Significance of Khecari

Khecari, according to various traditions, refers to celestial beings or aerial spirits, often associated with divine qualities and supernatural attributes. In Jainism, Khecaris are enchanting entities linked to celestial admiration, forest environments, and royal upbringing. The Purana denotes Khecari as a goddess representing freedom and movement in the sky, which practitioners favor in yoga. In Vedanta, Khecari signifies a spiritual state that transcends ordinary experiences, highlighting its significance in meditative practices and spiritual transcendence.

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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Khecari'

Hinduism Books

Khecari in Hinduism represents a spiritual state linked to transcendence and freedom, depicted as a revered Mudra that enhances yogic practice, symbolizing movement within the sky and achieved through a specific tongue posture.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) This refers to the mudra of vision, where the tongue enters the hole of the skull, and it is associated with freedom from various afflictions.[1] (2) Khecari denotes a spiritual state or being that transcends ordinary experiences, often associated with attaining a deeper level of meditative practice.[2]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)

(1) A posture achieved by reversing and pressing the tongue into the hollow of the head.[3]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Jain concept of 'Khecari'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Khecari signifies celestial beings linked to the chaos of battle, nurturing roles, enchanting entities, and a connection to nature, embodying both grace and divine admiration amidst turbulent circumstances.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Then the two Raghavas, auspicious songs being sung by Khecaris, married properly the girls premised to each one, adding to the joyous occasion.[4] (2) Divine beings or spirits that symbolize movement and freedom, representative of a lively ambiance.[5] (3) Mythological or divine beings presiding over the pleasure-house.[6] (4) Supernatural beings associated with the forest environment, engaging with young deer.[7] (5) Refers to the celestial beings or aerial spirits that were caught in the chaos of the battle.[8]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Khecaris.