Significance of Great mountain
The term Great Mountain encompasses various meanings across different philosophical and cultural perspectives. In Jainism, it symbolizes spiritual perseverance and moral conduct alongside notable allegorical events. For South Asia, it represents geographical features important for navigation and strategy. In Vaishnavism, it serves as a metaphor for strength, emotional depths, and significant natural formations, while in Purana, it highlights notable mountains and their spiritual significance. Each interpretation reflects the multifaceted nature of Great Mountain as both a physical and symbolic entity in diverse narratives.
Synonyms: Towering mountain, Lofty mountain
In Dutch: Grote berg; In Finnish: Suuri vuori; In Spanish: Gran montaña
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 mountain'
In Buddhism, Great mountains symbolize an imposing force that cannot be avoided or manipulated, reflecting the inescapability of the four great terrors, which represent profound challenges in the human experience.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Symbolizes a formidable presence, unyielding to escape or manipulation, representing the unavoidability of the four great terrors.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Great mountain'
In Hinduism, the Great mountain symbolizes geographical majesty, spiritual significance, and strength, representing veneration, pilgrimage, and divine connections through notable locations such as Himavat and the Himalayas and illustrating metaphorical interpretations of resilience and interconnectedness.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A significant and sacred location where individuals can relinquish their lives and attain a higher spiritual realm.[2] (2) The Kulaparvatas, including Mahendra and others, which were completely burnt down during the destruction.[3] (3) Refers to Raivataka mountain, the refuge the king sought in his time of trouble.[4] (4) A title addressing Himalaya, referring to its significant size and status.[5] (5) The lofty geographical feature from which the river is to flow, symbolizing its powerful descent.[6]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A significant pilgrimage destination imbued with spiritual abundance and divine presence.[7] (2) Govardhana, which Krishna upholds to protect the inhabitants of Vraja from Indra's wrath.[8] (3) Describes Kailasa, noted as the best mountain, adorned with beauty and richness.[9] (4) Lokaloka, the significant mountain where Rama and others encounter various beings and situations.[10] (5) Refers to the majestic Nila, which bears significance in the narrative.[11]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Symbolic representations of strength and substance in the context of the earth as an embodiment.[12] (2) A metaphorical structure upon which worlds rest and signifies the interconnectedness of existence.[13] (3) Symbolic of the immense and incomprehensible nature of god, likening him to vastness and depth.[14] (4) Massive landforms like Meru and Mandara that are metaphorically described as being small and easily moved by overwhelming floods.[15]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A reference to the Himalayas, known for their grandeur and significance in the text.[16] (2) The Attahasa mountain, known for being a resort for various beings.[17] (3) Refers to the majestic mountain where Parvati and Shiva had moments of intimacy and dialogue.[18]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A metaphor illustrating Bali's immense strength, suggesting he could lift even the heaviest of burdens.[19] (2) A formidable obstacle Hanuman encounters during his journey.[20]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A metaphor for the vastness and strength of the Boar's body in the creation narrative.[21] (2) A term that encapsulates the significant mountains mentioned in the text, such as Malyavan and Gandhamadana.[22]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The seven notable mountains in the Plakshadvipa, which represent major spiritual and physical landmarks.[23] (2) Refers to Venusaudha, where three cities of the Vidyadharas reside.[24]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A significant geographic feature that is both lofty and large, containing the sphere of Lokaloka within it.[25]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The location where Kalavati was born from her mother Punjikastana.[26]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Sahya, located on the southern side of the Vindhya.[27]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The towering natural formations that provide a backdrop to Arjuna's journey and challenges.[28]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Another name for the mountain Mandara, which was raised up by the Lord to assist in the churning of the ocean.[29]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A significant natural formation that stands tall and strong.[30] (2) Refers to the significant heights and prominence of the mountains mentioned in the text, specifically Brihatsanu and Nandishvara.[31] (3) Great mountains refer to the large landforms that fell as a result of the chaos caused by the action mentioned in the text.[32] (4) Describes Mount Govardhana as a significant entity within the narrative, personified and capable of bowing.[33] (5) Large geographical formations that the subject is described as breaking through.[34]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A metaphor for the high peaks of emotion experienced by the heart, particularly in relation to the deep heart's bhavas.[35] (2) A large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level, used to illustrate the magnitude of Sahadeva's emotional response.[36]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Great mountains refer to significant geological formations that, despite their vastness, are dwarfed by the power of the Supreme Lord.[37]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The massive mountain used in the churning of the ocean, symbolizing the monumental task undertaken during this event.[38]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A metaphorical comparison made by the children upon seeing the serpent's mouth, illustrating their misunderstanding of the danger.[39]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A significant geographical feature mentioned in the text, associated with the hermit Vamadeva.[40] (2) The location named Himavat, where all jewels are found and which is significant to the narrative.[41]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) Refers to specific notable heights in the Dandaka region, likely related to the landscape of northern India.[42]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The significant eternal symbol used to determine the greatest among Brahma and Vishnu.[43]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) Refers to the Vaijayanta, significant for its splendor and residence for divine beings.[44]
Jain concept of 'Great mountain'
In Jainism, the Great mountain represents both a site for spiritual practice and a symbol of perseverance in overcoming challenges while striving for enlightenment. It also serves as an allegory for an ascetic's elevated spiritual conduct.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Referring to Rathavarta, the location of a significant battle between the armies of Ashvagriva and Triprishtha.[45] (2) The site where the brothers practiced kayotsarga in their quest for enlightenment and detachment from the body.[46] (3) Symbolizes the daunting challenges and high stakes in the search for the prince, emphasizing themes of perseverance.[47] (4) An allegory for the elevated state of spiritual conduct and moral standards achieved by an ascetic.[48]
The concept of Great mountain in local and regional sources
Great mountain serves as a crucial geographical barrier, prominent landmark, and significant feature influencing navigation and regional structure within various territories, both to the north and south of multiple kingdoms.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A notable landmark used for navigating the endless expanse of the desert.[49] (2) A significant geographic feature located to the south of the kingdom of Ta-mo-si-tie-ti.[50] (3) A geographical barrier leading northward from the current country to another region known as Shi-k'i-ni.[51] (4) A significant geological feature located about 200 li west of the chief town, characterized by brooding vapours and rocky crags.[52] (5) A great mountain must be passed when leaving the country of K'iu-lu-to to head south.[53]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The natural element from which the sangharama was hollowed out to create its structure.[54]