Significance of Great god
Synonyms: Mighty deity, Supreme being, Exalted god, Majestic spirit, Deity, Almighty, Divine entity, Godhead
In Dutch: Grote god; In Finnish: Suuri jumala; In Spanish: Gran dios; In German: Großer Gott; In Malay: Tuhan yang hebat; In Swedish: Stor gud; In French: Grand dieu; In Portugese: Grande Deus; In Italian: Grande dio; In Polish: Wielki Bóg
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 god'
In Buddhism, "Great god" signifies powerful celestial beings like asuras and yakshas, those who gain joy from human morality, and significant deities viewed as mighty and omniscient, influencing the spiritual realm.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A reference to significant deities who are perceived as mighty and omniscient.[1] (2) A term referring to powerful celestial beings, including asuras and others like kimnaras, gandharvas, and yakshas.[2] (3) Refers to the celestial beings who derive joy and merit from the moral actions of humans.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Great god'
In Hinduism, the term "Great god" signifies a prominent divine figure, often associated with Shiva or Vishnu, reflecting ultimate power, creation, and reverence, emphasizing their essential roles in the cosmic order and spiritual devotion.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The great God is being bowed down to by Upamanyu, who then speaks words to Vasudeva.[4] (2) King Vasu ascended to heaven at the command of this God (Vishnu).[5] (3) The great God, the Lord of the universe, otherwise called by the name of Hari, then addressed the illustrious Isana and said these words, according to the text provided.[6] (4) The text references the deity who possesses a bull as a symbol, and the narrative describes his power and actions from the past.[7] (5) This refers to the divine being who is adorned in sacrifices, held in his hands a sacrificial altar, a Kamandalu, few white gems, a pair of sandal, a bundle of Kusa blades, a deer-skin, a toothstick, and a little blazing fire, representing the supreme power and authority.[8]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) It refers to Hari, Hara, Brahma, and Indra, upon whom the enlightened mind takes pity because of their incessant avocations.[9] (2) This is a title for Mahadeva, who is to be thought of as dwelling in a part of eternity and infinity, with his body and members.[10] (3) This is referenced as the form of the soul, which is never destroyed by any body, and is more rare and subtile than the air and vacuity.[11] (4) The attainment of the great God of gods, even from a great distance, is possible through manly exertions, clear understanding, and correct reasoning, not through austerities.[12] (5) The great God is the nature or dharma, which is an attribute of, and there is no single atom that goes beyond its appointed law.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The great God is who Bhagirath addressed, requesting his favor, and asking that Sagar's sons receive libations and Ganga cleanse their ashes.[14] (2) Great God is a reference to a divine being.[15] (3) The term refers to the divine entity whose rage destroyed Kama's form, indicating the power and wrath of a supreme being.[16] (4) The great God who rules the skies is mentioned in comparison to the upturned standard, implying a powerful divine figure.[17] (5) This refers to a divine being who is manifest, around whom sages rest.[18]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Great God is a title used to refer to Shiva, the Lord of all beings, who was approached by Madhu after receiving the weapon and granted him a favor.[19] (2) Refers to the divine power or being in the narrative, possibly Mahajambunada or another deity.[20] (3) Refers to the ultimate deity that encompasses all divine qualities, including omnipresence and eternity.[21] (4) A title attributed to Shri Mahadeva, emphasizing his divine authority.[22]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) This is the deity whose names were recited by Bali after learning the celestial hymn from Narada, to attain emancipation.[23] (2) The powerful celestial beings to whom Lord Narayana addresses his greetings and grant of boons.[24] (3) Referring to Lord Narayana, who is seen as the preserver and protector in Hindu theology.[25]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A title by which people eulogize Lord Shiva for his cosmic manifestations.[26]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A high deity, often referred to in the context of divine authority and power, addressing Shiva.[27]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A reference to Siva, whom Narayana, Lakshmi's husband, holds in high regard and reverence.[28]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) This phrase denotes Indra in the context of divine discussions, highlighting his significance in the concept of creation and illusion.[29]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The term udgitha refers to the great God in whose praise songs are sung.[30]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A term of reverence referring to a supreme deity, denoting greatness and divinity.[31]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Having told me this, the, having told me this disappeared then and there from my view, and thereafter having been struck with wonder, O Devala! I started towards Svetadvipa, and kept travelling for a long time.[32]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Referring to Prajapati as the Great God, indicating an ultimate source of all beings and creation.[33]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A supreme entity that is said to inhabit human beings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of divinity and humanity.[34]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The one whose Lotus Feet the mystic bards, as it were, like bees ever hover round with humming, and who may be gracious unto us.[35]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Exclaims, “Villain, this future emperor of the Vidyadharas shall not be insulted!” and with these words he dismissed Manasavega with face cast down, and encouraged Vayupatha.[36]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A reverent reference in the text attributing the cause of fever to a divine or higher power.[37]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A reference made in the invocations, potentially indicating a supreme deity worshipped during the sacrifice.[38]
The concept of Great god in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Great god" encompasses a divine presence among the suffering, a supreme being invoked in awe and praise, highlighting significant deities like Siva and their influence on spirituality and life experiences.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The anger of the great god Siva is described, highlighting the suddenness of His wrath and the destructive fire, illustrating the power of Kalidasa's similes.[39] (2) A powerful deity to whom prayers are directed, believed to awaken and bring about change in the world.[40] (3) Referenced in a conversation regarding the narrator's feelings about life and loss, indicating a sense of divine oversight or irony.[41] (4) A term used by Vaswani to refer to the divine presence that resides among the suffering, particularly within the poor.[42] (5) Refers to Siva, serving as a central figure within the mystical landscape of the Himalayas and shaping their symbolism.[43]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the exclamation that the text uses when describing the symptoms of death.[44] (2) This refers to the name given to the one whose love has made it manifest, which is above all names, representing a supreme being.[45] (3) The subject of discussion for the Swami, who told how when he was a child his mother would sigh over his naughtiness and say many prayers, according to the text.[46] (4) This phrase is an expression of praise and reverence, emphasizing the significance of the divine or a higher power, within the context of the communication.[47] (5) This is an expression of awe, highlighting the wonderment at seeing the women, and showing a sense of amazement.[48]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Significant deities in Hinduism, including Indra and Chandra, who respect the spiritually elevated individuals.[49]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A reference to Mahadeo, recognized as Siva in Santal culture.[50]
The concept of Great god in scientific sources
Great god, in this context, refers to powerful deities like Brahma and Shiva. These gods interact with asuras, sometimes acknowledging the asuras' influence on their own power and destiny, and experiencing strong emotions towards them.
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) Some asuras are sometimes considered by great gods such as Brahma and Shiva as being able to determine the limits of their power, realm, and even destiny, and elicit feelings of love or hate.[51]
Classical concept of 'Great god'
From: The Book of Gates
(1) The great god cometh forth to the gate and enters through it, being acclaimed by the gods who are therein in the Eleventh Division.[52] (2) The great god cometh forth to the gateway TCHESERIT and entereth through it, being acclaimed by the gods who are present in the Tenth Division.[53] (3) Those who keep ward over the rope of AI do not permit the Worm to approach the boat of the great god, protecting it from harm.[54] (4) It is a being that passes through the gateway, acclaimed by the gods, and opening hidden places.[55] (5) The text references a great god who comes to the gateway, and the gods acclaim him as he enters, highlighting his importance and power within this context.[56]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) The great god is looked upon by Osiris, who is led on fair paths and made strong with meals of the tomb.[57] (2) The great god is mentioned in the text as the one on whose table cakes and cups of drink and portions of meat shall be given unto him.[58] (3) The great god made himself, is the lord of life, and is responsible for making mankind flourish, illustrating divine power.[59] (4) The provided text mentions that the soul can behold this entity within the boat of Ra on the day of souls and within the shrine on the day of the judgment of souls.[60] (5) The great god is the lord of Amenta, in whose presence one hopes to have done no deeds against that which is right and true.[61]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The description of Thoth as a "great god" is prevalent throughout the text, highlighting his significance, power, and influence within the Egyptian pantheon and his interactions with other deities.[62] (2) The great god, whose form is hidden, is how Ptah-Tenen is addressed in the hymn, emphasizing his mysterious and powerful nature.[63] (3) The text mentions the great god, Heru-Behutet, who is described as the power which dispels darkness and night, drives away clouds, rain, and storms, and fills all heaven and the world with his brilliance and light.[64] (4) It refers to the god who was not relieved when poison was not driven out, and from whom the eye should come forth.[65] (5) The great god, referring to Ra, could no longer walk as the poison penetrated deeper into his body, and he consented to let Isis search into him so that his name would pass from him into her.[66]
From: The Book of Am-Tuat
(1) The great god taketh up his position in the circle, which is the uttermost limit of thick darkness.[67] (2) This entity taketh up his position in a Circle, and addresseth words unto the gods who are in it.[68] (3) The great god takes up his place in a circle and addresses words from his boat to those within it.[69] (4) The great god is mentioned in several instances, such as when the great god travelleth through this city, being provided with his boat.[70] (5) The great god is the one who journeys, passes by, and speaks to various entities, and the text mentions the voice of the great god and his actions.[71]
From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt
(1) But it will be noticed that Bata is alternately the persea of Osiris and the bull of the Sun, who still remains, as he has been throughout its history, the great god of Egypt.[72] (2) The Great God, Osiris, is visited at Abydos to ensure favor in the hereafter, with visitors bringing votive offerings, underscoring the importance of pilgrimage and divine favor.[73] (3) The great god's judgment-seat is where the man of justice and righteousness would be acceptable, not the man of power and wealth.[74] (4) The god whose judgment is feared is not mentioned by name, but an epithet, 'Great God,' is employed instead, expanded in one tomb to 'Great God, lord of the sky.'[75] (5) This refers to an entity whose command dictates the actions of a son standing on a throne, who performs agricultural tasks and presents the results.[76]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) If thou art a farmer, till the field which the great God hath given thee. Eat not too much when thou art near thy neighbours.... The children of the man who, being a man of substance, seizeth [prey] like the crocodile in the presence of the field labourers, are cursed because of his behaviour.[77] (2) Refers to the deity who will pass judgment on anyone who enters Herkhuf's tomb as if it were their own property.[78] (3) Great god said unto the princes, and the chiefs of the land, and the soldiers, and the charioteers, and the Shartanau soldiers, and the multitudes of the bowmen, and all those who lived in the land of Ta-mera (Egypt).[79] (4) The text mentions that the Egyptians believed that at one time all the great gods and goddesses lived upon earth, ruling Egypt much like the Pharaohs.[80] (5) The text explains that the worshippers of each great god proclaimed him to be the Creator of All, and every great town had its own local belief on the subject.[81]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) Great god is a title attributed to Ra Heru-khuti, emphasizing the deity's power and authority in the context of overcoming evil poison.[82] (2) This entity is associated with a slaughtering knife, which is used to overthrow the form of an enemy. The power and authority of this figure are emphasized through the act of defeating adversaries.[83] (3) The deity that drives away the spirits which attack, and to whom the spirit says, Welcome!, Bekhten is thy city.[84] (4) The Great God is watched over in An-rut-f, in order to drive away the Enemy and his Smaiu fiends at his coming by night from the region of Mertet.[85] (5) It is the one who has multitudes of names and forms, whose being exists in every god, and who was struck by a deadly thing that he could not identify.[86]
From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope
(1) This is Amon of the state temple. He wears two tall plumes on his head, carries a sword in his extended right hand, while with his left he grasps a number of cords.[87] (2) Amon is the great god of Thebes, and the ram, his sacred animal, symbolizes the god's protection of the king along the Theban avenues.[88] (3) The great god, who once resided in the temple's secret chamber, is now forgotten, illustrating the complete shift in religious beliefs and practices.[89] (4) The great gods of Egypt are honored with shrines, along with Amon, Osiris, and the king, in the described temple layout.[90] (5) Deities whose service is participated in by all of Egypt, as recorded by the names of the nomes engraved by the doors.[91]
From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell
(1) The great god, referring to AFU-RA, is guided by the Star PESTU through the darkness, which gradually lightens and illuminates those on earth, ensuring the continuation of life.[92] (2) It is an entity whose flesh sends forth light, and the light seen proceeds from the eyes of the heads.[93] (3) It is a title used by the dwellers in the "Lake of Boiling Water" when addressing AFU-RA, requesting his light.[94] (4) This entity is the one whose birthplace is said to be in the region Unen-em-hetep, but it is not specified if it is Osiris.[95] (5) Worshipping the great god on earth, making offerings, not turning to miserable little gods, and living according to maat would lead to a good reward, according to the Book of Gates.[96]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) If Ani passes, sound of heart and pure in spirit, he will enter the presence of this, with Horus the Son of God taking him by the hand.[97] (2) In the song of ascents, the staircase of the great god is identified, by which the summit of the mount was attained.[98] (3) The great god is within his sanctuary on the day of the soul's reckoning, when all hearts and words are weighed, and the way is open to the soul and shade.[99]
From: Egyptian Magic
(1) Great God is the one to whom homage is paid in the Hall of Maati, and the deceased must know his name to be judged.[100] (2) The great god is mentioned in the text as receiving bread, cakes, sweetmeats, wine, and meat at the altar, ensuring that the deceased is not turned back at any door in the underworld.[101] (3) Let not that which is false be uttered against me before this, the lord of Amentet, for how great shalt thou be when thou risest in triumph.[102]
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) Horus is the great god of heaven whose essence and substance the offerings are transmuted into through the sacred formulae recited by the Kher heb.[103]