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 Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

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.

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The might that had existed in Arjuna's arms seemed to have disappeared when he witnessed the abduction of the Vrishni ladies.[1] (2) A quality associated with the Wind-god, emphasized by Narada, and contrasted with Salmali's perceived weakness.[2] (3) Great power or strength, indicating the capacity to exert influence or force.[3] (4) Might is listed as one of the sins that affects individuals, potentially leading them to covet sovereignty and experience discontent.[4] (5) Strength and power that Arjuna asserts is of the utmost importance, more so than noble descent.[5]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Might is associated with both fate and human action, with Lakshmana asserting that human might can overcome the power of fate, and he is ready to use his strength to protect Rama.[6]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) This is great strength or force. Karttavirya governed the earth with undiminished this.[7]

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) Might is secured through the offering of lion hairs, which also brings the rule of wild beasts. This attribute signifies immense power and strength.[8] (2) Representing the air-world, it embodies strength and power in relation to the sacral themes of the text.[9]

Significance in Vedic Hinduism (also orthodox Brahmanism):
Vedic Hinduism Books

Vedic Hinduism refers to traditional Brahmanism adhering to the vast literature known as Shruti, including the four Vedas, the Brahmanas (interpretation and commentaries) and Upanishads (philosophical discourses) as well as a variety of appendices known as Sutras.

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) Might is another quality requested from the cowpen, signifying a desire for strength and power.[10] (2) Might is a desirable attribute that the ritual aims to bestow upon the participants. The Anuvaka used for consuming dadhigharma asks for might to be placed within the individual.[11]

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

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.

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Superior strength or power possessed by a king, necessary for maintaining authority.[12]

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

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’).

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Referred to by the term बल (bala), representing the strength and power of the army.[13]

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

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).

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(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.[14]

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

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).

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

(1) Might, alongside colour and loveliness, is a significant component of the excellence of the body, indicating its strength.[15]

The concept of Might in local and regional sources
History Books

Might, in this context, signifies a "forceful arrival," implying a demonstration of strength or influence by an unspecified entity within the region.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A forceful arrival is indicated, suggesting a demonstration of strength or influence associated with an unspecified entity.[16]

Classical concept of 'Might'
Various literature Books

Meaning of Might in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) A force associated with the Day and Night, transferred to the deceased through the wines.[17]