Significance of Destructive fire
Destructive fire, as described in Purana, symbolizes various forms of overwhelming power and devastation, often associated with divine entities like Durvasas, Vishnu, and Shiva. It serves as a metaphor for intense anger, lethal weaponry, and transformative forces resembling flames that can annihilate. The concept also tackles the catastrophic nature of fires linked to the end of the world, reflecting both spiritual and physical destruction. In Jyotisha, destructive fire indicates potential devastation from specific environmental factors, like wind and celestial movements.
Synonyms: Conflagration, Blaze, Inferno, Wildfire, Holocaust
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Destructive fire'
Destructive fire in Hinduism symbolizes immense power and transformation, representing forces like Shiva's wrath, Vishnu's ultimate might, and the devastating impact of arrows in battle, highlighting themes of annihilation and the cyclical nature of creation and destruction.
From: Padma Purana
(1) A metaphor for the anger and power of Durvasas, indicating his formidable and fearsome nature.[1] (2) A metaphor for a formidable arrow, referring to its overwhelming and devastating power.[2] (3) A figurative expression describing a powerful and devastating force, comparable to fire that signifies ultimate destruction.[3] (4) A description of an arrow resembling the flames that possess the capability of causing immense destruction, symbolizing its lethal power.[4] (5) A metaphor used to describe the potency of the arrows during the battle, representing their lethal power.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Fire characterized by its terrible presence that leads to the devastation of worlds.[6] (2) A manifestation of divine power that incinerates and transforms, representing the duality of creation and destruction.[7]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A fire characterized by its capability to ruin and obliterate natural and man-made structures.[8]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Symbolism of the seven nether regions, representing danger and the transformative aspects associated with spiritual practices.[9]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A formidable blaze associated with Kritya, created at the behest of the sage to destroy his enemies.[10]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Symbolizes an unstoppable force of nature, comparable to the power of the Bhutas.[11]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A hazard that can be indicated by certain dog behaviours, particularly when barking in critical situations.[12] (2) Fear of fires suggested by specific crow behaviors, indicating a warning of danger.[13] (3) A fear caused by the accelerated motion of Mars that can lead to catastrophic outcomes.[14] (4) Fires that cause widespread devastation, described as a consequence of the south-east wind.[15]