Significance of Clothing

In the context of South Asia, "Clothing" encompasses both the nurturing role of the flower-mother in providing for the Princes, including their sustenance, and the negative connotations highlighted in Dharmashastra, which describes clothing as something that can harm the skin. This dual perspective illustrates the complex cultural significance of clothing, merging themes of care and potential danger.1
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Synonyms: Apparel, Raiment, Dress, Fashion, Garb, Wardrobe, Costume, Gear

In Spanish: Ropa; In Finnish: Vaate; In Dutch: Kleding

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

Hindu concept of 'Clothing'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, clothing can be interpreted as a superficial element that may harm one's true self or spiritual essence, symbolizing the contrast between materialism and spiritual purity.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) An element that is said to destroy the skin.[1]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) garments; items worn to cover the body, signifying appearance and style.[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 in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) This is the act of the prana, and the text suggests that the water used for rinsing should serve the purpose of clothing the prana, which is a new mental resolve.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

The concept of Clothing in local and regional sources

History Books

Clothing symbolizes the nurturing and protective care provided by the flower-mother to the Princes, paralleling the way apparel serves to shield and support individuals, emphasizing its significance in well-being and comfort.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) Refers to the care that the flower-mother provides for the Princes alongside food.[4]