Significance of Lotus-eye
Lotus-eye is a key term found in various philosophical and religious contexts such as Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Kavya, and Vedanta. It serves as a poetic and metaphorical descriptor highlighting beauty and divinity, often likening eyes to lotus flowers, symbolizing purity, grace, and emotional depth. Notable references include the eyes of deities like Krishna and Radha, the divine qualities of figures such as Rama and Vishnu, and the captivating traits of characters like Damayanti. Overall, Lotus-eye encapsulates the essence of beauty and captivating vision associated with the divine.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Lotus-eye'
In Hinduism, "Lotus-eye" denotes beauty and divine qualities, often describing the enchanting eyes of deities like Krishna and Vishnu. It symbolizes purity, grace, and emotional depth, likening the eyes to blooming lotus flowers.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Referring to the Lord who is described as having large and beautiful eyes, symbolizing attractiveness and divinity.[1] (2) Refers to the beauty and charm associated with the Lord, emphasizing His divine and appealing appearance.[2] (3) Referring to the Lord's kind and large eyes, symbolizing grace and compassion.[3] (4) Describes the Lord's eyes, admired for their broadness and beauty, serving as a symbol of divine love and charm.[4] (5) Descriptive of the Lord's eyes which are captivating and have the power to charm onlookers, leading to admiration.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An epithet for Lord Vishnu, describing His beautiful eyes, which resemble the lotus flower.[6] (2) Describes someone with beautiful eyes, as in 'lotus-eyed'.[7] (3) A metaphorical phrase describing beautiful eyes that resemble the elegance of a lotus flower.[8] (4) A metaphorical reference to the eyes of the divine, symbolizing beauty and compassion.[9] (5) A descriptor for the divine beings, specifically highlighting Their beautiful and serene appearance, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.[10]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Describes the Mahaprabhu with eyes that resemble lotuses, indicating beauty and depth.[11] (2) A descriptive phrase that emphasizes the beauty and tenderness of the Lord's eyes, metaphorically comparing them to a lotus flower.[12] (3) The eyes of the Lord, which are referred to as 'lotus', indicating a deep sense of compassion and beauty, through which tears flowed.[13] (4) A term describing the character's eyes, suggesting beauty and a spiritually significant gaze that has the power to eliminate sins.[14] (5) A poetic description of His eyes, likened to the beauty of a lotus flower.[15]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An affectionate descriptor for Radha, highlighting her beauty and grace through the metaphor of lotus-like eyes.[16] (2) A poetic description of the Supreme Lord, emphasizing beauty and divinity.[17] (3) A metaphor describing the calm, serene, and beautiful qualities of the atma's vision and perception.[18] (4) A metaphorical expression used to describe the beautiful and expressive eyes of a friend, notably associated with tears in this context.[19] (5) A metaphor describing the beauty of the queen's eyes, evoking an image of grace and allure.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) His eyes resembled fully-blossomed lotuses, enhancing their gracefulness.[21] (2) Large, beautiful eyes that resemble the structure and elegance of a lotus flower, enhancing the attractiveness of Purushottama-deva's face.[22] (3) The eyes of Shri Krishna described as soft and beautiful, symbolizing purity and divine vision.[23]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A description of Shri Krishna's beautiful eyes, symbolizing purity and divine insight.[24] (2) A physical description of Krishna, illustrating his divine beauty.[25] (3) A description of Lord Krishna's form, showcasing his divine attributes when he manifested himself during the poojah of Govardhana.[26]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The divine and enchanting appearance of God Sri Hari that captivated Dhruva.[27] (2) A metaphorical expression to describe the Lord's eyes, denoting beauty, depth, and signifying a compassionate gaze.[28]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A term used as a compliment to Krishna, symbolizing beauty and divine qualities.[29] (2) A metaphorical description indicating beauty and grace, often used to refer to female characters in the text.[30] (3) A term describing Prabhavati's eyes, emphasizing their beauty and allure.[31] (4) A poetic descriptor of Krishna, symbolizing beauty and grace.[32] (5) A phrase used to describe Lord Vishnu, highlighting his divine beauty and allure.[33]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A description of Vishnu, referencing his captivating physical traits and signifying beauty and divinity.[34] (2) A description of Subhadra, emphasizing her beauty and grace as she becomes a wife to Arjuna.[35] (3) A descriptive phrase commonly used in ancient texts to refer to someone with beautiful eyes, often associated with divine qualities.[36] (4) A poetic description indicating beauty and charm, used to refer to the child.[37] (5) A poetic description of Krishna's eyes, symbolizing beauty and divinity.[38]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A metaphorical name for Vishnu, reflecting his divine beauty and qualities, and connected to the offering of a lotus in worship.[39] (2) A description often used for deities, notably Vishnu, emphasizing beauty and divine vision.[40] (3) A term used to describe someone with beautiful and captivating eyes, now associated with divine beauty.[41] (4) A metaphorical description of the Goddess, emphasizing her beauty and divine qualities.[42] (5) A term used to describe Lord Vishnu, indicating his beautiful eyes resembling lotuses, symbolizing enlightenment.[43]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A poetic description often used for divine beings, indicating beauty and purity.[44] (2) An expression that refers to the beauty and divine nature of Rama.[45] (3) A descriptor of Vishnu, symbolizing beauty, serenity, and divine vision.[46] (4) A description of Vishnu, highlighting his beauty and grace.[47] (5) A common epithet for Krishna that signifies beauty and divine grace.[48]
From: Agni Purana
(1) An epithet referring to Lord Vishnu, used in the prayer of a devotee who is partaking in food after fasting.[49] (2) A description of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing beauty and auspiciousness, often associated with divine grace.[50] (3) A metaphorical phrase evoking the beauty and grace of the goddess Gauri, symbolized by lotus flowers.[51] (4) Pushkaraksha, or 'lotus-eyed', is a name that is used to cure eye-disease.[52] (5) A metaphorical reference to the goddess, symbolizing beauty, purity, and divine vision.[53]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A description of Maharshi Cyavana, symbolizing beauty and divinity that is restored to him by the Ashvins.[54] (2) A descriptive title used for the Bhagavan, highlighting his beauty and divine nature.[55] (3) A poetic descriptor often used for Ekavali, symbolizing beauty and grace.[56] (4) An epithet for the Goddess often used to denote beauty, grace, and divine perception.[57]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A term of endearment referring to the beautiful eyes of the Lord, symbolizing divine vision.[58] (2) A term used to describe Krishna, symbolizing beauty and charm, highlighting his divine qualities.[59] (3) A phrase describing Lord Krishna as he closes his eyes in meditation (samadhi) to avoid distractions from the gods.[60] (4) A descriptor for Krishna, indicating his divine nature and beauty.[61]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A description of Shiva's eyes, symbolizing purity and divine sight.[62] (2) Referring to Vishnu, depicting his divine beauty and virtue.[63] (3) A description of Bhaga's eyes, emphasizing beauty and vulnerability as they were attacked.[64]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A figurative description of someone's eyes, implying beauty and gentleness, which were closed in sleep.[65] (2) Descriptive metaphor indicating the purity and beauty of Rama's vision and insight, suggesting clarity of perception.[66]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A descriptor of deities having eyes that resemble the lotus flower, symbolizing purity and beauty.[67] (2) A term used to describe Vishnu, symbolizing beauty and purity.[68]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A metaphorical description of a deity, often denoting beauty and tranquility.[69] (2) A poetic description of Vishnu's appearance, highlighting his beauty and divine nature.[70]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A description of Krishna, reflecting his beauty and divine nature, as he stands unharmed after defeating Keshin.[71] (2) A term of endearment and reverence used for Narayana, highlighting his beautiful and benevolent appearance.[72]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A term of endearment often used to describe the beauty of Uma, comparing her eyes to lotuses.[73] (2) An epithet for Lord Vishnu, signifying beauty and purity, often associated with divine forms in Hindu scriptures.[74]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A metaphorical description of Rama's eyes, symbolizing beauty and grace.[75]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) An alluring feature attributed to Damayanti, symbolizing her captivating beauty and the admiration she incites.[76] (2) A poetic description of Damayanti, emphasizing her beauty and charm.[77] (3) Describes the princess's eyes, evoking a sense of beauty and purity, reminiscent of a lotus flower.[78]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) A poetic comparison of the eyes of Sthanvishvara's ladies, suggesting beauty and delicacy.[79]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A term of endearment used to describe someone who is beautiful and captivating, often evoking a sense of devotion.[80]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A reverential term used to address the deity, symbolizing beauty and divinity.[81]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A descriptor for the divine, indicating beauty and grace, attributed to Brahmanya.[82]
Jain concept of 'Lotus-eye'
In Jainism, the term "Lotus-eye" symbolizes beauty and tranquility, metaphorically describing the captivating eyes of various figures, including Aryaputra, Marudeva, Siddhartha, and others, emphasizing their grace, purity, and aesthetic appeal.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A poetic description of Queen Sutara’s eyes, emphasizing her beauty and grace.[83] (2) A metaphor describing the king's beauty, likening his eyes to blooming lotus flowers.[84] (3) A poetic description of Sanatkumara's eyes, which are likely seen as beautiful and fragrant.[85] (4) A poetic description of Aryaputra's eyes, emphasizing their beauty and tranquility before and after the battle.[86] (5) A term used to describe the beauty and affection of the maidens as they looked at Ravana.[87]
The concept of Lotus-eye in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Lotus-eye" symbolizes beauty, purity, and divine characteristics, particularly in relation to Krishna. It describes His compassionate vision and mesmerizing eyes, reflecting deep devotion and admiration from His devotees and poets like Mirabai.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A phrase describing someone whose eyes are beautiful and expressive, often associated with tears of devotion or longing.[88] (2) A metaphor describing Krishna's compassionate and divine vision that brings joy to His devotees.[89] (3) A poetic expression referring to one's vision or perception, particularly in relation to beauty and holiness.[90] (4) A poetic description of the divine figure's beautiful eyes, symbolizing purity and grace.[91] (5) A poetic description of Krishna’s eyes, which symbolize beauty and divine qualities that mesmerize His devotees.[92]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A poetic reference to a divine figure, often used in Indian literature to describe beauty and purity.[93] (2) A phrase that describes the beauty and divine characteristics of the Lord, often associated with feelings of devotion and reverence.[94] (3) The title of one of Nirmala's stories, potentially reflecting her inner thoughts and feelings towards beauty and love.[95] (4) A metaphorical expression describing the interest or attraction, highlighting the beauty and innocence associated with the lotus.[96] (5) Metaphorical representation of lakes reflecting beauty and life, welcoming the sun.[97]