Significance of Night time
Night time is a term that holds various significances across different religious perspectives. In Hinduism, it denotes a time associated with the fathers, while Jainism defines it as the period of darkness after sunset. South Asian narratives use night time to describe schemes between a son and his wife against his mother. Vaishnavism highlights night time as a moment filled with uncertainty and specific ritual activities, while Purana views it favorably for sexual acts. Additionally, various texts outline prohibitions and specific actions to be undertaken during this time, emphasizing its cultural and ritualistic relevance across traditions.
Synonyms: Evening, Nighttime, Dusk, Twilight, Nightfall, Darkness, Wee hours, Late hours, Night
In Dutch: Nachttijd; In Finnish: Yön aika; In Spanish: Hora de la noche
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Night time'
In Buddhism, night time symbolizes the contrast between darkness and enlightenment, reflecting potential laziness and the threat of spiritual decline, while also serving as a reminder of the constant presence of higher spiritual beings.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The period of darkness when the moon shines, serving as a contrast to the daytime brightness of the sun.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The period during which the deva threatens to return, suggesting the monk's laziness is undesirable.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Night time'
In Hinduism, nighttime symbolizes uncertainty and rituals, with specific prohibitions on food and actions. It represents a time for spiritual activities, personal reflection, and the nurturing of familial bonds, while being intrinsically linked to darkness and introspection.
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The specific time when certain actions of the ritual, such as the crushing of the plant, should take place.[3]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The period during which specific actions such as bathing are prohibited as part of the Snataka's observances.[4]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The period during which specific prohibitions, like eating certain foods and sleeping naked, are enforced.[5]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The period when certain mantras are pronounced with specific intentions related to gain.[6]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The period of darkness between sunset and sunrise when visibility is low.[7]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The time when the event occurred, specifically after dark.[8]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The period during which Yashoda experiences the events described, emphasizing the dreamlike quality of her vision.[9]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The period during which Shrila Gurudeva arrived at Navadvipa, encountering darkness and uncertainty.[10]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The time when Nanda, ignorant of the dangers, entered the waters of the Yamuna.[11]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The appropriated time for sexual acts according to the wise persons in the text, viewed favorably over daytime.[12]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The night represents the fathers.[13]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The period during which one should also avoid eating before a certain time, as per digestive health guidelines.[14]
Jain concept of 'Night time'
In Jainism, Night time represents the four paurushi, a significant period of darkness following sunset, symbolizing a time of introspection and spiritual reflection.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Also consists of four paurushi, the period of darkness following sunset.[15]
The concept of Night time in local and regional sources
Night time signifies a pivotal moment in the narrative, marking the scheduled plotting period of the son and his wife against the mother, highlighting intrigue and potential conflict within their familial relationship.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The time when the son and his wife planned to carry out their plot against the mother.[16]
The concept of Night time in scientific sources
Night time is defined as a specific period (Nishi) for administering drugs, particularly beneficial for treating conditions affecting the supraclavicular region and enhancing certain therapeutic effects.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) A specific time (Nishi) for drug administration, particularly useful for diseases affecting the supraclavicular region and certain therapeutic actions.[17]