Significance of Hamsa
Synonyms: Protective hand, Protective amulet
In Dutch: Hamsa; In Finnish: Hamsa; In Spanish: Hamsa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Hamsa'
In Hinduism, Hamsa symbolizes the pure spirit and essence of consciousness, representing spiritual evolution and transcendence. It emphasizes transcending worldly attachments, embodying wisdom, and the connection between the individual soul and the cosmic reality.
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Symbolizes the essence of consciousness and the soul, depicted within spiritual practices.[1] (2) Symbolizes the Jivatma or individual soul, representing purity and the steady flame of consciousness.[2] (3) A term used to describe the mind's tendency to move among various subjects; it must be restrained for effective meditation.[3] (4) A term used by some to describe the cosmic reality or Brahman, particularly by Vedantists.[4] (5) Symbolically compared to the Jivatma in the text, representing spiritual evolution and transcendence.[5]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) Represents the spiritual swan, symbolizing the soul’s ability to separate the eternal from the transient, mentioned in association with the fivefold footstool.[6]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The name of the great sage who performed austerities.[7] (2) A sage recognized among the assembly of great sages, noted in the spiritual context of the verse.[8]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The form of the Lord in which He spoke on the Absolute Truth to Brahma and others.[9] (2) Hamsa symbolizes the swan, often used in spiritual texts to represent wisdom and the ability to discern truth.[10]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) swan[11]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) One of the four castes that inhabit Plakshadvipa, corresponding to the caste of Brahmana.[12]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A metaphor for the true spiritual essence or the soul, emphasizing unity and non-duality.[13]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A swan, representing purity and elevated spiritual consciousness in the narrative.[14]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Hamsa is a name by which Lord Narayan is known during the Satya Yuga.[15]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Sages of exalted status known for their wisdom and spiritual practices.[16]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Hamsa is a mysterious term composed of Ham (or Aham) and Sa (ha), meaning 'I (am) that', associated with Kalahamsa (or Parabrahman), Brahma's vehicle (swan), and is related to human breath through the exhale (Ha) and inhale (Sa).[17] (2) The third kind of bhikshus who have specific living arrangements and dietary practices, and strive for moksha.[18] (3) An ascetic class characterized by minimal possessions and particular meditative practices.[19] (4) A sannyasin who has fewer restrictions and accepts alms without limitation.[20]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A divine being characterized as free from faults, representing the essence of purity and divinity.[21]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) One of the five types of male figures described, with a specific proportion related to its stature.[22] (2) Another form of imagery found in temple art, contributing to the overall decorative schemes of temples.[23]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Part of the variety list, commonly associated with purity and transcendental qualities.[24]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Described as a specific type of web-footed bird, subject to a prohibition that is addressed through specific mentions.[25] (2) A specific web-footed bird mentioned in the text that has particular dietary laws associated with it.[26]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) The word hamsa denotes both the sun and goose, but also signifies Atma as it symbolizes the entity that transitions from one body to another.[27] (2) Specifically refers to particular types of pearl necklaces distinguished by their construction.[28]
Jain concept of 'Hamsa'
In Jainism, Hamsa symbolizes purity and grace as a white bird associated with Kumara, and it also represents a yoga posture reflecting its shape, highlighting its spiritual significance in both physical and symbolic forms.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A yoga posture described as the shape of a hamsa, another traditional sitting pose.[29] (2) A white bird serving as the vehicle for Kumara, symbolizing purity and grace.[30]
The concept of Hamsa in local and regional sources
Hamsa signifies a motif of swans in Indian architecture and religious art, paralleling the Kirtimukha. It embodies cultural and spiritual symbolism, often representing purity and the divine in various traditions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A motif depicting swans which, akin to the Kirtimukha, is found in Indian architectural designs and religious iconography.[31]