Significance of Lord of All
The keyphrase "Lord of All" encompasses a profound concept within various spiritual traditions, where it signifies supreme authority and governance over all existence. In Jainism, it represents the ultimate Supreme Lord, emphasizing loyalty and authority. In Vaishnavism, it refers to divine figures like Vishnu and Gaurasundara, highlighting their dominion over the universe. Similarly, in Purana and Vedanta, it depicts powerful deities such as Shiva and Brahman, expressing their mastery and transcendent nature. Overall, "Lord of All" reflects the highest spiritual authority recognized in these traditions.
Synonyms: Sovereign, Ruler of all, Master of the universe, Supreme being, Almighty, Overlord, Emperor, Creator, King of kings, Supreme ruler, Omnipotent, Master, Monarch
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Lord of All'
In Hinduism, "Lord of All" denotes a supreme being, often associated with deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Gauracandra, exemplifying ultimate authority, control over existence, and transcendence beyond all beings and cosmic forces.
From: Shiva Purana
(1) An epithet for Shiva, emphasizing his supreme status and authority.[1] (2) A title for Shiva, who is regarded as the ultimate authority and protector across all realms.[2] (3) A title indicating Shiva's supremacy over all beings and elements in the universe.[3] (4) Referring to Shiva, emphasizing his omnipotence and the pivotal role he plays in the cosmos.[4] (5) A title for Shiva, emphasizing his supreme status and authority over the universe.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to Hari, whom Vyasa emphasizes as the ultimate deity.[6] (2) Refers to the supreme being who governs all existence, receiving homage from devotees in the prayers.[7] (3) A title that signifies the supremacy of Vishnu over all beings and deities in the universe.[8] (4) A title for Narayana, acknowledging his sovereignty over all beings and elements within the universe.[9] (5) A title referring to the supreme divine being worshipped by the Guardians of the worlds.[10]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the Great Soul, depicting the supreme authority and control over the universe and all living beings.[11] (2) Refers to the supreme authority or god who holds dominion over all beings and creatures in the universe.[12] (3) A title attributed to Vishnu, emphasizing his supreme authority and control over the universe and all its entities.[13] (4) A title that emphasizes Krishna's supreme authority and divinity in the cosmic order.[14] (5) A phrase used by Sukra referring to his divine stature being recognized as respected and adored by all beings.[15]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A title or status granted to a character, signifying supreme authority and power over the universe.[16] (2) A title for Shiva that underscores his supreme and tranquil nature, devoid of desires and attachments, embodying the essence of calmness.[17] (3) A title attributed to Vishnu, acknowledging His supreme authority over the universe.[18] (4) A title for Bhagavan, emphasizing His supreme power and authority over everything.[19]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Vishnu, who is regarded as the supreme god and purifier.[20] (2) Title given to Prithu after he was consecrated by the brahmanas and received a boon from Vishnu.[21] (3) Refers to Jalandhara's claim of becoming the ultimate ruler by defeating divine beings.[22] (4) Denotes a deity or divine figure considered the ruler or overseer of all that exists.[23]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Affirms Vishnu's supremacy and his relationship with all creation and deities.[24] (2) A title referring to Vishnu, who is recognized as the destroyer of sins.[25]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A title given to Rama, who is revered for his many virtues including wisdom, valor, and a commitment to justice.[26]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A title for a supreme deity, signifying authority and dominion over all beings.[27]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A title signifying the supreme nature of the sun over all celestial beings.[28]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Refers to the sun as the supreme deity, encompassing all beings, including Devas and humans.[29]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Maheshvara, depicted as the all-encompassing supreme deity.[30]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A metaphor for ultimate spiritual authority and mastery over one’s mind and desires.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A term designating the supreme authority and ruler over everything; embodies mastery and protection.[32] (2) The title 'Lord of all' signifies the highest authority over all things, reinforcing Brahman's position as the supreme protector.[33] (3) Title that signifies the supreme power and protective role of the highest Person over all beings.[34] (4) A description emphasizing Brahman's dominion and authority over everything in existence.[35] (5) A designation for the highest Self that emphasizes its supreme authority and control over all beings and realities.[36]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) An assertion of supremacy and guardianship over all creatures and forms of life.[37] (2) Refers to Paramesvara, indicating a supreme deity who governs everything.[38] (3) Describes Prana as the governing power over all that exists, signifying its dominance in the universe.[39]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The Supreme Being who has authority and knowledge over all existence.[40] (2) A title describing the supreme authority attributed to Hari, relevant throughout the definitions.[41]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Denotes the supreme authority and encompassing nature of the Atma, as it exists beyond all forms.[42] (2) The supreme being or entity that rules over all existence.[43]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A reference to Brahman as the supreme controller and authority over all entities and natural forces.[44] (2) Refers to the supreme being or controller that oversees and permeates all existence.[45]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Brahman is described as the supreme ruler, governing everything in existence, indicating his omnipotence and overarching presence.[46]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Refers to the ultimate divine entity who is the source of everything in the universe, embodying omniscience and control over all beings.[47]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A reference to the supreme being or divine essence that is the source of all light and illumination in the universe.[48]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Refers to a divine being who transcends all, holding dominion and power over other deities and spirits.[49]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A reference to a divine being or authority who oversees and governs all living entities.[50] (2) A phrase indicating the supreme status of the figure being referred to.[51] (3) The phrase 'Lord of all' indicates the Supreme Lord's dominion and authority over everything and everyone in existence.[52] (4) A title referring to the Lord, indicating His supreme authority and divinity above all beings.[53] (5) This phrase emphasizes the belief that Gaurachandra holds the ultimate authority over all beings and spiritual practices.[54]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A title denoting the ultimate authority or supreme being who embodies all powers and transformations.[55] (2) A divine entity that, after creating many different things, proceeds to sleep.[56]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Refers to the higher divine being that is worshiped by devotees and represents ultimate truth and reality.[57]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) An exaltation of Vayu, indicating its importance as a sustaining force for both life and the universe.[58]
Jain concept of 'Lord of All'
In Jainism, "Lord of All" symbolizes the supreme being with ultimate authority, reflecting deep spiritual respect and unwavering loyalty, underscoring the unique position of this deity as irreplaceable.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A metaphorical reference to the supreme being or deity, embodying ultimate authority and respect in the spiritual hierarchy.[59] (2) Represents the Supreme Lord whom they refuse to replace with any other, emphasizing loyalty.[60]
The concept of Lord of All in local and regional sources
Lord of All signifies supreme status over all beings, emphasizing Krishna's unparalleled authority and dominance in existence. This title highlights Krishna's transcendence and universal sovereignty as a divine entity in regional beliefs.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A title that signifies a supreme status over all beings and entities in existence.[61] (2) A title that emphasizes Krishna's supremacy over all beings.[62]