Significance of Might

Might in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations across different texts and traditions. In general, it signifies strength and power. In Vaishnavism, it is represented by the term बल (bala), highlighting the power of an army. Puranic texts emphasize Arjuna's belief that might is more critical than noble birth. Vedanta discusses the limitations of might in relation to influence, while Dharmashastra asserts that a king's superior strength is essential for maintaining authority. Overall, might is a central theme linking power and influence in Hindu philosophical thought.1
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Synonyms: May, Can, Strength, Power, Force, Vigor, Energy, Capability

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

Hindu concept of 'Might'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Might" encompasses superior strength necessary for a ruler, the inherent power of beings, the symbolic representation of air-world strength, prioritization of power over noble lineage, and the military strength denoted by the term बल (bala).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

(1) Superior strength or power possessed by a king, necessary for maintaining authority.[1]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

(1) Referred to by the term बल (bala), representing the strength and power of the army.[2]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) Strength and power that Arjuna asserts is of the utmost importance, more so than noble descent.[3]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

(1) Representing the air-world, it embodies strength and power in relation to the sacral themes of the text.[4]

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

(1) The might represents the power and influence attributed to the beings in question, with limitations discussed in the context of the person in the sun and the eye.[5]

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).