Significance of Great army
The term "Great army" encompasses various significant military forces across multiple Indian traditions and texts. In Jainism, it refers to Krishna's soldiers during Draupadi's retrieval and in South Asian context, it denotes the threat posed by a heretical king. Vaishnavism highlights both Krishna and Rama’s military strength, while Purana depicts numerous armies, including those of supernatural beings and titans. In Mahayana and Theravada, it represents powerful military forces associated with various kings, showcasing their strength and strategic importance in battles.
Synonyms: Formidable army, Elite troops, Powerful force
In Dutch: Groot leger; In Finnish: Suuri armeija; In Spanish: Gran ejército
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great army'
The "Great army" in Buddhism symbolizes various military forces linked to kings, illustrating strength and protection, as well as challenges faced by heroes like Mahosadha and Bodhisattvas against marauding forces and adversaries.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The formidable forces of Mara consisting of various beings that challenge the Bodhisattva’s resolve during his quest.[1] (2) The military force possessed by the king, symbolizing strength and protection for the kingdom.[2] (3) Refers to a large military force, indicating the power and resources of the king of the Koshalas.[3] (4) A large military force commanded by King Arindama, which contributed to his power and security.[4] (5) The well-resourced military force that supports King Brahmadatta.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The force amassed by the marauding king with the intent to conquer Benares.[6] (2) The force that prince Brahmadatta led to capture the city of a certain king.[7]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The large military force belonging to King Culiani-Brahmadatta that Mahosadha successfully routed through his strategic planning.[8] (2) A large military force led by King Brahmadatta, showcasing the might and readiness for war during the narrative.[9]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Refers to the significant military force led by the Damilas SENA and GUTTAKA that overthrew king Suratissa.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Great army'
The "Great Army" in Hinduism symbolizes formidable forces ready for battle, embodying strength and unity. It represents various groups of warriors across different narratives, illustrating the scale of conflicts involving divine and mortal realms.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The large military force assembled by Jarasandha to confront Krishna.[11] (2) The massive force led by Jalandhara that caused disturbances in the three worlds.[12] (3) A large and powerful group of warriors assembled for battle or action.[13] (4) The great army refers to the opposing force that the female hog confronts, underscoring the fearsome challenge she faces.[14] (5) The military force under the king's command, which he is advised to treat well and maintain.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The collective force of monkeys that fought against Kumbhakarna and included various leaders and warriors.[16] (2) The formidable forces assembled by Sugriva, indicating strength and readiness to confront enemies.[17] (3) The large group of warriors accompanying Prince Bharata, which causes concern for Guha regarding the state of affairs related to Rama.[18] (4) The force that Rama is expected to rally to rescue Sita from captivity.[19] (5) The military forces accompanying Bharata during his journey to rejoin with Rama, depicting strength and unity.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An immense force led by Lord Sadashiva, comprising various supernatural beings, responding to the situation with the Gandharvas.[21] (2) A significant force provided to Virabhadra and Bhadrakali for their mission to confront Daksha and the Devas.[22] (3) Refers to the formidable forces gathered under Taraka to confront the Devas in battle.[23] (4) The multitude of soldiers and warriors that the Goddess summoned to confront the demon Kalinga.[24] (5) The large force assembled by Mahisha as he approached the goddess, signifying his power.[25]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A reference to the formidable forces or followers of a deity, often involved in cosmic battles.[26] (2) A large and powerful force led by Taraka that responded to the gods' preparations for battle.[27] (3) The large force composed of gods and other beings ready to engage in battle.[28]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The large number of troops led by Naraka in opposition to Lord Krishna.[29] (2) The formidable forces assembled by Paundraka and the king of Kashi in their battle against Krishna.[30] (3) Jarasandha approached Mathura with a large army to confront Krishna.[31]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The elaborate preparation and collective force that Lalita commanded in her quest against Bhandasura.[32] (2) A great army followed the deity Sampatkari, making the atmosphere fierce with their shouts and fluttering banners.[33]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The forces King Shurasena sent along with his minister to secure a marriage for his son.[34] (2) Refers to the large military force accompanying King Pavamana during his travels to the forest.[35]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Refers to the significant force of Asuras fighting against Candika, illustrating the scale of the battle.[36] (2) Refers to the forces commanded by the king to rescue his daughter from Nabhaga.[37]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the significant force assembled for battle, including the Pandavas and Dhartarashtras.[38]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the significant forces led by the demon Dhumralocana, intended to confront the Devi in battle.[39]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The substantial military force led by Balarama which is mobilized to help Krishna.[40]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A large military force leading Sagara's march against the Vidarbhas.[41]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A reference to Skanda’s prowess, indicating his capability in large-scale confrontations.[42]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Refers to the forces assembled by Naraka, illustrating the scale of the conflict with Krishna.[43]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) a formidable military force that instilled fear.[44] (2) Mahatim senam, which denotes a large military force.[45]
Jain concept of 'Great army'
In Jainism, the "Great army" symbolizes the substantial force Krishna commands to rescue Draupadi from King Padma, emphasizing cooperation and valor in overcoming obstacles and injustices, reflecting broader themes of righteousness and protection in the faith.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The large number of soldiers Krishna leads in the effort to retrieve Draupadi from King Padma.[46]
The concept of Great army in local and regional sources
The term "Great army" embodies the menacing force of a heretical king aiming to disrupt the purity of a location, as indicated by regional sources, suggesting a significant conflict between malign influence and spiritual integrity.
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The force that a heretical king threatened to bring against the spirit maintaining the cleanliness of the place.[47]