Significance of King of Kings
The term King of Kings serves as a significant title across various religious and cultural contexts, denoting supreme authority over other rulers. In Jainism, it highlights the responsibilities and virtues of a sovereign. In Vaishnavism, it signifies the ultimate supremacy of figures like Krishna and Kamsa among monarchs. Puranic texts also emphasize this authority, especially in reference to Yudhishthira and other revered kings. Overall, King of Kings encapsulates a ruler’s exalted status and absolute power across different narratives.
Synonyms: Sovereign, Ruler, Monarch, Supreme leader, Emperor, Lord of lords, Supreme ruler, Emperor of emperors, Overlord
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'King of Kings'
In Buddhism, "King of Kings" symbolizes authoritative rulership and challenges, reflecting the Buddha's teachings. It denotes ultimate power linked to greed and desire, and is also a title for Mandhata, representing his extensive dominion.
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A title held by Mandhata, indicating his supremacy and vast rule over various territories.[1] (2) A title that reflects the highest authority, representing ultimate power often associated with greed and desire.[2]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A metaphorical reference used to express authority and the challenges of ruling, symbolizing the Buddha's teaching approach.[3]
Hindu concept of 'King of Kings'
In Hinduism, "King of Kings" represents supreme authority and virtue, referring to notable figures like Santanu, Yudhishthira, and Vishnu, emphasizing their political power, respect, and leadership above other rulers throughout the scriptures.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An honorific title that reflects the high status and reverence held by Sagara among rulers.[4] (2) A title ascribed to Yudhishthira, emphasizing his superiority and righteousness among rulers.[5] (3) A title used to address Jarasandha, emphasizing his high status and authority.[6] (4) A term of respect used by Ashtaka when addressing Yayati, indicating his high status among rulers.[7] (5) A title indicating supreme sovereignty and dominion over all other monarchs, affirming a king's elevated status in the hierarchy.[8]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) A respectful title used by Shrikrishna to address Yudhishthira, acknowledging his royal status.[9] (2) Acknowledgment of Dasharatha, Bharata's father, as a powerful ruler.[10] (3) A grand title for Prithu highlighting his supreme status over other rulers.[11] (4) This title refers to Rama as a supreme ruler, denoting his authority and majesty over all others.[12] (5) A term used in the text to denote Pushpavahana's eventual status due to his righteous acts and penance.[13]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) A title that underscores Prithu's sovereignty and authority as a ruler who is responsible for the wellbeing of his subjects.[14] (2) The phrase is used to address the king with respect throughout the text.[15] (3) A title representing ultimate authority among rulers, denoting Prithu's unmatched status.[16] (4) A title for Prithu emphasizing his sovereignty over all rulers.[17] (5) A title used to honor the protagonist, suggesting his high status among rulers, who is praised for his devoutness.[18]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) A title addressing the listener, emphasizing authority and significance.[19] (2) A title indicating supreme authority and wealth, here referred to Pharaoh Rajaraja.[20] (3) A title for Jitendriya, symbolizing his nobility and status among rulers, who survived through severe austerities.[21] (4) An epithet illustrating King Shveta's high status amongst rulers, representing the ultimate ideal of kingship aligned with divine virtues.[22]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A title referring to Rama, emphasizing his royal status and leadership among the monkeys.[23] (2) A title used to honor Bali, signifying his high status and authority among kings.[24] (3) A title used by Vishvamitra in addressing his sons, implying his authoritative status and the seriousness of their situation.[25] (4) Title used by Sugriva to denote Rama's authority and power.[26]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A prosperous emperor born in the Solar dynasty, who had two beautiful wives.[27] (2) A title referring to a ruler with the highest authority among kings or monarchs.[28] (3) An epithet used for Nahusha, emphasizing his power and status among kings.[29] (4) A revered title given to a powerful deity, emphasizing strength and authority over all other kings.[30]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A title denoting a ruler with authority over other kings, emphasizing superiority in rank.[31] (2) Vaishravana, designated as the ruler among all kings.[32]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) A title suggesting that Karandhama is a preeminent ruler among many kings.[33] (2) A title that suggests a ruler who is supreme over other kings, indicating high authority and respect.[34]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) Vaishravana, holding dominion over Yakshas and wealth.[35] (2) The exalted title earned by the moon after being crowned for his brilliance and refulgence.[36]
From: The Anugita
(1) Vishnu is termed the king of kings over all beings.[37]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A title attributed to Dasaratha, symbolizing his authoritative status among rulers.[38]
From: The Vishnu Purana
(1) A title attributed to Ugrasena, emphasizing his supreme authority among rulers.[39]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) Alludes to the ruler's role in maintaining duty and welfare, here related to giving away his daughter for the greater good.[40]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) The title given to a sovereign who surpasses all other rulers in power and might.[41]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A title bestowed upon a ruler, addressing a person of great authority and influence.[42] (2) King of kings is an honorific title used to address a person of high status or authority, indicating their supreme position among rulers.[43] (3) A title addressing a ruler, specifically used here to reference the authority of Nripeshvara amidst the event.[44] (4) A title used to refer to the audience in the text, indicating respect and authority.[45] (5) A title used to address Lord Krishna, highlighting his supreme authority and status among rulers.[46]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A designation for Krishna, emphasizing His supreme authority and status among rulers.[47] (2) A title denoting a supreme ruler whose installation is honored through special ceremonies, highlighting the significance of authority.[48] (3) A title signifying Krishna as the supreme ruler above all other divine entities, including Brahma and Shiva.[49] (4) A title that denotes supreme authority, used here to illustrate the demands made by the Lord, despite the appearance of poverty.[50] (5) A title used for Lord Vishvambhara, indicating his supreme authority and status.[51]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A title denoting ultimate sovereignty and authority over all rulers.[52] (2) A title signifying a ruler's supreme authority above others, often associated with divine sanction.[53] (3) A title representing the highest authority and supremacy of Shri Raghunatha, indicating His divine status.[54] (4) An honorific title used to address Ugrasena, emphasizing his supreme status among kings.[55]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) An ultimate title signifying great authority and power over many kingdoms.[56]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A title that expresses the majesty of the King of Vatsa after his marriage to Vasavadatta and through the gifts received.[57] (2) A potential state predicted for the prince if he survives the foretold dangers.[58]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A title denoting a ruler who is sovereign over other kings.[59] (2) A title indicating a ruler who holds supremacy over other monarchs, often associated with great power and authority.[60]
Jain concept of 'King of Kings'
In Jainism, "King of Kings" symbolizes the supreme ruler's authority and responsibilities, emphasizes his virtues, and illustrates a protector role, akin to a king safeguarding his subjects like his own children.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The ruler or sovereign who holds a preeminent position among kings, highlighting the king's authority and virtues in the story.[61] (2) A reference to the supreme ruler, emphasizing authority and respect, underscoring the weight of his responsibilities and eventual vulnerability.[62] (3) Refers to the Lord who became king to guard his subjects like his own children.[63]
The concept of 'King of Kings' in local and regional sources
The phrase "King of Kings" signifies supreme divine authority, emphasizes rulership, and addresses figures of inflated pride who lack genuine understanding of spiritual matters, such as Pandhari. This title encapsulates both power and misconception.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A title the king holds, emphasizing his rulership and authority in the kingdom.[64] (2) A title used to address a figure of great pride who boasts of divinity without true understanding or experience of Pandhari.[65] (3) A title that reflects the supreme authority and revered status of the divine figure being discussed.[66]