Significance of Emperor

The Purana describes the term "Emperor" as reflecting the elevated status a king achieves through sincere participation and dedication to rituals associated with the kalpa tree. This highlights the significance of these rites, linking spiritual commitment to the attainment of imperial authority. By engaging in these traditional practices, a king can enhance his position and gain the esteemed title of Emperor, emphasizing the interplay between devotion and sovereignty in ancient beliefs.1

Synonyms: Sovereign, Monarch, Ruler, King, Overlord, Dictator

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

Hindu concept of 'Emperor'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Emperor" signifies the elevated status achieved by a king through dedicated participation in specific rites related to the kalpa tree, embodying spiritual significance and the pursuit of righteousness.

Significance of Emperors in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Shiva Purana

(1) Deities that are to be venerated in the second Avarana as part of the broader worship protocol.^[1]

From: Brahmanda Purana

(1) A title denoting rulers of great power and authority, referred to in the context of Rama's future potential as a king.^[2]

From: Linga Purana

(1) The status that the king will attain as a result of the sincere participation and dedication to the rites involving the kalpa tree.^[3]

From: Skanda Purana

(1) A title suggesting a status that a king may attain, highlighting the potential greatness linked to devotion at the Saubhagyeshvara Linga.^[4]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A title referring to Krishna's royalty and authority over all creation.^[5]

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 of Emperors in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The king referred to in the text, who rises from his throne to show respect to the sage.^[6]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance of Emperors in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) The higher status achieved through performing the Vajapeya, beyond that of a king.^[7]

Significance of Emperors in Kavya (poetry):

Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The future ruler that will come from the union of Shaktideva with his wives in the story, destined to be the king of the Vidyadharas' realm^[8]

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’.

Plural form: Emperors.

Last Updated: 23 October, 2024