Significance of Ocean of love
The Ocean of love serves as a powerful metaphor across various traditions, representing profound and expansive devotion and affection. In Vaishnavism, it symbolizes the ecstatic love experienced by Mahaprabhu and his followers, indicating boundless devotion for Krishna. Similarly, in Puranic texts, it reflects deep emotional bonds, particularly between deities like Shiva and Parvati. Furthermore, in Kavya, it highlights Krishna's compassion towards his devotees. Across these interpretations, the Ocean of love encapsulates an immense and overwhelming abundance of divine affection.
Synonyms: Vastness of devotion, Boundless love, Immense love, Infinite love, Limitless love
In Dutch: Oceaan van liefde; In Finnish: Rakkauden valtameri
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Ocean of love'
In Hinduism, "Ocean of love" is a metaphor signifying the profound, boundless devotion towards deities like Krishna and Mahaprabhu, illustrating deep emotional connections, ecstatic experiences, and the immense capacity for love among various figures.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A vast and overwhelming abundance of divine love.[1] (2) A metaphor describing Pundarika's abundant and profound capacity for love, suggesting depth and vastness.[2] (3) A metaphor describing the profound ecstatic love experienced by Mahaprabhu and his followers throughout their journey.[3] (4) A metaphor representing the vast and deep nature of devotion and love for Krishna, indicating its boundless and profound essence.[4] (5) A metaphorical term describing the profound and expansive nature of love for God that one experiences by hearing about Lord Caitanya's journey.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A metaphor illustrating the immense and growing nature of the Nayaki’s feelings for the Lord, initially described as the size of the ocean and continuing to expand beyond it.[6]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A metaphorical expression denoting an infinite and deep expanse of love embodied in Krishna’s presence.[7]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A poetic metaphor referencing the deep emotional bond and love between Shiva and Parvati.[8]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Metaphorically depicts Prabhavati’s feelings for Kama, signifying the depth and expansiveness of her love.[9]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A metaphor representing the vastness and depth of Damayanti's feelings for Nala, illustrating the richness of her emotional experience.[10]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A metaphor illustrating Krishna's vast depth of compassion and affection towards the ladies and his friends.[11]
The concept of Ocean of love in local and regional sources
The "Ocean of love" symbolizes deep, limitless affection, particularly in spiritual contexts, reflecting Siva’s immense compassion for his devotees, emphasizing the connection between divine love and human emotion.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A vast and profound depth of affection that the speaker claims to possess.[12] (2) A characterization of Siva that emphasizes his boundless compassion and tenderness towards his devotees.[13] (3) A metaphorical expression depicting profound and boundless love, particularly in the context of spirituality.[14]