Significance of Cha

Chaya, in Vaishnavism and various traditions, represents a shadow or reflection that embodies qualities resembling real attraction. In Puranic texts, Chaya is depicted as the shadow of Samjna, highlighting themes of divine duplicity and maternal affection. She is associated with caring for Savitri's twins and is recognized as Nikshubha, linked to the divine. Additionally, Chaya is noted as a wife of the Sun God, who plays a role in the births of significant figures such as Savarni and Shani.1
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In Dutch: Cha; In German: Cha; In Finnish: Cha; In Spanish: Cha

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

Buddhist concept of 'Cha'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Chaya symbolizes the persistent mental influence of dharani, akin to a shadow that follows an individual. This metaphor emphasizes the continuous presence and impact of dharani on one’s thoughts and behaviors.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Shadow, used here as a metaphor for the persistent presence of dharani in a person’s mental processes.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Cha'

Hinduism Books

Chaya in Hinduism symbolizes the shadow or reflection of Samjna, embodying divine duplicity, nurturing qualities, and maternal affection. She is associated with important figures like Savarni and serves as the Sun God's wife, highlighting her pivotal role in myth.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A suffix that is desired to be added in the sense of comparing events, specifically highlighting the coincidence in accidental occurrences.[2]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) A shadow or reflection that has qualities resembling real attraction.[3]

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’).

The concept of Cha in local and regional sources

History Books

Chaya, meaning "shadow," is tied to the text's exploration of knowledge related to shadows, particularly in the context of a gnomon, which is an ancient device for measuring time using shadows.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This term is the word for the shadow, which is a subject of knowledge within the text concerning the shadow of a gnomon.[4]

Plural form: Chayas.