Significance of Iron pot
The term "Iron pot" has various meanings across different contexts. In Vaishnavism, it signifies a simple container used by the Lord and also represents vessels for confining sinners, causing torment. In Rasashastra, it refers to multiple cooking and preparation vessels essential for medicinal processes, including boiling, melting, and mixing ingredients. In Mahayana, it symbolizes containers in hell that cause suffering. Additionally, historical references in India depict it as a vessel symbolizing control, such as containing locusts.
Synonyms: Frying pan
In Dutch: IJzeren pot; In Finnish: Rauta ruukku; In Spanish: Olla de hierro
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Iron pot'
In Buddhism, the term "Iron pot" symbolizes containers in hell that intensify the suffering of beings, illustrating the concept of retribution and the consequences of one's actions in the cycle of samsara.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Containers used in hell that contribute to the suffering of the beings.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Iron pot'
The Iron pot in Hinduism symbolizes a versatile cooking and medicinal vessel, utilized in various processes such as melting, mixing ingredients, and purifying substances, embodying both practical and spiritual significance in preparations.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A container used for melting the black powder along with other components.[2] (2) A container made of iron used for melting sulphur in the preparation of the medicine.[3] (3) The cooking vessel made of iron in which the medicinal ingredients are heated.[4] (4) The container used for mixing and heating the various ingredients during the preparation process.[5] (5) The type of container specified for boiling the mixture of ingredients.[6]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A container made of iron used for heating hingula.[7] (2) A type of container in which the second bhavana process is conducted for the gandhaka.[8] (3) The vessel used for boiling makshika with other ingredients.[9] (4) The container used to place Kharpara over fire during the incineration process.[10] (5) An iron pot is the container used to combine mercury and sulphur during the preparation process, showcasing the necessary equipment for the procedure.[11]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A cooking vessel made of iron, used for roasting iron along with clarified butter.[12] (2) The vessel used to boil the mixture of ingredients to create the lump.[13] (3) A container made of iron used to heat zinc over fire during the incineration process.[14] (4) A container made of iron used in the seventh process for the melting of lead during purification.[15]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The container from which the Lord drank water, highlighting the simplicity of Shridhara's possessions.[16]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Containers used to confine sinners, creating conditions of suffocation and torment.[17]
The concept of Iron pot in local and regional sources
The term "Iron pot" symbolizes the confinement and control exerted by the wife, as it describes the vessel used to contain the locust, highlighting themes of power dynamics within relationships.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The vessel in which the locust was kept, signifying the confinement and control the wife exerted over the situation.[18]