Significance of Hamsa
Synonyms: Protective hand, Protective amulet
In Dutch: Hamsa; In German: 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 embodies multiple meanings: a swan, the soul's essence, and Lord Narayan's name. It symbolizes purity, spiritual evolution, and the individual soul (Jivatma). Hamsa also represents the ultimate reality, a divine being, and the cosmic reality (Brahman).
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Hamsa refers to swans, which are described as being part of the numerous inhabitants of the lake.[1] (2) This term denotes the divine mount, indicating that the deity is positioned upon this particular creature during the described scene.[2] (3) It refers to liberated souls. These individuals have transcended the limitations of the material world and have achieved a state of enlightenment and spiritual freedom.[3] (4) The term signifies the presence of swans, indicating the variety of wildlife that can be found within the context of the described area.[4] (5) The name of the great sage who performed austerities.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) It is one of the incarnations, with unique forms, natures, and qualities.[6] (2) swan[7]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A hamsa, or swan, was seen by Shri Lalita by the Yamuna and was petitioned to serve as a messenger to Shri Krishna in Mathura.[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: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) It is described as the all-powerful Great Light in which the Universe is absorbed, a primordial element.[11] (2) The Guru resides in the head, and is the Hamsa Himself, indicating the ultimate reality.[12] (3) Represents the spiritual swan, symbolizing the soul’s ability to separate the eternal from the transient, mentioned in association with the fivefold footstool.[13]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The Jivatma which is this, in form like the tapering flame of a light, should be brought to the Muladhara from its place in the heart, as explained.[14] (2) Symbolizes the essence of consciousness and the soul, depicted within spiritual practices.[15] (3) Symbolizes the Jivatma or individual soul, representing purity and the steady flame of consciousness.[16] (4) A term used to describe the mind's tendency to move among various subjects; it must be restrained for effective meditation.[17] (5) A term used by some to describe the cosmic reality or Brahman, particularly by Vedantists.[18]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) One of the Upanishads, mentioned in a list of 108 Upanishads.[19] (2) This refers to the form of Om, staying in all things, shining brightly, and being free from motion, leading to freedom from sin.[20] (3) 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).[21] (4) The third kind of bhikshus who have specific living arrangements and dietary practices, and strive for moksha.[22] (5) An ascetic class characterized by minimal possessions and particular meditative practices.[23]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A divine being characterized as free from faults, representing the essence of purity and divinity.[24]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A pure, crystal-like mantram that counteracts the effects of poisoning.[25]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Hamsa is a name by which Lord Narayan is known during the Satya Yuga.[26]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A swan, representing purity and elevated spiritual consciousness in the narrative.[27]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) One of the four castes that inhabit Plakshadvipa, corresponding to the caste of Brahmana.[28]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) This is identified as a bird, similar to a swan, whose killing necessitates a specific atonement involving a cow.[29] (2) Becoming a Hamsa is presented as the consequence of stealing bronze, establishing a direct link between the misappropriation of the metal and transformation into this animal.[30] (3) Described as a specific type of web-footed bird, subject to a prohibition that is addressed through specific mentions.[31] (4) A specific web-footed bird mentioned in the text that has particular dietary laws associated with it.[32]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) An example of the five-fold men, described in the context of the diversity of pictorial art.[33] (2) One of the five types of male figures described, with a specific proportion related to its stature.[34] (3) Another form of imagery found in temple art, contributing to the overall decorative schemes of temples.[35]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Part of the variety list, commonly associated with purity and transcendental qualities.[36]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is a term used in relation to the Swara, and the Swara resembling Hamsa, Krouncha, Nemi, Dundubhi, Kalavinka, Kaka, Kapota, Jarjara is Prakruta.[37] (2) This refers to the shape of the oil drop resembling a swan, which indicates Sadhyaroga, which means curable.[38]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Hamsa is an ox characterized by being white, having brown eyes, red horns, and a large face; it brings on prosperity and an increase of the herd.[39]
Jain concept of 'Hamsa'
In Jainism, "Hamsa" embodies purity and grace, symbolized by a white bird, the vehicle of Kumara. It's also a comparative term, linked to Sanatkumara and a yoga posture. The dharma taught by the Jina is compared to a Hamsa, emphasizing compassion.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The row of chauris resembled a flock of hamsas, white as moonlight, engaged in hovering around the Lord's lotus-face, adding to the celestial imagery.[40] (2) A hamsa is compared to a child moving from nurse to nurse, signifying a slow and gradual upbringing.[41] (3) A hamsa is used in a simile to describe the manner of descent, illustrating how King Parvata’s jiva entered Queen Uma’s womb, comparable to a hamsa entering a tranquil pool.[42] (4) It fell at the lotus-feet of the prince, embracing his neck and weeping, indicating a reunion with a loved one after a long separation.[43] (5) This is the form that the Khecara Angaraka takes when he seizes Samudravijaya’s younger brother at night.[44]
The concept of Hamsa in local and regional sources
Hamsa, in Indian art and religion, is a motif of swans. Similar to the Kirtimukha, it appears in architectural designs and religious iconography. The swan imagery holds significance within the cultural and spiritual contexts of India.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An aircraft developed by NAL, which has been type certified for night flying and is produced for flying club use through DGCA, pending the establishment of its commercial viability.[45] (2) A motif depicting swans which, akin to the Kirtimukha, is found in Indian architectural designs and religious iconography.[46]
The concept of Hamsa in scientific sources
Hamsa, in this context, is a type of resistant starch, distinct from HAMS. Both Hamsa and HAMS impact gut health by increasing fecal acetate and propionate, though with varying effects.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) The other type of resistant starch used in the study, which also increased fecal acetate and propionate concentrations, though sometimes to a different degree than HAMS.[47]