Significance of Great penances
Great penance in various spiritual traditions signifies intense spiritual discipline and rigorous austerities undertaken to achieve divine favor, higher states of consciousness, and spiritual goals. In Jainism, it reflects significant sacrifices and efforts toward spiritual growth, as seen in the lives of King Parvataka and others. Similarly, in Vaishnavism, it highlights the devotion of characters like Nanda and Yashoda. The Purana accounts present figures like Yayati and Bhima, whose rigorous practices symbolize commitment and seek divine rewards. Overall, Great penance embodies a universal theme of dedication and sacrifice across these traditions.
Synonyms: Atonement, Repentance, Self-punishment, Self-discipline
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 penances'
Great penance in Hinduism encompasses rigorous spiritual practices and intense austerities aimed at attaining divine favor, enlightenment, or higher consciousness, often demonstrated by devoted figures like Dhanada, Parvati, and numerous sages throughout the tradition.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The intense spiritual discipline undertaken by Bhattika, illustrating her commitment to spirituality and self-denial.[1] (2) A rigorous spiritual practice performed by Jabali since childhood, leading to great feats.[2] (3) A rigorous form of spiritual discipline practiced by Bhrigu to gain the favor of the divine.[3] (4) The act of deep meditation and self-discipline performed by the sage Uddalaka.[4] (5) Intense spiritual discipline aimed at achieving liberation or higher states of existence.[5]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) Signifies the rigorous spiritual practices performed by Shiva that are revered and respected.[6] (2) Intense spiritual discipline and austerities practiced by devotees or yogis to attain spiritual growth and realization.[7] (3) A characteristic of the beings who, after the completion of their tasks, return to Brahmaloka.[8] (4) A significant spiritual practice or discipline performed by Parvati, indicating her devotion and determination to win Shiva's love.[9] (5) Refers to the significant spiritual discipline performed by Parvati, which was pivotal in bringing Shiva to Mena's home.[10]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) Severe spiritual discipline undertaken by individuals like Brahma to attain enlightenment and creation.[11] (2) Ashokasundari's commitment to a severe form of meditation and discipline aimed at achieving a specific goal.[12] (3) Intense spiritual practice undertaken by Dadhica in the pursuit of spiritual goals and liberation.[13] (4) A term that indicates the severe austerities performed by prominent sages who were present at the sacrifice.[14] (5) The rigorous self-discipline practiced by the sage to attain spiritual goals.[15]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) Intense spiritual discipline and ascetic practices aimed at achieving divine favor and enlightenment.[16] (2) A spiritual practice involving severe self-discipline and austerity to attain divine favor or enlightenment.[17] (3) Intense spiritual practices undertaken for self-realization or to attain blessings from divine entities.[18] (4) The severe self-discipline and spiritual practice undertaken by Dhruva to achieve his goals.[19] (5) A deep and intensive spiritual practice undertaken to attain knowledge or favor from deities.[20]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) The significant spiritual practice performed by Kashyapa in preparation for his lineage.[21] (2) A state of intense spiritual practice undertaken by sages, signifying discipline, sacrifice, and dedication to spiritual goals.[22] (3) An extensive period of severe austerity undertaken by Hiranyakashipu to gain boons.[23] (4) The intense spiritual discipline practiced by Jamadagni, indicating his dedication and expertise in spiritual matters.[24] (5) Great penances are rituals performed by the Asuras, granting them powerful boons.[25]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) Intense spiritual discipline and austerity performed to gain spiritual merit or power.[26] (2) Atri's performance of a significant and intense form of devotion or austerity for three thousand divine years.[27] (3) Extensive spiritual discipline often involving ascetic practices for the purpose of gaining divine favor.[28] (4) The rigorous austerities and spiritual practices performed by Kandu, demonstrating his control over his sense-organs and mastery of the Vedas.[29] (5) Yayati performed rigorous penance along with his wife after his indulgent life.[30]
From: The Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A form of spiritual exercise performed by Maya as expiation for the killing of Indra's enemy, resulting in deceptive powers.[31] (2) The significant spiritual practice associated with the sage Vriddha, emphasizing dedication and devotion to spiritual rituals.[32] (3) A significant spiritual undertaking or austerity performed by Dhanvantari to seek divine connection and benefits.[33] (4) Stringent spiritual practices undertaken by Rama, leading to his fame as a slayer of Rakshasas.[34]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The intense spiritual practices performed by the Rishis, whose teachings influenced Janamejaya’s conduct.[35] (2) Spiritual practices that endow the moon and stars with their powers and functions.[36] (3) The extensive and austere spiritual practices undertaken by Hiranyakashipu, demonstrating his self-control and dedication.[37]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Severe ascetic practices performed by Svetaki to gain the favor of Rudra and fulfill his desire to perform sacrifices.[38] (2) The intense spiritual discipline practiced which granted the celestial being the ability to create.[39]
From: The Anugita
(1) Intense spiritual practice or effort to attain a higher state of being, performed by Alarka with determination.[40]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The severe austerities that Diti is willing to endure in order to obtain a powerful son.[41]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The rigorous spiritual discipline practiced by Bhavasharman to earn divine favor.[42]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A rigorous act of devotion aimed at seeking divine favor, often involving renunciation and self-discipline.[43] (2) The difficult spiritual practice performed by the earth in hopes of receiving a powerful son.[44] (3) Signifies the spiritual efforts of a woman to enjoy divine companionship with Krishna.[45] (4) A reference to the spiritual austerities performed by Nanda and Yashoda, suggesting their significance.[46] (5) The spiritual practice performed by Nanda and Yashoda to gain Krishna as their son, highlighting their devotion and sacrifice.[47]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Intense spiritual practices performed by sages that lead to significant spiritual growth, which are perfected through the darshana of Shri Krishna in Hastinapura.[48]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The severe austerities performed by the brothers which enhanced their powers and led to the gods' concern.[49]
Jain concept of 'Great penances'
Great penance in Jainism signifies deep spiritual discipline aimed at achieving higher existential states, exemplified by King Parvataka's efforts for revenge. It emphasizes that true devotion is essential for meaningful spiritual endeavors.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The intense spiritual discipline practiced by characters to attain higher states of existence or divine attributes.[50] (2) The significant spiritual effort that King Parvataka bartered in hopes of avenging his defeat in another birth.[51] (3) Refers to significant spiritual efforts or sacrifices, suggesting that even extensive efforts become futile without genuine devotion to the Lord.[52]