Significance of Bull
Synonyms: Ox, Steer, Bison, Bullock, Ram, Bovine, Cattle
In Spanish: Toro; In Italian: Toro; In Swedish: Bull; In Finnish: Conni; In Dutch: Stier; In German: Stier; In Malay: Lembu jantan; In French: Taureau; In Portugese: Touro; In Polish: Byk
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bull'
In Buddhism, the Bull symbolizes various concepts. It can represent a virtuous, problem-solving animal. It also signifies leadership, where a bull's direct path influences its followers. Finally, the bull embodies inertness, chased by the jackal Girika, highlighting a state of passivity.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) An animal that belonged to the king of Anga, which was handsome, beautiful, virtuous, and strong, known for its ability to remove problems.[1] (2) The bull, also called rishabha and lord of cattle, had drooping and inert organs and was pursued by a jackal named Girika for an extended period of time.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) An animal used in a parable to represent a leader; if the bull leads directly, the herd follows, symbolizing a leader's influence on the populace.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Bull'
In Hinduism, "bull" symbolizes strength, vitality, and power. It's linked to Lord Shiva and Indra, embodying vigor and acting as a metaphor for kings and a guide to knowledge. It can also represent a demon, used in similes, and symbolizes support and elevated status.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Making a gift of this that is still in the prime of youth, with strong senses and large horns adorned with ornaments, leads to prosperity.[4] (2) The device depicted on the standard of the ruler of the Magadhas.[5]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The word 'bull' refers to an animal, which is used as a simile.[6]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The bull, a disguise for a demon, advanced towards the herds and women, and Krishna challenged it, ultimately seizing and killing it with one of its horns.[7]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The bull, the carrier of Mahadeva, was appointed as the king of all quadrupeds.[8]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Bull is identified as the emblem or carrier of a deity and representing Dharma or Speech, symbolizing righteousness and communication.[9]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A bull is the fee for the offering to Indra and Agni, as his shoulder is of Agni's nature, and his testicles are of Indra's nature.[10] (2) A form or representation, mentioned, potentially holding symbolic significance within a specific cultural or religious framework.[11] (3) It is the sacrificial fee for Indra, as the bull is considered Indra's own animal.[12] (4) A metaphor used in the ritual to represent the king's elevated status, and he is described as standing out like a bull, emphasizing his importance and position above everything else.[13] (5) The bull embodies vigour associated with the Kakubh metre, symbolizing its robustness.[14]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The passage describes that the Agnihotra, 'bulls', a guest at the right time, children, and noble families will destroy the person who does not care for them.[15] (2) A bull is mentioned as the fee for the sacrifice, representing a valuable offering or payment associated with the completion of the ritual, fulfilling the required protocols.[16]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A symbolic animal representing strength and support in the context of the heavens and earth.[17]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) It is a male bovine whose emissions are considered ineffectual when it sires offspring on cows owned by others.[18]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) "Bulls", or vrsah, are the animals decorated with peacock feathers and scented water, representing the principles of religion, and are described as shining at Nanda's door.[19] (2) A noun used to symbolize strength and ferocity in the context of the demon Arishta.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The narrator developed affection for the bull named Shri Nandi, who is Lord Shiva’s carrier, and the narrator was happy to stay with him.[21]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The Lord is described as being trim as a "bull", and is used as a descriptor for the cloud-hued Lord mentioned in the content.[22]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A divine entity that assists Satyakama in seeking knowledge, acting as a guide and teacher in the Upanishadic text.[23]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The speaker in the narrative, who conveys the teaching about Brahman and its parts.[24]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The animal depicted on which the great lion-seat is placed, representing power.[25]
Jain concept of 'Bull'
In Jainism, the "Bull" symbolizes animals herded by a herdsman, starting near a village and journeying into the forest. This represents a spiritual progression, ultimately leading back towards the divine, signifying a return to the Lord.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A white, massive-shouldered animal with a long tail and golden bells, seen in a dream, signifying a son's ability to lift the chariot of dharma.[26] (2) Animals that were being herded by a herdsman, initially grazing near the border of a village, then later wandering into the forest before returning near the Lord.[27]
The concept of Bull in local and regional sources
"Bull" refers to a character with multiple roles. It's depicted as a powerful figure, a teacher of Satyakama, a form of a younger child, a central animal in a story, and the animal in a bullfight. Additionally, the bull discovers a buried shell, driving the plot forward.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The bull is the animal that the poor man is driving, which the three young men attempt to seize by deceitfully claiming it is a goat, showcasing their manipulative tactics.[28] (2) The deaf man made statements about the origin of the bulls he was using for ploughing.[29] (3) The second form the younger child takes to assist his family financially.[30] (4) The animal yoked to the cart, which is sent ahead by the Kadambawa man and is central to the story's events.[31] (5) A character who is indicated to be greater than the Ground Ant-hill and is given the kitten by the Brahmana.[32]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This animal told Satyakama that the four cardinal points are the four parts of Brahman, and then the fire taught him as well, according to the text.[33]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The animal involved in the bullfight, pausing, switching its tail, snorting, and charging, creating the intense and dramatic spectacle of the event.[34]
The concept of Bull in scientific sources
The text indicates "Bull" pertains to beef cattle, specifically in the context of osteochondrosis. It mentions bulls are susceptible to this condition, with mineral/vitamin imbalances potentially contributing. The study used cattle, dividing them into groups based on clinical signs after inoculation.
From: Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
(1) The cattle used in the study, where the experimental animals were divided into three groups according to the severity of clinical signs after inoculation.[35] (2) Bulls, or beef cattle, are affected by osteochondrosis, and in some cases, a mineral and vitamin imbalance is a likely contributing factor to the development of osteochondrosis in growing cattle.[36]
Classical concept of 'Bull'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) The Bull, distinguished by its horns, serves as the object of the Camel's envy, sparking the Camel's aspiration for similar features.[37] (2) A bull is a farm animal that was approached by a gnat, which then inquired if the bull wanted it to leave, but the bull was indifferent.[38] (3) The Bull is the intended prey of the Lion, initially lured by the promise of a shared meal, but eventually discerns the Lion's true intentions by observing the preparations in the Lion's den, leading to his escape.[39] (4) The Bull in this scenario is striving to squeeze through a narrow passage, and he represents stubbornness, or an unwillingness to accept help, despite facing a challenge.[40] (5) A bull is a central figure who discovers a lion's cub and fatally injures it using its horns, leading to the lioness's lament.[41]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) Creatures that rage, breathe fire, and break the rugged fallow, symbolizing the powerful forces that must be overcome.[42] (2) The bulls are creatures in the contest, described as breathing forth flaming fire and having a yoke of bronze, which Jason had to overcome.[43] (3) Medea dreaded the mighty strength of the bulls, which underscores the danger and challenge faced by Aeson's son.[44] (4) The bulls were fashioned by Hephaestus with feet and mouths of bronze, breathing a terrible flame of fire, demonstrating the craftsman's skill.[45]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) A 'bull' is one of the animals to be sacrificed to Neptune, along with a ram and a boar, at the location where the oar is mistaken for a winnowing shovel.[46]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) The name of the ship in which performed military service was carried out as a substitute during the reign of Nebpehtira (Amasis I), marking a specific vessel of service.[47] (2) The text mentions "Horus, mighty king, Bull, conqueror of bulls", which indicates a royal title symbolizing strength and power.[48]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) This is an animal standing before a table of offerings, linked to the seven kine, and is associated with receiving offerings and potentially fertility.[49]