Significance of Breast

In Vaishnavism, the term "Breast" holds various meanings. It symbolizes nourishment, as seen in the myth of Yashoda feeding Lord Krishna. In the context of Purana, "Breast" refers to the revered body parts of Lord Hari, which are worshipped during the anuradha asterism. Additionally, in Jyotisha, "Breast" represents the front portion of the torso, which is evaluated for fullness, suggesting wealth or comfort. Overall, the term encompasses spiritual, mythological, and astrological dimensions.1

Synonyms: Chest, Pectoral, Mammary gland

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

Hindu concept of 'Breast'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Breast" symbolizes nourishment from maternal figures, reflects fullness indicating richness, and represents body parts of Lord Hari revered during the anuradha asterism, encompassing nurturing, prosperity, and divine worship themes.

Significance of Breasts in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Breast indicates the source of nourishment for the infant, as Yashoda made Him drink from it.^[1]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Symbolic representation of nurturing and motherhood, which in this context contrasts with the harmful intentions of Putana.^[2]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance of Breasts in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):

Jyotisha Books

From: Brihat Samhita

(1) The front part of the torso assessed for fullness, which indicates richness or comfort.^[3]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Significance of Breasts in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Agni Purana

(1) The body parts of Lord Hari to be worshipped in the anuradha asterism.^[4]

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.

Plural form: Breasts.

Last Updated: 25 October, 2024