Significance of Eldest son
Synonyms: Firstborn, Oldest son, Eldest child, First child, Senior son, Heir, Primary son
In Dutch: Oudste zoon; In Finnish: Vanhin poika; In Spanish: Hijo mayor; In German: Ältester Sohn; In Malay: Anak sulung; In Swedish: Äldste son; In French: Fils aîné; In Italian: Figlio maggiore; In Polish: Najstarszy syn; In Portugese: Filho mais velho
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 son'
In Buddhism, "Eldest son" signifies a significant figure within royal and familial contexts, representing responsibility, succession, and spiritual legacy. This role encompasses various interpretations, from kingship to caring for parents and being the first disciple of the Buddha.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A key figure who follows and supervises, mirroring the role of a Vice-Chief in overseeing troops and maintaining order.[1] (2) The son of the family who was supporting Venerable Maha Moggallana and who was affected by the deva’s intervention.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Those who bring a fee are treated like these individuals in the teacher's house, receiving special care and instruction.[3] (2) A specific role in family hierarchy responsible for caring for and supporting the parents, particularly in the context of this tale.[4]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) the first son of the brahmin who, along with his brothers, neglected and mistreated their father.[5]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Referring to ABHAYA, who is the firstborn son of the queen.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) I was the eldest son of the glorious king Krikin (of Benares).[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The firstborn child of the king who is prepared for succession and is the primary focus of the anointing ceremony.[8]
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.)[9]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The king, after returning and hearing of the silent buddhas' passing, sent for his eldest son to hand over the sovereignty.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Eldest son'
In Hinduism, the "eldest son" symbolizes primacy in familial and societal roles, encompassing figures like Rama and Yudhishthira. He inherits rights, responsibilities, and honors vital to lineage and rituals, reflecting values of hierarchy and duty.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Shri Rama is King Dasaratha's eldest son, excelling in virtue, making him even more precious and the reason why the king is so reluctant to let him go with Vishvamitra to fight the rakshasas.[11] (2) Refers to Rama’s position in the royal family, implying he has a rightful claim to the throne.[12] (3) Rama, characterized as mighty-armed and beloved by his father, who ventures into the Dandaka Forest.[13] (4) Rama, the firstborn of King Dasaratha, who exemplifies intellect, skill in archery, and fidelity.[14] (5) The son of Richika who was preferred by his father and not offered for sacrifice.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The Brahmanas, who are the eldest sons of Brahmana, represent Righteousness, and the righteous always worship them with love and affection.[16] (2) The eldest son of Pandu, referring to Yudhishthira, is gladdened by Krishna with many agreeable speeches after the hymn.[17] (3) This describes the position of Yudhishthira within the family, emphasizing his seniority and the responsibilities associated with his lineage.[18] (4) Eldest son refers to Rumanvan, who was the first son of Jamadagni, and was instructed to kill his mother but was unable to do so.[19] (5) Rama, the firstborn son of king Dasaratha, who became the favorite of his father.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Eldest son refers to the hero's position in his family, indicating his lineage and the responsibilities that came with it.[21] (2) The eldest son is the firstborn child of the saint, who, according to the father, will not be sold for any amount of wealth, including countless cows and hills of gold.[22] (3) The king expressed his desire to see his eldest son, his virtuous and beloved one, highlighting his familial affection.[23] (4) The king referred to his firstborn child, who would be consecrated this day.[24] (5) The eldest son refers to the firstborn male offspring of a person, and in this context, Sagar drove forth his eldest son, Asamanj, from his kingdom.[25]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Refers to Karttikeya as Parvati's firstborn child, who is addressed with fondness by his mother.[26] (2) Refers to Havyaghna, the eldest son of Sandhya and Pracina-Barhish, as stated by the Rakshasa.[27] (3) Refers to Bahlika, the son of Kanva, regarded with esteem in the text.[28] (4) Aditya, the eldest son of Kashyapa, known in the worlds for his powerful rays.[29]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The son that Ajigarta initially does not want to sell, as he is considered the rightful person to perform funeral obsequies.[30] (2) A term referring to Sudarshana, who is initially thought to be the heir apparent to the throne due to his birth order.[31] (3) The firstborn male child of Svayambhuva, referred to as Priyavrata, who served his father and was known for his truthfulness.[32]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Raina, the firstborn child of Vasudeva and Rohini.[33] (2) The eldest son is mentioned as Rohini's offspring, who is to be cared for by Nanda.[34]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Narishyanta, who was the firstborn and regarded as the best among Marutta's eighteen sons.[35]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Lila's firstborn child who is depicted as sorrowful in her absence.[36]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Even the eldest son can be disinherited by the father if he spends money unrighteously, according to the text.[37] (2) The first-born son, mentioned in the context of inheritance and his rights relative to the secondary son.[38] (3) The son who receives the preferential share, which is set aside for him according to the text.[39] (4) The firstborn son who receives an additional share of the inheritance compared to his siblings.[40] (5) The firstborn male child, whose birth signifies a man's transition to being 'with son' and fulfills a significant familial and spiritual role.[41]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The firstborn male child, who may have specific inheritance rights and considerations.[42] (2) Refers to the firstborn male child in a family, often granted special status or privileges regarding family wealth.[43]
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.[44]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The firstborn male child who has specific additional shares and privileges in the inheritance process.[45]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Eldest son is mentioned in the text, in relation to Shri Acyutananda, who is described as the eldest son of Advaita, indicating his role.[46] (2) The firstborn son of Nityananda's father, whom the sannyasi requests to accompany him.[47] (3) The firstborn male child in a family, often regarded with special status, especially concerning inheritance and family responsibilities.[48]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The first-born male child of a king, typically next in line to inherit the throne.[49] (2) The firstborn male child of a parent, who plays a key role in succession.[50]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) She walks with her eldest son, showing her connection to her family in her final moments.[51] (2) The firstborn child of Ashoka, whose rejection of Tishyarakshita leads to pivotal events in the narrative.[52] (3) The firstborn brother who engages in gambling and feels troubled by his father's remarks about gamblers.[53]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The firstborn child of a father to whom the knowledge of Brahman is traditionally passed.[54]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to Atharva, who is identified as Brahma's first offspring.[55]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The primary student or inheritor of the teachings of Brahman, prioritized for receiving knowledge.[56]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) The firstborn male child in the family, who takes the lead in questioning and engaging in discussion.[57]
Jain concept of 'Eldest son'
In Jainism, "Eldest son" signifies a pivotal role, represented by figures like Purandara, Sodasa, and Vrishabhalatchana, each embodying the inheritance and continuation of royal lineage and spiritual legacy within the faith.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Purandara, the firstborn son of Citragati and Ratnavati, who was installed on the throne.[58] (2) The firstborn male offspring, specifically mentioning Sodasa as the son of the powerful king Jitashatru.[59] (3) The firstborn child of holy Vrishabhalatchana who inherited the kingdom.[60]
The concept of Eldest son in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Eldest son" encompasses various familial roles and responsibilities, from leading the family to receiving special instructions, representing the significant duties associated with being the firstborn male in different cultural contexts.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The firstborn son of the Raja who was sent to serve the tigress.[61] (2) The firstborn child of the poor man, who is being arranged a marriage by his father.[62] (3) The firstborn son whose wife proposed to take charge of the family.[63] (4) The oldest child of the merchant who was instructed to escape to protect the family.[64]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Receives the real property when a man dies intestate, while personalty is shared by others.[65] (2) The firstborn male child in a family, typically carrying familial responsibilities.[66]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The eldest son of King Trishanku is Harishchandra, a king of the Ikshvaku family line, according to the text.[67]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) In both places it was the practice to consign the eldest son alive to the flames before the god, indicating a ritual.[68]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The eldest son of the nobleman who is sent to the Princess and asked to learn sciences.[69]
The concept of Eldest son in scientific sources
Eldest son, in this context, signifies the heir apparent within a family-owned company. Their position as the eldest influenced succession divisions within the study.
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) The eldest son of the family was considered the heir apparent of each company, influencing how succession cases were divided in the study.[70]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Third in rank was ‘Abb á s, who would succeed to the headship as ‘Abdu’l-Bah á after his father’s death, becoming one of the three most important faith figures.[71]
Classical concept of 'Eldest son'
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) An individual standing behind the deceased, representing the continuation of lineage and family.[72] (2) Osiris is described as the eldest son of the womb of Nut, indicating his prominent position within the divine family.[73]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) There is evidence that the eldest son was the earliest representative or outline of a father and that he cohabited with his own mother on purpose to keep pure the mother-blood, as seen in some African institutions.[74]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The deceased, wishing to identify himself with this divine substance, says, “I am this of the divine pautti, that is to say, the soul of the souls of the gods of everlasting, and my body is everlasting, and my creations are eternal, and I am the lord of years, and the prince of everlastingness.”[75]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) The King had despatched an army to the Land of the Themehu, under the command of his eldest son, the beautiful god Usertsen.[76]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) This is the son of Hystaspes, who was Dareios, who Cyrus saw in a vision having upon his shoulders wings, and that with the one of these he overshadowed Asia and with the other Europe.[77]