Significance of Great river
Synonyms: Large river
In Dutch: Grote rivier; In Finnish: Suuri joki; In Spanish: Gran río
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 river'
The "Great river" in Buddhism symbolizes the vast flow of spiritual merit, represents key rivers that lose individual identity upon merging with the ocean, and serves as a metaphor for interconnectedness and the transformative journey on the Buddhist path.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Symbolizes thirst (trishna), a primary cause of suffering and desire in the human experience.[1] (2) In Jambudvipa, there are many kinds of great rivers known as mahanadi, some of which even surpass the Ganges.[2] (3) The major rivers of Jambudvipa, each known to have significant tributaries and hold importance in various Buddhist texts.[3]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A vivid metaphor for the overwhelming and dangerous aspects of defilement that individuals struggle to cross.[4] (2) A metaphor illustrating how the virtues and teachings of the sutra are comprehensive and flow into the infinite ocean of enlightenment.[5] (3) Analogies used in teachings to depict the flow and interconnectedness of life and the consequences of actions.[6]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Symbolic representations of the immense flow of spiritual merit associated with the repetitive practice of the six-syllable mahavidya.[7]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Rivers such as the Ganges and Jumna, which represent the transformation of identity when merged into the great ocean, analogous to individuals adopting the recluse identity.[8] (2) Major rivers such as the Ganges, Jumna, Aciravati, Sarabhu, and Mahi that lose their individual identities upon meeting the great ocean.[9]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The river where the Bodhisatta cast away his spade, symbolizing a significant act of letting go of material attachments.[10]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Refers to significant rivers in India, symbolizing the renunciation of individual identity when entering the Buddhist path.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Great river'
In Hinduism, the "Great river" symbolizes various significant water bodies, like the Narmada and Yamuna, reflecting their spiritual importance, purity, and role in rituals, emphasizing their connection to life, culture, and divine creation.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to goddess Kapiladhara, emphasizing her significance as a spiritual entity when invoked.[12] (2) Refers to the river Reva that Bhanumati visited after spending time on the banks of Ganga.[13] (3) The significant water bodies in the universe that were disrupted due to the excessive dancing of Sage Mankanaka, indicating the chaos created by his actions.[14] (4) A major river that was brought down from the mountains by Sage Agastya, significant in the narrative.[15] (5) Large rivers considered holy, which, if bathed in, grant benefits similar to those achieved at other sacred places.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A large body of water where devotees are encouraged to bathe during the month of Vaishakha to symbolize purification and devotion towards Vishnu.[17] (2) Referring to the Sabhramati, which is noted for its purity and spiritual significance, surpassing even the Prayaga.[18] (3) Narmada, recognized as a significant water body in the context of spirituality.[19] (4) Larger rivers in Bharata country, including Yamuna and Narmada, known for their profuse water.[20] (5) A title used for Ganga, signifying her vast importance and revered nature among all rivers.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Numerous rivers that flow into the Ocean, contributing to its vastness and filling it to the brim.[22] (2) Another reference to Ganga, indicating her grandeur and importance in providing salvation.[23] (3) Refers to a significant river, such as the Sindhu (Indus), that is noted for its importance in the text.[24] (4) A significant waterway known for its sacred qualities, often associated with spiritual cleansing.[25] (5) Rivers that ran in opposite directions, symbolizing a disturbance in the natural order.[26]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The natural water bodies, such as Narmada and Sarasvati, where the milk from the Earth was collected.[27] (2) Refers to the Ganga, which is significant for its holy status and the context of the story involving the daughters seeking protection.[28] (3) The location where the celestial damsels arrive to perform their acts aimed at Vishvamitra.[29]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Seven major rivers, including Narmada and Surasa, that are said to dispel sins and contribute to the region's auspiciousness.[30] (2) Significant rivers that have multiple mouths and are deemed sacred, providing spiritual benefits to devotees who bathe and reside on their banks.[31]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Refers to a significant river in Hindu mythology, symbolizing strength, sustenance, and blessing.[32] (2) A significant waterway recognized for its spiritual importance, often associated with various rites and rituals.[33]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The significant rivers in Bharata-varsha known for their spiritual attributes.[34] (2) The river referred to as the Gandkaki, where Bharata bathed and performed his religious duties.[35]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The significant water bodies that Himavat possesses, contributing to his majesty and might.[36] (2) A reference to the Narmada, which is portrayed as magnificent and beautiful.[37]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A large river in Bharata, likely referring to its significance and majesty among other rivers.[38] (2) The four major rivers that originate from the separation of Ganga on the top of Meru.[39]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Significant water bodies that are sustained by the celestial workings of the sun and moon, providing essential resources for living beings.[40] (2) A significant body of water known for its grandeur and impact on the surrounding environment.[41]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A reference to the numerous significant water bodies mentioned that sustain the life and culture of the people in Ketumala.[42] (2) An epithet for the Ganges emphasizing its magnitude and significance in the landscape.[43]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The river Tungabhadra, located in the southern country, which is noted for its significance.[44]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Refers to the river named Jatodaka that Mahadeva created from the water of his matted hairs, which is believed to liberate people from sins.[45]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Yamuna is described with significance as a river and a character, pivotal in the story's developments.[46]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The significant water bodies that emerged from the divine creation.[47]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Significant water bodies that flow through the enclosures, each providing life and sustenance to the inhabitants.[48]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) a reference to the Ganga as a significant water body.[49] (2) A significant body of water flowing through Mahavana, described as 'maha-nadi'.[50] (3) A metaphorical description of Kola's army, indicating its vastness and the overwhelming number of soldiers.[51] (4) A significant waterway; in this context, it refers specifically to the Yamuna, which is described as a major river.[52] (5) A term referring to the Gomati, emphasizing its size and significance as a major waterway.[53]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A metaphor describing the intense emotional outpouring symbolized by tears flowing from Nityananda.[54]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A large watercourse that acts as a geographical marker, distinguishing one region from another, especially in relation to the concept of 'videsha' or foreign lands.[55]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The specific body of water where one may bathe as part of a purification process.[56]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A natural water body where impure vessels can be kept for an extended period to attain purification.[57]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A setting in the tale where people's efforts to irrigate are entwined with supernatural elements requiring heroic intervention.[58]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A large stream of water that signifies strength and significance, often used as a metaphor for a powerful entity or force.[59]
Jain concept of 'Great river'
In Jainism, the Great River represents significant rivers like the Ganga and Sindhu, symbolizing geographical and cultural heartlands, life's enduring flow, and the overwhelming collective presence, illustrated through comparisons with military gatherings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A comparison illustrating the gathering of soldiers and their overwhelming presence, between two banks (Ashtapada and Ayodhya).[60] (2) Symbolizes the vast and enduring flow of life, representing depth and continuity.[61] (3) Major rivers found in Bharatakshetra: Ganga and Sindhu, each attended by 14,000 rivers.[62] (4) Refers to the significant rivers Ganga and Sindhu, representing the geographical and cultural heartland of Bharatavarsha.[63] (5) Refers to the Sindhu, which is a significant geographical landmark in the narrative.[64]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Significant water bodies like the Ganga and Sindhu, which diminish in size during the down-turn phase.[65]
The concept of Great river in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Great river" encompasses a significant water body influencing geography, religion, and history in the region, serving as a vital resource and symbolizing life, while marking boundaries and nurturing the surrounding lands.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A great river flows from a hollow at the top of the mountain, encircling it before entering the southern sea.[66] (2) Refers to a significant water body in the region around which various events and locations are described.[67] (3) The large waterway near Mungali attributed to various religious events and stupas.[68] (4) A significant water source for irrigation that ceased flowing, prompting the king's quest for a solution.[69] (5) The river that borders the capital of the kingdom of Kashmir, contributing to the fertility of the land.[70]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A body of water crossed by the three male children when they seek ripe fruits from the vegetable garden.[71]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The significant rivers that converge, particularly relevant to the geography and spirituality of Prayag.[72] (2) A major waterway that has had significant historical influence.[73] (3) Large watercourses that symbolize the flow of life, nourishing and sustaining humanity.[74]