Significance of Horripilation
Horripilation is a physical reaction, often characterized by goosebumps or hair standing on end, triggered by intense emotions such as joy, fear, or reverence. In various traditions, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, and Ayurveda, it signifies involuntary responses to profound spiritual or emotional experiences. This phenomenon, also known as romanca, can reflect a deep connection to the divine, as seen in reactions of characters experiencing awe or emotional stimuli linked to love and devotion.
Synonyms: Goosebumps, Hair standing on end
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Horripilation'
In Hinduism, Horripilation symbolizes intense emotional or spiritual experiences, such as fear, joy, or awe. It manifests physically as goosebumps or hair standing on end, often linked to divine encounters or powerful emotions.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The phenomenon experienced by the sages due to delight, indicating the deep emotional response tied to spiritual truths.[1] (2) A physical reaction that signifies deep emotional or spiritual experience, often accompanied by goosebumps, indicative of intense feelings.[2] (3) The physical reaction of goosebumps or shivering, often indicative of strong emotions such as joy or fear experienced by characters.[3] (4) A physical reaction associated with intense emotion, experienced by Kama.[4] (5) The state experienced by the wives at night, indicating excitement or fear in relation to their romantic pursuits.[5]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A condition where the body shows involuntary shivering or goosebumps due to irritation or extreme coughing.[6] (2) Goosebumps or a shivering sensation resulting from certain types of poisoning.[7] (3) A condition of having goosebumps, which can be a symptom associated with parasitic infections.[8]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The physical reaction during the battle indicating fear and anxiety experienced by the Devas.[9] (2) The reaction experienced by beings due to the intensity of the close and fierce fights occurring between the Devas and Danavas.[10]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A physical response of goosebumps often experienced in moments of intense devotion or emotional response.[11]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The goosebumps Akrura experiences, indicating his awe and spiritual excitement upon seeing Krishna.[12]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) An emotional reaction characterized by the hair standing on end, considered to be one of the sattvikabhavas.[13] (2) The physical response of hair standing on end as a reaction to spiritual ecstasy during chanting.[14] (3) Also known as romanca, this term describes the bodily reaction where hairs stand on end due to emotions such as astonishment, jubilation, enthusiasm, and fear.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An ecstatic symptom described as the standing of hairs, indicating a deep emotional response that impacts the body physically.[16] (2) The involuntary reaction of goosebumps that came over Shri Narada due to profound emotions.[17]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Romanca, referring to a physical response characterized by goosebumps or a chill due to strong feelings.[18] (2) The shivering or the emotional reaction (blown lotuses) experienced by entities in response to the divine sound of Krishna's flute.[19] (3) Pulaka indicates horripilation, a physical reaction of experiencing fear or excitement, leading to goosebumps.[20]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) The reaction of hairs standing on end, often associated with fear or excitement.[21] (2) The phenomenon of hair standing on end due to strong emotional reactions, part of anubhavas.[22] (3) The phenomenon of hair standing on end, often a reaction to fear.[23]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The sensation of goosebumps or hair standing on end, often a sign of a body reacting to illness or environmental factors.[24] (2) A symptom of Gulma that refers to a goosebumps sensation experienced by patients, indicated in the description of various types of Gulma pain.[25]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A physical response indicating fear or thrill, often represented through specific gestures.[26]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) A physical reaction, often expressed through head movements, linked to feelings of fear or awe.[27]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The condition of having the hair stand on end, often associated with fear or cold.[28]
Jain concept of 'Horripilation'
In Jainism, Horripilation signifies profound emotional reactions, such as goosebumps experienced by individuals like Kanakashri and King Shiva, symbolizing deep devotion, love, and spiritual connection upon encountering sacred figures or moments.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An involuntary reaction of thrills or goosebumps that Kanakashri experiences.[29] (2) A physical reaction experienced by King Shiva upon touching his son, indicating emotional and possibly sympathetic response.[30] (3) A physical response linked to love, representing heightened emotions experienced by Candashasana upon seeing Nanda.[31] (4) The physical manifestation of profound spiritual connection or awe, highlighting the intense emotional reaction to the sight of the Lord.[32] (5) Refers to the physical reaction of the King as a manifestation of his deep devotion and reverence.[33]
The concept of Horripilation in scientific sources
Horripilation, characterized by shivering or goosebumps, is linked to specific urinary conditions like Pistameha. This physiological response reflects the body's reaction to certain stimuli associated with these urinary issues.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Shivering or goosebumps that may accompany certain urinary conditions, as mentioned in context with Pistameha.[34]