Significance of Joined hands
Joined hands is a significant gesture across various traditions, symbolizing respect, humility, and devotion. In Buddhism, it is used during offerings and prayers. Hinduism views it as anjali, an offering in rituals. Jainism associates it with presenting gifts like flowers, while Vaishnavism sees it as a sign of submission to Krishna. The gesture also embodies supplication in Purana narratives and reflects reverence in Dharmashastra and other texts. Overall, joined hands universally convey a deep sense of respect and connection in spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Clasped hands, Held hands, United
In Dutch: Samengevoegde handen; In Finnish: Yhdistetyt kädet; In Spanish: Manos unidas
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Joined hands'
In Buddhism, Joined hands symbolize respect, humility, and devotion across various contexts, including rituals, confessions, and ordinations, reflecting a deep reverence towards the Buddha and the teachings of the tradition.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A gesture made by the individual receiving the ordination, typically as a sign of respect and devotion.[1] (2) A sign of reverence and humility, often displayed during prayers or requests in the Buddhist tradition.[2] (3) A gesture of reverence indicating respect, commonly used in religious or formal contexts.[3] (4) A gesture made by the Bhikkhu while sitting, indicating respect and the act of declaring their Pavarana.[4] (5) A gesture made by the Bhikkhus during the observance to signify respect and purity.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The gesture of adoration that King Suddhodana performed during court meetings, following tradition.[6]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A gesture made by Bhikkhunis during their confession of faults, symbolizing humility and supplication.[7]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A gesture of respect and reverence, seen when Ashvakin approaches the Exalted One to inquire about his smiling.[8] (2) The gesture made by the king of Kashi as he affectionately spoke to the young elephant, showing his care.[9] (3) The gesture made by both the goatherd and the deva Nyagrodha when expressing their respect and devotion to the Exalted One.[10]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) A gesture of respect and humility often employed in Buddhist ritual and practice.[11] (2) A traditional gesture of respect and devotion used by the Bodhisattvas when expressing their willingness to follow the Buddha’s commands.[12] (3) A gesture of respect and devotion exhibited by the Bodhisattvas towards the Lord in homage.[13]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A traditional gesture of respect and sincerity during offerings and prayers.[14]
Hindu concept of 'Joined hands'
In Hinduism, joined hands symbolize respect, humility, and devotion, frequently expressed during worship, supplication, and ceremonial practices. It signifies reverence towards deities and elders, fostering connections between individuals and their spiritual beliefs.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A gesture indicating respect or supplication, often associated with devotion or prayer.[15] (2) A gesture of respect and reverence used by the characters in their interactions.[16] (3) A gesture of respect and submission, often indicating readiness to serve or obey.[17] (4) A traditional gesture of respect and humility, often used while making a prayer or a request.[18] (5) A gesture signifying respect and reverence, demonstrated by the Pandavas while saluting Vyasa.[19]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) A gesture of respect and surrender, symbolizing reverence towards the divine.[20]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A metaphor for the matrimonial union and commitment made between Shiva and the goddess during the marriage rituals.[21]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A gesture of respect and prayer, representing submission before the divine will.[22]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) This refers to a gesture of prayer or offering during the sacrifice, indicating reverence and humility.[23] (2) The position of the student's hands during certain rituals, symbolizing respect and readiness to receive teachings.[24] (3) A gesture of worship and reverence, indicating the offering of one's devotion and respect to deities, particularly when praying or during rituals.[25] (4) A physical gesture of unity and connection, significant in ceremonial practices.[26] (5) The hands of the woman that are brought together or clasped, significant in the context of a ritual where she receives grain from her brother and during the sacrificial rites.[27]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to the act of bringing palms together; specifically mentioned in the context of drinking water.[28] (2) A physical gesture made during prayers, symbolizing devotion and respect, as instructed in the morning Twilight Prayer.[29] (3) Similar to 'joined palms', this phrase signifies a position of supplication or appeal for mercy.[30] (4) A posture of reverence or prayer that signifies humility and respect during the act of begging.[31] (5) The manner in which the man is instructed to carry his severed body parts while proceeding towards the designated region.[32]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to the bride's position while receiving the roasted grain during the rites.[33] (2) The position of hands brought together, typically indicating a gesture of prayer or offering in the ceremony.[34] (3) A gesture made by the guest when partaking of the ceremony, often to signify respect or devotion.[35] (4) A ceremonial gesture where water is poured into the boy's joined hands by the teacher during the initiation.[36]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) An indication of the posture the student assumes while pouring water.[37] (2) A gesture performed by both the student and the teacher, signifying reverence and the connection during the initiation process.[38] (3) A sign of unity and partnership between the bride and groom, represented through various rituals including the sacrifice without opening the hands.[39] (4) The gesture of placing the hands together, often used during supplication in rituals.[40]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Gesture of offering sacrifice using both hands filled with water.[41] (2) A gesture that represents unity and intention during the ritual, particularly when filled with water by the student and teacher.[42] (3) The position of the bride's hands as her father or brother pours fried grain into them during the ceremony, symbolizing blessings.[43]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A gesture used during the initiation process when the teacher and student come together to perform certain rites.[44] (2) The posture used during the sacrifice, indicating reverence and focus in the ritual.[45] (3) The act of bringing two hands together, symbolizing unity and partnership, as seen when the girl and her brother pour fried grain mixed with Shami leaves.[46]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A gesture made during the ritual that signifies respect and devotion while performing the sacrifice.[47] (2) A gesture performed during the sacrifice, often signifying respect and a plea for blessings.[48] (3) A symbolic gesture representing unity and agreement during a ceremony.[49]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A gesture used in worship and prayer, symbolizing devotion and respect.[50] (2) A gesture made by the boy towards the teacher, symbolizing respect, devotion, and the request for teachings.[51]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A gesture symbolizing a promise or prayer made by an ascetic, particularly in regards to their non-harmful intentions.[52]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A position of hands that is considered inappropriate for drinking; thus, one must avoid this while drinking.[53]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A gesture of respect or prayer, often signifying supplication or humility.[54] (2) A gesture of respect and submission shown by Vasudeva when addressing Narada Ji.[55] (3) A gesture of submission and respect shown by the worshippers towards Krishna.[56] (4) A gesture of respect and reverence shown by Vasudeva Jee when addressing Shri Krishna, symbolizing humility.[57] (5) The gesture made by the Kouruvùs while pleading for mercy from Balarama Ji.[58]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A gesture of reverence and devotion, often representing prayer or meditation.[59]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The gesture of respect or pleading commonly observed between characters, especially during negotiations.[60]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The gesture performed by sages while reciting the hymn, symbolizing unity and participation.[61]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of placing the hands together, known as anjali, performed by the Adhvaryu as part of the sacrificial ritual.[62]
Jain concept of 'Joined hands'
In Jainism, "Joined hands" symbolizes a gesture of offering, representing the act of sharing dreams through gifts like flowers and fruit, emphasizing community and connection in spiritual practice.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A gesture of offering or presenting something, in this case, flowers and fruit, symbolizing the sharing of dreams.[63]
The concept of Joined hands in local and regional sources
"Joined hands" signifies a gesture of respect and humility used by the farmer to respectfully invite Tuka, emphasizing cultural norms of politeness and honor in their interaction.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A gesture of respect and humility used by the farmer when requesting Tuka's presence.[64]