Significance of Family tree

The concept of family tree, as referenced in Purana, symbolizes a genealogical framework that outlines different branches of lineage. This structure is essential for understanding one's ancestry and is compared to the roots of a banyan tree. Establishing this family tree is crucial for the purification process, highlighting the significance of lineage in cultural and spiritual practices.

Synonyms: Genealogy, Lineage, Ancestry, Heritage, Family history, Pedigree, Descent

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

Hindu concept of 'Family tree'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, a family tree symbolizes a genealogical structure, reflecting lineage branches similar to a banyan tree's roots, essential for purification and understanding ancestral connections.

Significance of Family tree in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Skanda Purana

(1) The genealogical structure representing the various branches of lineage, akin to the roots of a banyan tree, which need to be established for purification.^[1]

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 Family tree in Vedanta (school of philosophy):

Vedanta Books

From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya

(1) The genealogical representation of the Tiruvarangam Andan family, illustrating the relationship among the scholars and their contributions over time.^[2]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance of Family tree in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) A genealogical chart showing the lineage and relationships among the members of Shrila Gurudeva's family.^[3]

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 Family tree in Kavya (poetry):

Kavya Books

From: Bhishma Charitra

(1) The lineage that King Shantanu feels compelled to preserve, motivating his actions in caring for his son.^[4]

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’.

The concept of Family tree in local and regional sources

History Books

The Family tree is a graphical representation illustrating the lineage of Shri Pugar Saheb and his connection to the deity Udherolal, notably featured in the book 'Shri Amar Katha.'

Significance of Family tree in India history and geography:

From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study

(1) A graphical representation of the lineage of Shri Pugar Saheb, highlighting connections to the deity Udherolal (Uderolal).^[5] (2) A specific feature of the book 'Shri Amar Katha' that illustrates the lineage of Shri Pugar Saheb and the deity Udherolal.^[6]

Last Updated: 30 September, 2024