow symbolize power, readiness, and tradition, representing readiness for action in hunting, defense, and royal authority, while also embodying the qualities of strength and valor associated with historical and cultural figures.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Weapons used by the girl's family in their search for her after she was taken.[39] (2) A traditional weapon used for hunting, which Lakhan needed to pursue the buffaloes.[40] (3) The weapon the prince retrieved to confront the tigress after she killed the bullock.[41] (4) A traditional weapon used for hunting or defense, signifying the cowherd's preparedness despite his fear.[42] (5) A weapon used by Kara and Guja, which they skillfully employed to hunt.[43]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The symbolic weapons of Shri Ram, representing strength, protection, and righteousness.[44] (2) Symbolic weapons associated with Lord Rama, representing strength, valor, and readiness to protect devotees.[45] (3) Symbols of Shri Rama's power, which Ramdas inquires about in his vision.[46] (4) Weapons symbolizing power and readiness for action, held in the hands of the subject.[47]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The hunting tools traditionally used by Lingadu, representing his role and capabilities as a hunter.[48]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Weapons given by the King to the gardener as a means to defend the garden against thieves.[49] (2) The weapons the Princes took with them to the river when they went to wash their heads.[50] (3) A method used by the eldest Prince to hunt animals after he abandoned the stone-bow.[51] (4) Weapons that Ayiwanda seeks to use during a hunting expedition for his uncle's daughter's wedding.[52] (5) A traditional weapon used for hunting, indicating the Vaedi youth's skills as a hunter.[53]