Significance of Great house

The "Great House" in ancient Egypt was a multifaceted concept. It referred to temples like Heliopolis, tombs, and palaces where offerings were made. It was a place of divine assembly, where gods declared plans and Ra rested. It was associated with deities like Osiris, the Scorpion-god, and Neheb-ka. The Great House symbolized power, divinity, and a connection to the afterlife. Outside of Egypt, the term described residences with moral obligations or the home of the Gowda, signifying status.

Synonyms: Excellent house, Mansion, Estate, Palace, Residence, Dwelling, Abode, Domicile, Homestead

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 house'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Great house" signifies well-furnished residences inhabited by individuals still bound by moral obligations. It represents a comfortable but worldly existence.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Well-appointed residences that may house individuals who still have to adhere to morality.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

The concept of Great house in local and regional sources

History Books

Great house signifies the residence of the Gowda, a figure of status. The Great house reflects the Gowda's position and the social dynamics within the community.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The residence that signifies the home of the Gowda, reflecting his status and the dynamics within.[2]

Classical concept of 'Great house'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Great houses in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) The Great House, also known as Het-ur, is where the Scorpion-god is located, and the text instructs not to bite or sting him.[3] (2) This is a place where a loud voice is heard.[4] (3) The Great House is where Neheb-ka presides, and he is associated with the neck of the Cat, vivifying men and women.[5] (4) The Great House is a place where the speaker sits upon a great throne, expressing misery due to the inhabitants.[6] (5) The Great House is located in the city of the Eight Gods, where Osiris is the Lord, symbolizing his prominence and influence in that divine center.[7]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) The great house is where the company of the great gods are, in the house of the aged one in Annu.[8] (2) The "great House" is associated with a holy god, suggesting a significant and sacred location or institution of divine importance.[9] (3) The Great House is ruled by Ra-Tmu, the prince, life, strength, and health of all the gods, signifying a divine realm of power.[10] (4) Osiris Ani says, "I am Thoth, who have made Osiris victorious over his enemies on the day of weighing of words in the great House of the mighty Ancient One in Annu."[11] (5) Rise up thou Teti, this. Stand up thou mighty one being strong. Sit thou xent neteru ari-k ennu ari en Ausar em Het-aa amt Annu with the gods, do thou that which did Osiris in it in Annu.[12]

From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World

(1) Some Egyptologists derive the name of 'pharaoh' from par-ao, meaning the great house, but the present writer suggests a different origin.[13] (2) If the figure is a cave, there would be seven caves to the mount; if it was a hail, there would be seven halls in this; if a church, there would be seven churches; if a city, there would be seven cities.[14] (3) A pair of griffins still keep the gate or gateway of the avenue of trees that leads up to it.[15] (4) Is central, like the lady-chapel in European churches, corresponding to the mount of heaven with its spire at the celestial pole.[16] (5) When the deceased has been made perfect as a khu, he is free to enter the 'great house' of seven halls, and this is the heaven of Osiris.[17]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) This place is where the deities rejoice in beautiful acts, acclaim a specific entity, are crowned, and experience the love of the odour of a specific entity coming from Punt.[18] (2) A location where Sanehat was brought after arriving at Athettaui, where he bowed low before the King and encountered the princes and princesses.[19] (3) Also called palace, a place where offerings are presented.[20] (4) This place is where the gods assembled to counsel Ra, and where the king grieved for those who dwelt within it due to a great calamity.[21]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Great houses in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)

(1) Melampus used to live in Pylos, the land of sheep; he was rich and owned it, but he was driven into exile by the great and powerful king Neleus.[22]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

Plural form: Great houses.