Significance of Excellent horse
In Jainism, the term Excellent horse signifies high-quality steeds offered as a gesture of devotion to the Blessed One. In the context of South Asia, it highlights the exceptional horses produced in the region, including those requested by a prince for hunting. The Purana elaborates on remarkable steeds like Uccaishshravas, illustrating their significance in royal lineage and sacrificial rites. Overall, Excellent horse encompasses themes of nobility, quality, and valuable offerings across various traditions and narratives.
In Dutch: Uitstekend paard; In Finnish: Erinomainen hevonen; In Spanish: Excelente caballo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Excellent horse'
In Hinduism, the term "Excellent horse" signifies high-quality steeds representing nobility, valor, and prestige, featured in various narratives as gifts, sacrificial offerings, or symbols of royal power and divine attributes.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The horse named Uccaihshravas that Madhava was advised to ride to reach the city of Vikhyata.[1] (2) A prized steed that was taken by Damana, intended to represent honor and prestige.[2] (3) A prized horse that is not released by the demon Vidyunmalin, who is known for his alliances and conflicts.[3] (4) A prized steed intended for sacrificial rites, symbolizing honor and valor.[4] (5) A horse that was snatched by Lava from a proud king, later protected during a sacrificial rite, which becomes a point of conflict in the narrative.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Uccaishshravas is noted as the most excellent horse among the treasures acquired.[6] (2) Refers to the remarkable steed that Dharmagupta mounted while eager to go hunting.[7] (3) The excellent horse symbolizes the speed and prowess of king Viduratha as he chases the deer through challenging terrain.[8] (4) The high-quality horses that Ricika offered to King Gadhi for the sake of marrying his daughter.[9] (5) A horse of extraordinary quality, used for significant journeys.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) High-quality mounts provided to Bharata, illustrating the wealth and power of his lineage.[11] (2) Symbolizing nobility and speed as Bharata approaches, hinting at his royal status and readiness.[12] (3) The swift and quality horses that are prepared for Bharata’s chariot to facilitate his journey.[13] (4) High-quality steeds harnessed to Khara's chariot, emphasizing their superiority in strength and performance.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Horses of superior quality, given as gifts, symbolizing strength and nobility.[15] (2) High-quality horses that pulled the lavish cars, symbolizing nobility and status.[16] (3) Numerous high-quality horses collected as tribute during Arjuna's conquests, specifically referred to as Tittiri, Kalmasha, and Manduka.[17]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A horse that demonstrates high standards of performance and behavior.[18] (2) Horses that exhibit high quality in health, breeding, and physical attributes, often seen as valuable.[19]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) High-quality steeds used to draw chariots in the battle, symbolizing valor and nobility.[20]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) High-quality horses offered as gifts by affluent devotees to their preceptor.[21]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The celestial horses yoked to Yayati's chariot, characterized as fleet like the mind.[22]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The horses bred in the territory of Gandhara were described as excellent.[23]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Horses considered to be divine beings, possessing great qualities that invoke admiration and respect.[24]
Jain concept of 'Excellent horse'
In Jainism, "Excellent horse" symbolizes high-quality steeds given to express devotion and support for the Blessed One, highlighting the importance of honoring spiritual leaders through worthy offerings during their journeys.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) High-quality steeds offered as a means to demonstrate devotion and support to the Blessed One during his journey.[25]
The concept of Excellent horse in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Excellent horse" signifies a high-quality equine sought by the Prince for hunting, as well as the country's reputation for producing exceptional horses, highlighting their significance in enhancing status and performance in hunting activities.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Describes the high quality of horses produced by the country, specifically noted as being exceptional.[26]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A high-quality horse requested by the Prince to improve his appearance during the hunt.[27]