Significance of Great grandfather
The term Great grandfather encompasses various ancestral references across different texts, including South Asia, Purana, Dharmashastra, and Pancaratra. It points to deceased ancestors, such as the father of one's grandfather and figures like Brahma, signifying their vital roles in spiritual and familial lineage. These references highlight the significance of honoring ancestors through rituals like Shraddha, emphasizing generational connections and responsibilities. The Great grandfather also embodies wisdom and authority within spiritual contexts, marking an essential part of ancestral veneration.
Synonyms: Forefather, Progenitor, Patriarch
In Dutch: Overgrootvader; In Finnish: Isoisoisä
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Great grandfather'
In Hinduism, "Great grandfather" symbolizes a vital ancestral connection, encompassing generational lineage, reverence in rituals, and the spiritual significance of honoring ancestors, including references to Brahma and ancestral figures during offerings like Shraddha.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to Krishna-Dvaipayana as the elder ancestor of Janamejaya, establishing a familial connection and respect.[1] (2) Refers to Janamejaya's ancestors, who were mentioned in relation to their secretive existence while in the city of Virata.[2]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A term referring to Brahma, indicating his authoritative role as the creator and patriarch of all beings.[3]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Brahma, referred to as the ancestral figure of all inhabitants across the realms.[4]
From: Padma Purana
(1) An ancestor mentioned in the narrative who shares a lineage with the brahmana and recounts his past.[5]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The Pra-pitamahas, or ancestors, to whom offerings are made during the Shraddha rites in remembrance and honor.[6]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The father of one’s grandfather, a key figure related to the pinda offerings.[7]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A respectful reference to the deity or sage structure implying the ancestral significance and wisdom in spiritual lineage.[8]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Refers to Brahma, who plays a crucial role in the narrative by coronating Prahlada.[9]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A reference to the ancestry and the spiritual significance of honoring one's forefathers through rituals.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The father of the maternal grandfather, who is also considered in the lineage for cake offerings as part of ancestral respect.[11] (2) The ancestor who is two generations above the father, to whom offerings are made when the father is dead.[12] (3) The more distant ancestor to whom offerings can also be made during the Shraddha, in addition to the living grandfather.[13] (4) An ancestor categorized in the genealogy that falls under the concept of ‘Partakers of Smearings,’ signifying a specific lineage within ritual offerings.[14]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to the ancestor to whom the offerings are being directed, emphasizing reverence across generations.[15] (2) Ancestral figures to whom offerings are made, as part of the ritual honoring the lineage.[16] (3) The ancestors preceding the grandfathers, receiving veneration in the offerings.[17] (4) An ancestor referenced in the ritual, highlighting the generational connections and responsibilities concerning ancestral rites.[18]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A term used to refer to the ancestors of a person's grandparents, indicating a generational lineage.[19]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A familial reference used in the ancestral invocations during the ritual process.[20]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) Brahma, the creator deity, who is referenced in the context of receiving and imparting various aspects of dharma throughout ages.[21]
The concept of Great grandfather in local and regional sources
Great grandfather denotes the deceased ancestor whose remains Tamarind Tikka seeks to recover from burial, emphasizing the connection to family lineage and the significance of ancestral ties in the narrative.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The deceased ancestor whose body Tamarind Tikka attempts to retrieve after being buried.[22]