Significance of Eastern mountain

The Eastern mountain is a multifaceted symbol in various texts, representing both geographical and metaphorical significance. In Jainism, it symbolizes auspiciousness, enlightenment, and the grandeur of Mithila's palaces, as well as marking the sun's rise. The Arthashastra uses it to indicate the significance of learning, while Purana highlights its connection to illumination after darkness. In Kavya, it represents the majesty of a king and his journey. Overall, the Eastern mountain embodies themes of divine favor and enlightenment across different contexts.

Synonyms: Eastern peak

In Dutch: Oostelijke berg; In Finnish: Itäinen vuori; In Spanish: Montaña oriental

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

Hindu concept of 'Eastern mountain'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Eastern mountain symbolizes the dawn of illumination, represents the importance of knowledge, and metaphorically illustrates the sun's majestic journey, akin to a king riding with splendor under an umbrella.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The sage rose from his seat with the king and his courtiers, and resembled the sun and moon, rising from the eastern mountain with their train of stars.[1] (2) The location from where the rising sun is depicted, symbolizing the start of illumination after darkness.[2]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The great eastern mountain is mentioned in association with the rising moon, serving as a picturesque backdrop to the events unfolding in the story.[3] (2) The metaphorical reference to the sun's journey through the sky, highlighting the king's majesty as he rides with an umbrella in a splendid manner.[4]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Hitopadesha (English translation)

(1) A metaphorical place where common things seem significant in the light of learning.[5]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Jain concept of 'Eastern mountain'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the Eastern mountain symbolizes grandeur, auspiciousness, and enlightenment. It serves as a metaphor for divine favor, geographical reference, and the transition from darkness to light, reflecting spiritual elevation and higher realms.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Bhagiratha descended from his chariot joyfully, like the sun from the eastern mountain.[6] (2) Then the sun mounted the peak of this, as if to see the eagerness of the two sons of Rishabha for the sport of battle, indicating location.[7] (3) A natural landmark that serves as a metaphor for the grandeur of the palaces in Mithila.[8] (4) Dashanana departed likened to the sun setting over the eastern mountain.[9] (5) A geographical reference point, marking the location from which the sun rises after night.[10]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Classical concept of 'Eastern mountain'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Eastern mountains in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of Gates

(1) The great god cometh forth at the eastern mountain of the sky, which is also referred to as the eater of eternity.[11]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Plural form: Eastern mountains.