Significance of Only sons
The term "Only son" has various interpretations across different contexts. In Buddhism and South Asian traditions, it signifies the sole male child, highlighting emotional significance and concerns of family legacy. The Arthashastra describes him as the crucial heir with associated risks. In Vaishnavism and Purana, it emphasizes the emotional burdens of mothers and important narratives of lineage. Kavya reflects on loss, while Dharmashastra outlines inheritance implications. Overall, "Only son" consistently represents the sole male child, embodying family value and responsibilities.
Synonyms: Only child, Single son, Lone son
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Only sons'
In Buddhism, "Only son" signifies the cherished sole child of King Brahmadatta, embodying qualities akin to his father, highlighting themes of familial devotion and the spiritual bond between parent and child.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The sole child of King Brahmadatta, who was cherished and similar in nature to his father.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Only sons'
In Hinduism, "Only son" represents a cherished child, essential for legacy and familial continuity, influencing inheritance, emotional dynamics, and spiritual significance, as seen in various stories and traditions across the culture.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The sole child of King Viradyumna, indicating his significant emotional value to the king.[2] (2) The sole offspring of Dyumatsena who grew up in the hermitage after his father's fall from power.[3]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to Bhisma, king Shantanu's sole heir, whose life and future are of utmost importance to the king.[4]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Refers to Vasudeva's feelings of longing for his firstborn son, indicating his emotional state.[5]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A son who inherits the entire estate of his father if he belongs to a twice-born caste (Brahmana, Kshatriya, or Vaishya).[6] (2) The sole male child in a family, whose adoption is restricted to prevent the extinction of his line, affecting decisions on inheritance and familial roles.[7]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A single male child that should not be given or received in adoption unless certain conditions are met.[8]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A wish expressed during the ceremony, denoting the desire for male offspring.[9]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The cherished child of Yajnasoma, emblematic of familial love and loss, who died unexpectedly at a young age.[10] (2) The singular heir to King Gudhasena, whose behavior is accepted by his father.[11]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Indicates that the son is the sole child of his mother, intensifying her worry about him.[12]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The sole heir of a family, crucial for legacy but poses risks if entrusted as a hostage.[13]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) This is a term emphasizing that the sage Kaushitaki's sole child is the outcome of his singular worship practice.[14]
The concept of Only sons in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Only son" refers to the sole male offspring in various contexts, highlighting themes of lineage, responsibility, and the father-son relationship, especially within royal families and the burdens of expectation and legacy.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The single child of the Raja, emphasizing the importance of the heir in the royal family.[15] (2) The sole child of a widow who tends sheep and goats for a Raja.[16] (3) The sole child of the Raja, who receives his father's final advice.[17] (4) The only male child of the Raja, who received an education at school.[18] (5) Kara was the lone child of the Raja, emphasizing the Raja's devotion and hope for his son amidst their struggles.[19]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Yavakri was Bharadwaja's singular child, embodying both his father's humility and the rigorous ascetic practices.[20]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The sole male child of the widow woman.[21]