Significance of Fourteenth day
The Fourteenth day holds significant cultural and spiritual meanings across various traditions, particularly within Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Shaivism, Dharmashastra, Mahayana, and Theravada. In Jainism, it marks auspicious occurrences such as the Lord's emancipation and Queen Jaya's son's birth. Vaishnavism highlights Caturdasi within the lunar cycle, and Purana details its importance for rituals and fasting. Each tradition notes the day for its unique religious observances, spiritual practices, and cultural significance, showcasing the Fourteenth day's diverse implications.
Synonyms: 14th day, Half a month, Fortnight, Fourteenth
In Dutch: Veertiende dag; In Finnish: Neljästoista päivä; In Spanish: Decimocuarto día
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fourteenth day'
The Fourteenth day in Buddhism symbolizes significant events, including the bhikkhus' gathering and the foundation stone laying, while also representing the Bodhisattva's buddha body, highlighting a less radiant phase compared to the fifteenth day.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A specific reference that signifies the Bodhisattva's buddha body, which is not as brilliant as that of the fifteenth day.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Fourteenth day'
In Hinduism, the Fourteenth day, or Caturdasi, is marked by abstention from certain activities, spiritual rituals, and worship practices, particularly dedicated to honoring ancestors, honoring deities, and seeking spiritual elevation through fasting and special observances.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A specific day in the lunar calendar when Shraddha is enjoined for the departed, particularly when the Sun is in Virgo.[4] (2) A particular day in the dark half of the lunar month recommended for taking a holy bath and worship.[5] (3) A specific day in the lunar month considered particularly auspicious for worshiping Shiva and taking baths at Rishi Tirtha.[6] (4) A specific day in the dark half of the month of Bhadrapada when keeping awake after fasting leads to visiting the region where Lord Maheshvara dwells.[7] (5) Another important time linked to the timing of the Gaya's presence, making it a suitable day for performing Shraddha.[8]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A specific time indicative of certain actions to be avoided according to astrological beliefs.[9] (2) The specific day in the dark fortnight that is significant for practicing the vow.[10] (3) The specific day in the lunar calendar when certain vows and worship rituals are practiced, particularly in the month of karttika.[11]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A significant day within the lunar month marked by special rituals and offerings.[12] (2) A significant day in the lunar calendar related to important religious practices and the observance of fasts.[13]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The day for worshipping the god Brahma and the Pitris.[14] (2) Another critical day in the lunar fortnight on which observances and fasts may be performed.[15]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The day dedicated to honoring the deceased who died young or by violent means through the performance of Shraddha.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The day of the dark fortnight mentioned as a signal for future actions against Rama.[17]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Specific days in Hindu lunar months when certain religious practices, such as fasting, are observed.[18]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A particular day in the lunar cycle, noted for the belief that young men in the family of one who performs Sraddha may face death.[19]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) If a man wishes for the pleasure of his ancestors, he should perform the shraddha on the fourteenth day.[20]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A significant day in the Candrayana practice where fasting is observed before the Full moon-day.[21] (2) A day specifically mentioned as one that is subject to prohibition for performing the shraddha offerings to most deities, but allowed for those who died by certain means, such as weapons.[22] (3) Refers to the fourteenth day of each fortnight, significant in various rites and practices.[23] (4) A day that destroys the pupil, indicating it is not suitable for Vedic study.[24] (5) Refers to a specific time that is noted as unfit for studying.[25]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Specific lunar calendar days, including new moon days, that impact the continuation of Veda recitation.[26] (2) A specific time marker in the lunar calendar also referred to in the rules.[27]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The outcome of performing the rite on this day is success in battle.[28]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The specific day in the lunar calendar designated for the commencement of fasting in the Candrayana ritual.[29]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to Caturdasi, which is the fourteenth day of the lunar month.[30]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A specific lunar day in the Hindu calendar that marks important rituals.[31]
Jain concept of 'Fourteenth day'
The Fourteenth day in Jainism marks significant spiritual occasions, including the Lord's awakening and emancipation, and is also recognized for notable births, such as that of Queen Jaya's son, aligning with auspicious lunar calendar events.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The specific day on which the Lord attained emancipation.[32] (2) A significant day in the lunar calendar, marking the occasion of the Lord's spiritual awakening.[33] (3) A significant time marker indicating a particular day within the lunar calendar that held importance in the narrative.[34] (4) The tithi recognized in Hindu tradition, which is considered auspicious, especially when it is a 'full' fourteenth.[35] (5) Signifying another important date for the son’s birth in the lunar calendar.[36]