Significance of Nimittakarana

Nimittakarana is a term with varied interpretations across different philosophical traditions. In Jainism, it signifies an instrumental cause essential for effects to manifest. In Vastushastra, it pertains to the operational aspects of Yantras. Vaishnavism views it as the efficient cause in creation, while Vyakarana connects it to universal contributions and the significance of time. In Vedanta, it highlights the instrumental role of the Supreme Lord in creation, particularly emphasizing Atman and the concept of illusion. Lastly, Shaivism distinguishes it as the efficient cause of the world.

Synonyms: Cause, Reason, Ground, Motive

In Dutch: Nimittakarana; In German: Nimittakarana; In Finnish: Nimittakarana; In Spanish: Nimittakarana

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

Hindu concept of 'Nimittakarana'

Hinduism Books

Nimittakarana in Hinduism signifies the instrumental or efficient cause in creation, emphasizing the Supreme Lord's role, particularly Lord Shiva, in the universe's existence and the relationship between the universal and particular aspects of creation.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The efficient cause in the process of creation, illustrating the relationship between different aspects of the Supreme Lord's identity.[1]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) The instrumental or secondary cause that supports practices but is less critical than the primary cause.[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 Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) Refers to the efficient cause, signifying that traditionally this would involve an external agent, but in this context, there is none apart from Ishvara.[3]

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)

(1) Nimitta Karana refers to the instrumental cause of the universe, highlighting the role of Atman in the creation process despite it being fundamentally illusory.[4]

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).

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A term that refers to the efficient cause of effects, specifically relating to how time plays a crucial role in bringing about results.[5] (2) In Vaisheshika terminology, nimittakarana refers to the universal as a contributing cause in the production of the particular.[6]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) The instrumental cause that contributes to the operation of Yantras; relates to the operational elements.[7]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.