Significance of Even number
The concept of even number is explored in both Purana and Dharmashastra, highlighting its significance in various contexts. In Purana, it indicates bad fortune, particularly in relation to vowels, and suggests specific health conditions for children, like blindness. Dharmashastra emphasizes even numbers as ideal for invitations to rituals, often requiring pairs, such as two Brahmanas. This distinction is important for offerings during auspicious events, where even numbers are preferred over uneven ones for meritorious deeds.
Synonyms: Divisible by two
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Even number'
In Hinduism, even numbers symbolize auspiciousness in offerings, preferred group counts for rituals, and specific interpretations of health, contrasting with odd numbers that may indicate bad fortune or failure.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Referring to the stipulation that the number of invited Brahmanas should not be even, encouraging an invitation of three, five, or seven.[1] (2) The preferred count of individuals to be invited for rites in honor of the gods, specifically indicating a pair, such as two Brahmanas.[2]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The practice of offering food to an even number during auspicious occasions or meritorious deeds.[3]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Refers to when the count of letters suggests a specific condition about the child's health, such as blindness.[4] (2) A condition that suggests bad fortune or failure when present in the circle of vowels.[5]