Significance of Nara and Narayana
Nara and Narayana are significant figures in Vaishnavism, representing the duality of humanity and divinity. Nara, a mortal, aspires to the divine qualities of Narayana, a representation of Vishnu. They are revered sages renowned for their penance and spiritual teachings, associated with Badarikashrama and often depicted as divine beings engaged in preserving dharma. Their narrative encompasses themes of righteousness and the cosmic principles that guide the cycle of creation and destruction, illustrated through figures like Krishna and Arjuna.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Nara and Narayana'
Nara and Narayana, revered in Hinduism as divine beings and ascetics, symbolize the interplay of humanity and divinity while embodying righteousness through their incarnations as Krishna and Arjuna, and significant roles in spiritual narratives.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Nara and Narayana are revered figures or Rishis embodying spiritual ideals, known for their commitment to penance and self-realization.[1] (2) Divine figures often referred to as embodiments of cosmic principles, representing the dual concepts of humanity and divinity.[2] (3) Foremost ascetics residing in a delightful retreat, engaged in severe austerities.[3] (4) Titles of Krishna and Arjuna referring to their divine heritage and significance in the narrative.[4] (5) Mythical figures representing divine forces whose anger contributes to the unsettling atmosphere described.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Sages associated with Badari, known for their penance and spiritual teachings.[6] (2) Sages of noble souls who attained victory in the battle between Devas and Danavas after performing penance at Yojaneshvara Tirtha.[7] (3) Two divine figures who intervene to stop the stealing of Nectar by the Danavas.[8] (4) Deities present at the holy place who confer great blessings upon their devotees.[9] (5) Symbolic figures in divine narratives, representing human challenges and the quest for redemption.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The sons of Dharma who are part of the Karmic cycle, representing incarnations linked to divine principles.[11] (2) The two ancient Munis mentioned as part incarnations of Vishnu, who undertook severe penances for the benefit of the world.[12]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Distinct forms of Vishnu, celebrated in Hindu scripture, denoting divine incarnations that play vital roles in mythological narratives.[13]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The two significant divine beings whom Narada sought to meet and who embody the essence of spirituality.[14] (2) Two aspects of the divine involved in the narrative, representing the interplay between the devotee and the Lord.[15] (3) Celebrated ascetics who performed the highest austerities and are noted for their roles in narratives related to divine figures.[16] (4) Represents the duality of human existence and divine nature, often associated with the divine purpose of sustaining dharma.[17]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Described as the sons of Vishnu, they are figures in the Bhagavata tradition associated with disseminating the teachings originally imparted by Vishnu.[18]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Nara and Narayana are references to important figures in the context, with Nara being a mortal who aspires to the divine qualities of Narayana.[19]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Deities consecrated in the mandiras, representing important figures in the Svaminarayana tradition.[20]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Images of Hindu deities positioned to the right of the idol in the principal temple of Badarinatha.[21]