Significance of Elephant
The elephant serves as a multifaceted keyphrase within various cultural and philosophical contexts, symbolizing strength, royalty, and power in Jainism and other traditions. Its recurring presence highlights themes of grandeur and emotional depth, acting as a significant military unit, a majestic creature in warfare, and a metaphor for challenges in texts such as Arthashastra and Purana. Furthermore, historical references illustrate its role in Indian culture as a representation of wisdom and loyalty, often depicted in arts and literature.
Synonyms: Tusker
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Elephant'
In Buddhism, the elephant symbolizes powerful beings that can bring about downfall, as seen in the story of Sabbadatha, and serves as a misrepresented figure compared to a plough’s shaft, reflecting misinterpretations by a young brahmin.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Powerful creatures that ultimately caused the downfall of Sabbadatha after being frightened by the lion's roar.[1] (2) Another animal observed by the young brahmin, also incorrectly compared to a plough’s shaft.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Elephant'
In Hinduism, the elephant symbolizes strength, power, and royalty, involved in rituals, warfare, and charity, while also representing significant challenges and emotional depth, embodying both grandeur and nurturing qualities within various cultural contexts.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A large animal, ten thousand elephants were given as part of the wedding present.[3] (2) gajan—the massive animals that were knocked down in the battle.[4] (3) Indicated by the term द्विप (dvipa), referring to the large animals used as mounts in the army.[5] (4) Large animals used in warfare.[6] (5) Large, strong animals often associated with wealth and power.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Metaphorically or literally representing significant challenges or adversaries that can cause mental confusion.[8] (2) In this context, bhava is also compared to an elephant, representing strength and substantial presence in emotional depth.[9]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Large animals given away in charity by the Digvijayi.[10]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A creature often used metaphorically to represent strength and grandeur, which also connects to the themes of care and nurturing in the text.[11]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A symbol of royalty and strength, which Bhagiratha mounts as he is escorted to his throne.[12]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Large animals used in warfare, significant to both armies and mentioned for their opposing reactions.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Large animals that the monkey warriors captured during their wanderings in the forest.[14]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The mount on which Kumara rides, symbolizing power and strength during the battle.[15]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A wild creature that wreaks havoc during the festival of the giving of water.[16]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The elephant is one of the five creatures that signifies heavy attachment to sensory perceptions.[17]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) A key unit within the army that supports the chariot and contributes to the overarching strength of military formations.[18]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Symbolic comparison in the text, representing strength and loyalty, relating Krishna's nature to that of an elephant.[19]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A large animal that may also be ritually involved in the ceremonies, specifically mentioned for sacrificial purposes.[20]
Jain concept of 'Elephant'
In Jainism, the elephant symbolizes strength, majesty, and royalty, reflecting grandeur in narratives like Shripati's entry into Potanapura, highlighting the characters' power and societal stature.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A symbol of grandeur and strength associated with Shripati’s entry into Potanapura.[21] (2) A symbol of royalty and power, used to symbolize the stature of the characters in the story.[22] (3) A recurring symbol in the story representing strength and majesty, as well as a venerated animal in royal context.[23]
The concept of Elephant in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Elephant" encompasses various aspects: as an animal exchanged for a cloth tree, its involvement in key events, a creature requested for a task, and its symbolization of strength and wisdom in Indian culture.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A large animal that the quail requested to make muddy the Water-pot.[24] (2) An animal given to the boy in exchange for the cloth tree; it was later made to eat gold coins.[25]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A creature that was drawn out of the way by Ananda and others, demonstrating interaction with significant events.[26]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Referring to the symbolic representation of strength and wisdom in Indian culture, often featured in decorative arts along with motifs like Kirtimukha.[27]