Significance of Great god
In Hinduism, the term "Great God" encompasses multiple deities and concepts central to the faith's cosmology. It predominantly refers to Brahma, the unchanging supreme being, and titles for Lord Shiva, reflecting his cosmic manifestations and supreme status among gods. Additionally, it acknowledges Vishnu’s role as a great god and recognizes Mahadeva's authority and significance. This keyphrase signifies a transcendent deity embodying divine qualities and the ultimate reality that permeates existence, as well as the reverence held for these deities in various texts and practices.
Synonyms: Supreme deity, Powerful being, Mighty god, Divine being, Almighty god, Deity, Supreme being, Almighty, Creator, Omnipotent being
In Dutch: Grote god
In Finnish: Suuri jumala
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, the term "Great god" encompasses significant deities viewed as powerful and omniscient, including celestial beings like asuras and yakshas, who derive joy and merit from human moral actions.
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, "Great God" signifies the supreme entity that encompasses all divine qualities, including deities like Shiva, Brahma, and Prajapati, representing authority, creation, preservation, and interconnectedness in the cosmic framework.
From: Padma Purana
(1) A term used to reference a deity of immense power, often associated with creation, preservation, and destruction.[4] (2) A title referring to a powerful and benevolent deity, often invoked for guidance.[5] (3) Refers to Krishna, who possessed divine qualities and was seen as a protector of righteousness.[6] (4) A term used to denote a higher deity, often inclusive of Brahman, representing divinity and ultimate knowledge.[7] (5) Powerful deities who play essential roles in the spiritual hierarchy of the universe.[8]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A title for Shiva used by Vishnu when seeking guidance and blessings.[9] (2) A designation for Shiva, emphasizing his power and authority.[10] (3) Refers to Shiva, who is favourably disposed to his devotees.[11] (4) Refers to Lord Shiva as a supreme deity and protector in the narrative.[12] (5) The deities who provided comfort and guidance to the tonsured heads.[13]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term used to describe a powerful divine entity, specifically indicating greatness.[14] (2) Another reference to the Grandsire, indicating his eternal authority and power over creation and destruction.[15] (3) Refers to Mahadeva, who is characterized by his formidable presence and various divine forms.[16] (4) A divine entity that grants boons; implies supreme authority and power.[17] (5) Powerful divine beings believed to have influence over life, death, and the restoration of Pramadvara.[18]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The supreme being, referred to as Brahma, who remains unaffected by worldly changes.[19] (2) The supreme divinity that enlightens and governs everything, seen as the source of existence.[20] (3) The comprehensive divine identity that encompasses creation and sustenance of the universe.[21] (4) A title for Mahadeva, encapsulating his role as the essence of all things and a source of strength.[22] (5) The higher divine entity that permeates all aspects of existence and creation.[23]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A term used to denote a powerful and revered deity, often associated with creation, destruction, and preservation in Hinduism.[24] (2) The name Mahadeva denotes the supreme position of Shiva among deities.[25] (3) A title for God Shiva, emphasizing his supreme status and benevolence.[26] (4) A term used to refer to Lord Vishnu, emphasizing his supreme status among deities.[27] (5) A title referring to Mahadeva, who grants boons to those who show faith.[28]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A term for Shiva, emphasizing his powerful and benevolent nature.[29] (2) Including divine figures like Brahma and others, who came to witness the battle.[30] (3) Powerful deities who possess the ability to overpower desires and anger.[31] (4) Refers to Rudra, a powerful deity often associated with destruction and regeneration.[32] (5) A personification of Yajna, worshipped through sacrifices that connect to the Cosmic Man.[33]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Refers to the divine power or being in the narrative, possibly Mahajambunada or another deity.[34] (2) Refers to the ultimate deity that encompasses all divine qualities, including omnipresence and eternity.[35] (3) A title attributed to Shri Mahadeva, emphasizing his divine authority.[36]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The powerful celestial beings to whom Lord Narayana addresses his greetings and grant of boons.[37] (2) Referring to Lord Narayana, who is seen as the preserver and protector in Hindu theology.[38]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Vishnu is described in the Puranas as a great god and occupies a prominent position in the Hindu pantheon.[39]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A title by which people eulogize Lord Shiva for his cosmic manifestations.[40]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A high deity, often referred to in the context of divine authority and power, addressing Shiva.[41]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A respectful title for Rudra, emphasizing his high status and honor among deities.[42]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A reference to Siva, whom Narayana, Lakshmi's husband, holds in high regard and reverence.[43]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Refers to Shiva as a powerful deity capable of granting victory.[44]
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.[45]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The term udgitha refers to the great God in whose praise songs are sung.[46]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A term of reverence referring to a supreme deity, denoting greatness and divinity.[47]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Refers to Shiva, the deity whom Shivaguru prays to for blessings, symbolizing ultimate divinity.[48]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) Referred to as OM, highlighting its representation of the omnipresence of the Divine.[49]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A supreme entity that is said to inhabit human beings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of divinity and humanity.[50]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) A term used to refer to a supreme divine being in reverence and respect.[51]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The supreme being associated with Maya, who governs and sustains the universe.[52]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A reverent reference in the text attributing the cause of fever to a divine or higher power.[53]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A reference made in the invocations, potentially indicating a supreme deity worshipped during the sacrifice.[54]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Referring to Prajapati as the Great God, indicating an ultimate source of all beings and creation.[55]
The concept of Great god in local and regional sources
Great god encompasses significant deities in Hinduism, including Indra and Chandra, and reflects on Mahadeo in Santal culture. It signifies supreme deities despite variations in reverence and worship practices across traditions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A term used by Vaswani to refer to the divine presence that resides among the suffering, particularly within the poor.[56] (2) Refers to Siva, serving as a central figure within the mystical landscape of the Himalayas and shaping their symbolism.[57]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Significant deities in Hinduism, including Indra and Chandra, who respect the spiritually elevated individuals.[58]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A reference to Mahadeo, recognized as Siva in Santal culture.[59]