Significance of Eldest sons
The keyphrase "Eldest son" holds significant importance across various cultural and religious contexts. In Jainism, it denotes the firstborn male in royal lineages, such as Purandara and Sodasa. Similarly, in Vaishnavism and other traditions, the eldest son is often seen as the leader with responsibilities related to family inheritance and succession. Additionally, texts like Dharmashastra highlight the eldest son’s special status, often granting him a larger share of inheritance and a vital role in familial and spiritual ceremonies, emphasizing his importance in societal structures.
Synonyms: Firstborn, Oldest son, First child, Senior son, Heir, Primary son
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Eldest sons'
In Buddhism, the term "Eldest son" encompasses various interpretations, symbolizing both lineage and responsibility. It highlights roles of succession, familial duty, and spiritual significance through figures like Rahula, the first disciple, and royal heirs tasked with caretaking.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) the first son of the brahmin who, along with his brothers, neglected and mistreated their father.[1]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Referring to ABHAYA, who is the firstborn son of the queen.[2]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The son of the family who was supporting Venerable Maha Moggallana and who was affected by the deva’s intervention.[3]
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A specific role in family hierarchy responsible for caring for and supporting the parents, particularly in the context of this tale.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) I was the eldest son of the glorious king Krikin (of Benares).[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) The firstborn child of the king who is prepared for succession and is the primary focus of the anointing ceremony.[6]
From: The Lotus Sutra
(1) Referring to Rahula, emphasizing his position as the first disciple and successor of the Buddha.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) mkhas btsun don grub rgyal mtshan lived for 42 years, born in the year of the Ox (glang lo 1337 A.D.)[8]
Hindu concept of 'Eldest sons'
In Hinduism, the term "eldest son" encompasses various prominent figures such as Rama and Yadu, symbolizing rightful heirs, familial responsibilities, and the designated carriers of spiritual and royal legacies within their respective narratives and traditions.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Refers to Rama’s position in the royal family, implying he has a rightful claim to the throne.[9] (2) Rama, characterized as mighty-armed and beloved by his father, who ventures into the Dandaka Forest.[10] (3) Rama, the firstborn of King Dasaratha, who exemplifies intellect, skill in archery, and fidelity.[11] (4) The son of Richika who was preferred by his father and not offered for sacrifice.[12] (5) Shri Ramacandra, whom King Dasaratha wishes to appoint as regent to ensure the continued prosperity of the kingdom.[13]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Rama, the firstborn son of king Dasaratha, who became the favorite of his father.[14] (2) The first-born male child of the king, specifically referring to Bhuminjaya in the context.[15] (3) Referring to Yadu, who is passed over for the throne in favor of Puru due to his disobedience and disregard for his father.[16] (4) Refers to Duryodhana, from whom Dhritarashtra seeks to understand the source of his grief.[17] (5) The firstborn male child expected to follow familial and societal obligations, often placed in a position of responsibility.[18]
From: The Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Bhangakara was identified as the eldest son of Satrajita, indicating genealogical importance.[19] (2) Refers to the first-born son in a lineage, specifically indicating characters like Ayu and Nahusha who inherited their father's reign.[20] (3) Auceyu, the firstborn among Bhadrashva's sons.[21] (4) Kamsa, the firstborn among the nine sons of Ugrasena.[22] (5) Haihaya, the eldest son of Shataji and grandson of Sahasraji, who was part of the Yadu lineage.[23]
From: The Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Refers to Karttikeya as Parvati's firstborn child, who is addressed with fondness by his mother.[24] (2) Refers to Havyaghna, the eldest son of Sandhya and Pracina-Barhish, as stated by the Rakshasa.[25] (3) Refers to Bahlika, the son of Kanva, regarded with esteem in the text.[26] (4) Aditya, the eldest son of Kashyapa, known in the worlds for his powerful rays.[27]
From: The Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Refers to Vaivasvata, who became the lord of the seventh manvantara.[28] (2) The firstborn male child in a family, recognized as being of equal importance to the head of the family.[29]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A term referring to Sudarshana, who is initially thought to be the heir apparent to the throne due to his birth order.[30] (2) The firstborn male child of Svayambhuva, referred to as Priyavrata, who served his father and was known for his truthfulness.[31]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) Refers to Agnidhra, who is the eldest son of King Priyavrata and described as strong and loveable.[32] (2) The firstborn male child in a family, specifically referring to Yayati's connection to Yadu.[33]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) Manu, the firstborn son of Samjna and the sun-god Savitri, noted for his dignity and fortune.[34] (2) Describes Shakti, the first-born offspring of Vasishtha and Arundhati.[35]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) Refers to Pradyumna as the firstborn son of Rukmini, highlighting his status within Krishna's offspring.[36] (2) The firstborn child in a family, often regarded with a level of respect and responsibility.[37]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Raina, the firstborn child of Vasudeva and Rohini.[38] (2) The eldest son is mentioned as Rohini's offspring, who is to be cared for by Nanda.[39]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) Bana is described as the eldest of the hundred sons of Bali, a noble being who ruled his kingdom.[40]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The firstborn of the female hog who expresses a strong desire to protect his mother and retaliate against their enemies.[41]
From: The Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Refers specifically to Ayus, the firstborn child of Parashara Pururavas.[42]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) Narishyanta, who was the firstborn and regarded as the best among Marutta's eighteen sons.[43]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Lila's firstborn child who is depicted as sorrowful in her absence.[44]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The first-born son, mentioned in the context of inheritance and his rights relative to the secondary son.[45] (2) The son who receives the preferential share, which is set aside for him according to the text.[46] (3) The firstborn son who receives an additional share of the inheritance compared to his siblings.[47] (4) The firstborn male child, whose birth signifies a man's transition to being 'with son' and fulfills a significant familial and spiritual role.[48] (5) The eldest son refers to the son born first among siblings, considered primary in performing rites such as the 'Subrahmanya' invocation during sacrifices.[49]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The first-born son who potentially receives a larger share of inheritance.[50] (2) Refers to the firstborn male child in a family, often granted special status or privileges regarding family wealth.[51]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to the firstborn son in a family, who may receive a larger share of the inheritance according to Vedic guidelines.[52]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The firstborn male child who has specific additional shares and privileges in the inheritance process.[53]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The firstborn son of Nityananda's father, whom the sannyasi requests to accompany him.[54] (2) The firstborn male child in a family, often regarded with special status, especially concerning inheritance and family responsibilities.[55]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The first-born male child of a king, typically next in line to inherit the throne.[56] (2) The firstborn male child of a parent, who plays a key role in succession.[57]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The firstborn child of Ashoka, whose rejection of Tishyarakshita leads to pivotal events in the narrative.[58] (2) The firstborn brother who engages in gambling and feels troubled by his father's remarks about gamblers.[59]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) The firstborn male child of the deceased, responsible for performing the last rites.[60]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The firstborn child of a father to whom the knowledge of Brahman is traditionally passed.[61]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to Atharva, who is identified as Brahma's first offspring.[62]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The primary student or inheritor of the teachings of Brahman, prioritized for receiving knowledge.[63]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) The firstborn male child, who is generally chosen to become the Yuvaraja during the abhisheka ceremony.[64]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) The firstborn male child in the family, who takes the lead in questioning and engaging in discussion.[65]
Jain concept of 'Eldest sons'
In Jainism, the term "Eldest son" signifies the firstborn male child of significant figures, such as Vrishabhalatchana, king Jitashatru's son Sodasa, and Purandara from Citragati and Ratnavati, each inheriting authority and legacy.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Purandara, the firstborn son of Citragati and Ratnavati, who was installed on the throne.[66] (2) The firstborn male offspring, specifically mentioning Sodasa as the son of the powerful king Jitashatru.[67] (3) The firstborn child of holy Vrishabhalatchana who inherited the kingdom.[68]
The concept of 'Eldest sons' in local and regional sources
The term "Eldest son" connects to various narratives, symbolizing responsibility and duty across different contexts, such as serving the tigress, family protection, marriage arrangements, and leadership within the family structure.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The firstborn son of the Raja who was sent to serve the tigress.[69] (2) The firstborn child of the poor man, who is being arranged a marriage by his father.[70] (3) The firstborn son whose wife proposed to take charge of the family.[71] (4) The oldest child of the merchant who was instructed to escape to protect the family.[72]