Significance of Celestial region
The Celestial region in Hinduism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and other traditions signifies various heavenly realms inhabited by divine beings or gods. These regions are often viewed as ultimate destinations accessible through virtuous actions, sacrifices, penance, or good deeds. Interpretations across different faiths highlight the Celestial region as a place of beauty, abundance, and spiritual fulfillment. It serves as both an abode of the divine and a metaphor for transcending earthly existence to achieve a higher state of being.
Synonyms: Sky, Firmament, Cosmos, Universe, Outer space, Astral plane, Celestial sphere, Heaven
In Dutch: Hemelse regio; In Finnish: Taivaallinen alue; In Spanish: Región celestial
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Celestial region'
In Hinduism, the Celestial region signifies divine realms where deities and celestial beings dwell, representing higher spiritual existence. It reflects the significance of virtuous actions, aspirations for heaven, and the divine's relationship with mortals.
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A space in divine or heavenly realms, often referencing the abode of gods or higher beings.[1] (2) The divine realm where the twelve eminent Adityas, sons of Kashyapa, reside, playing roles in the cosmic order.[2] (3) The realm where Vena went after his transformation following his impious reign.[3] (4) The divine domain where heavenly beings reside, suggesting a space of purity and power.[4] (5) A realm that even deities may regard as notable because of the virtuous presence of the Yadavas.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) References the realm of deities, highlighting the divine and otherworldly assumptions made about Draupadi's allure.[6] (2) The realm where powerful beings reside, which Sunda and Upasunda ascended to confront the celestials.[7] (3) Spiritual domains associated with heaven, where meritorious souls are believed to ascend.[8] (4) Heavenly realms inhabited by divine beings and deities, often associated with rewards for virtuous actions.[9] (5) The higher realms associated with divine beings, where actions and the virtue of individuals are believed to influence one's status.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The heavenly abode to which Indrajita ascends after his tragic death, indicating a transition to a revered state after death.[11] (2) The divine realm where purified beings were said to return after bathing in the sacred waters of Ganga.[12] (3) The divine realm that reacted to the chaos of the battle, indicating a larger cosmic significance to the conflict.[13] (4) A divine or heavenly realm where virtuous individuals are said to reside.[14] (5) The divine realm where inhabitants were astonished by the scale of the battle and its casualties.[15]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The superior realms associated with the gods, which Aditi wishes her sons to regain after battles.[16] (2) The divine and heavenly realm that Indra once ruled and that is restored through Bali's actions.[17] (3) The divine space inhabited by gods, which was adorned with heavenly gardens and luxurious constructions.[18] (4) The heavenly domains where divine beings, like the sages, experience and receive spiritual gratifications.[19] (5) The high spiritual realm associated with Vishnu, attained through pious deeds and devotion.[20]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The realm where fallen warriors' souls are believed to ascend after dying in battle.[21] (2) The heavenly or divine spaces sought after by the mind and spirit, representing higher realms of existence.[22] (3) The heavenly domains inhabited by deities and celestial beings, emphasizing the otherworldly aspect of the narrative.[23] (4) A heavenly or divine space where sages reside, representing elevated spiritual existence.[24] (5) The various heavenly territories described as lauded and inhabited by divine beings, emphasizing the mountain's spiritual significance.[25]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The domain related to the heavens or the sky, which is acknowledged in the context of misfortunes that Aghora can destroy.[26] (2) A divine or heavenly space often associated with deities and the concept of heaven.[27] (3) The heavenly realms where the celestials, or divine beings, reside.[28] (4) The heavenly realm where one who reads the account goes.[29] (5) The aspect of the heavens influencing events on Earth, connected to the behavior of specific asterisms.[30]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The divine realm in which deities reside and where the celestial beings are believed to exist.[31] (2) The realm of divine beings or deities, often associated with a higher spiritual plane.[32] (3) Refers to the spiritual realm that one achieves by honoring the forms of Vishnu described in the poem.[33]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Heavenly domains associated with divine beings.[34] (2) Heavenly or divine realms that a householder can attain through righteous living and the performance of one’s duties.[35] (3) Divine or heavenly places recognized as sacred and beneficial, representing elevated states of existence.[36]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The heavenly realms that Muchukunda can choose to visit, indicating the promise of divine blessings.[37]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The various levels through which a liberated self may be escorted if they have wished to observe the ascent before reaching Aksharadhama.[38] (2) Celestial regions refer to various heavenly abodes and realms where worldly pleasures can be found, recognized as perishable in pursuit of true detachment.[39]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The higher, superphysical realm associated with the concept of the divine or spiritual existence, as indicated in the description of Brahman.[40]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Celestial regions denote the higher realms of existence accessed through meditation on the divine holes and their gates.[41]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The realm that the gods aimed to make unattainable by men through their sacrifices.[42]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Metaphorical state of existence or awareness that is beyond ordinary physical realms.[43]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The abode of the gods and a place associated with divine beings, which Shri Krishna Chund travels to.[44]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) One of the abodes of gods, a sacred space where deities reside.[45]
Jain concept of 'Celestial region'
In Jainism, the Celestial region represents heavenly realms occupied by devas, achieved through virtuous past actions like penance or restraint, reflecting the consequences of one's karmic choices.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Heavenly realms inhabited by devas, which are attained through past actions such as penance or restraint.[46]
The concept of Celestial region in local and regional sources
Celestial regions symbolize a metaphorical space of higher truths and spiritual enlightenment, represented by celestial bodies that serve as guides for humanity, as highlighted in regional sources discussing their significance in understanding the cosmos.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The metaphorical space representing higher truths and spiritual enlightenment, symbolized by celestial bodies that guide humanity.[47]