Significance of Great warrior

The term Great warrior has various significances across different traditions. In Jainism, it describes skilled fighters like Simharatha and notable heroes such as Shishupala. Tibetan Buddhism embodies it through spiritual confidence. In Vaishnavism, it refers to figures like Shri Rama and Arjuna, emphasizing their valor in battle. Puranic texts mention great warriors such as Raktabija and Dhruva, showcasing exceptional combat skills. This title is also present in historical contexts, recognizing heroes like Abhimanyu, celebrated for their bravery and skill in warfare.1
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Synonyms: Valiant soldier, Skilled warrior, Brave soldier, Heroic warrior, Intrepid fighter

In Dutch: Grote krijger; In Finnish: Suuri soturi; In Spanish: Gran guerrero; In German: Großer Krieger; In Swedish: Stor krigare; In Malay: Pahlawan yang hebat; In French: Grand guerrier; In Portugese: Grande guerreiro; In Italian: Grande guerriero; In Polish: Wielki wojownik

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 warrior'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Great warrior" symbolizes both a meditative embodiment of spiritual strength and confidence, as well as historical figures noted for their combat prowess, including ten warriors led by Kandula and Thera Theraputtabhaya's notable contributions.

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

From: Mahavamsa

(1) A reference to Thera Theraputtabhaya, a notable figure in the king's past battles.[1] (2) The individuals known for their significant strength and combat abilities, specifically ten warriors mentioned in the text led by Kandula.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Great warrior'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the term "Great warrior" encompasses diverse figures exemplifying valor and skill, from divine beings like Rama and Arjuna to formidable demons. It celebrates notable fighters’ martial prowess, heroism, and adherence to Dharma in epic narratives.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) If the foe should happen to be a great warrior, his hour of disaster should be watched.[3] (2) The great warrior Vasudana brought a sixty years old elephant, indicating his prowess and significance in the described context.[4] (3) The king beholds Arjuna committing a great havoc in this terrible battle.[5] (4) This refers to the individuals whose abode Dussasana entered to speak words unto the princess.[6] (5) A term used to describe notable figures present in King Duryodhana's court, including Drona, Karna, Kripa, and Bhishma.[7]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Canda and Munda, who are sent by Shumbha to fight against Kalika based on their perceived strength.[8] (2) A term describing strong combatants like Rakta Vija, who had special powers or boons that made them formidable.[9] (3) A term referring to Nishumbha, who made a firm resolve to seek either victory or death in battle.[10] (4) Refers to Shumbha, emphasized as a powerful and challenging adversary who dominates the Devas.[11] (5) Refers to the formidable fighters Canda and Munda, who were known for tormenting the Devas and were defeated by Kalika.[12]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The text describes Rama as a "great warrior", emphasizing his exceptional combat skills and prowess on the battlefield.[13] (2) A title for Rama, signifying his might and valor in battles.[14] (3) A title used to describe Bali, affirming his prowess and strength after he defeated Mayavi.[15] (4) A description of Shri Rama, highlighting his valor and heroic qualities as he arrived at the palace.[16] (5) A description of Rama, emphasizing his combat skills and his proficiency in weaponry and strategy.[17]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) A term used to refer to Kansa, emphasizing his power, yet juxtaposed with his foolishness and vulnerability to prophecy.[18]

From: Gautami Mahatmya

(1) Formidable fighters on the side of Asuras, distinguished by their pride in strength.[19]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A great warrior (yoddha).[20] (2) Maha-vira refers to a person of great valor, specifically referring to Paundraka in this context.[21] (3) A reference to 'mahodbhatah', identifying a powerful and notable fighter, in this context, Rukmi.[22] (4) A description of Shishupala, emphasizing his strength and valor in battle.[23] (5) A term describing someone who is skilled and brave in warfare.[24]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) A reference to the Lord's valor and strength, emphasizing His heroic attributes and readiness for battle.[25] (2) Shri Rama, who is portrayed as an exceptional and valiant figure, victorious over a vast enemy in battle.[26]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A distinguished fighter, exemplified by King Sahasrayu in the text.[27] (2) The formidable champions chosen by both sides, exhibiting extraordinary combat abilities and acting as key players in the battle.[28]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) A descriptor for Vishnu, underscoring His protective and active role in maintaining cosmic order.[29]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Jain concept of 'Great warrior'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the term "Great warrior" signifies notable figures like Simharatha, a valiant youth; Shishupala, a heroic character; and the skilled fighters from the Mallas and Licchavis, highlighting valor in significant battles.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The great warriors are those of whom King Ghanaratha is considered the chief, indicating his leadership and martial prowess.[30] (2) The two great warriors, referring to Sugriva and the false Sugriva, fought with intense anger, terrifying the world with their powerful clash.[31] (3) A term used to describe Simharatha, indicating his notable skills and youthful vigor in battle.[32]

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) A term used to describe a heroic figure, exemplified by Shishupala before facing his adversary.[33]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) The term refers to the formidable fighters from the Mallas, Licchavis, and gana-kings who were engaged in the Mahashilakantaka battle.[34]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Great warrior in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Great warrior" signifies a highly esteemed fighter recognized for exceptional bravery and skill, exemplified by Abhimanyu, Arjuna's son, who is celebrated for his valor in battle according to regional sources.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, known for his valor.[35]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A highly esteemed fighter known for bravery and skill in battle.[36]

The concept of Great warrior in scientific sources

Science Books

Tawhaki, identified as a great warrior, is a figure who attracts both human and heavenly women, specifically Tangotango, according to the text.

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) A notion associated with a Transjordan northern area of Bashan, where the local Israelites did not know the precise use of the term rp’um.[37] (2) The text claims that Tawhaki is a great warrior, not only attracts human women, but also the heavenly maiden Tangotango.[38]

Classical concept of 'Great warrior'

Various literature Books

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

From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)

(1) The gods have made Achilles a great warrior, but they have not given him the right to speak with railing, according to Agamemnon, highlighting the conflict between strength and authority.[39]

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) A meaning attributed to the name Artoxerxes in the Hellenic tongue.[40]

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 warriors.