Significance of Ornament
Synonyms: Adornment, Decoration, Embellishment, Accessory, Ornamentation, Trim
In Dutch: Ornament; In German: Ornament; In Portugese: Ornament; In Polish: Ornament; In Finnish: Ornamentti; In Spanish: Ornamento; In Italian: Ornamento; In Swedish: Prydnad; In Malay: Hiasan; In French: Ornement
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ornament'
In Buddhism, Ornament symbolizes material possessions tied to betrayal, as stolen items represent this. It also references jewelry worn during festivals. The Buddha received ornaments, but found no joy in them, highlighting detachment from worldly goods.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Jewelry worn by people attending a festival in Savatthi.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Items taken by the bandit, representing the material possessions associated with betrayal.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) These are items that the Prince handed over to Minister Channa to take back home, signifying his renunciation of royal life.[3]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The deities are adorned with ornaments, signifying their spiritual attainment and the manifestation of their inherent qualities and virtues within the mandala.[4] (2) Individual adornments that the consorts are complete with, further emanating rays of colored light.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) These were presented to the Buddha by the people of Rajagriha, but he did not experience any joy from them.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Ornament'
In Hinduism, "Ornament" encompasses jewelry, decorative items, and embellishments used for adornment, wealth display, and spiritual significance. These items, often gold, silver, or gems, enhance beauty, signify status, and are integral to rituals, deities, and artistic expression, reflecting cultural and spiritual values.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Ornaments are decorative items used to enhance the appearance of something, and in this context, they are jeweled, adding to the grandeur of the pillar.[7] (2) Ornaments, also called alankara, were offered at the lotus feet of the Lord, representing a valuable and beautiful offering.[8] (3) Decorative items or jewelry are not required to enhance the inherent beauty and allure of the form, suggesting a natural and unadorned perfection.[9] (4) The ornaments, specifically referred to as tada and bala, are worn on the hands, serving as a form of adornment and potentially indicating status or wealth.[10] (5) An item worn upon head that enhances appearance.[11]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) "Ornaments" are presented to goddess Parvati by Rukmini, symbolizing adornment and reverence for the deity.[12] (2) "Ornaments" are listed as part of the gifts from the king, showing the king's generosity in providing luxurious items to the recipients in the verse.[13] (3) These are decorative items used to adorn and embellish, enhancing the beauty of individuals on their heads and hands.[14] (4) Decorative items, also considered valuable, that are given away in charity.[15] (5) This describes the subject as something that adds beauty or distinction, enhancing the overall appearance.[16]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Shri Uddhava is decorated with these, including a garland of forest flowers and jewels, which provide happiness.[17] (2) The Supreme Lord is decorated with varieties of astonishingly lovely adornments, enhancing His beauty.[18] (3) These were among the decorations enhancing the appearance of the Yadavas, contributing to their overall attractiveness within the assembly.[19] (4) The various decorations that adorn the limbs of Jagadishvara, representing His divine status.[20] (5) An accessory that enhances appearance, specifically referring to the pearl necklace.[21]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) These are used to adorn Krishna's body, as mentioned within the provided description of his appearance.[22] (2) Items that enhance or embellish Krishna's form, contributing to the overall perception of beauty and divine appeal.[23]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) They are used to adorn a loving woman, symbolizing the beauty and richness of the land during the rainy season.[24]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) These are part of decking oneself, along with costly garlands, unguents, and excellent perfumes, to worship a partner.[25] (2) They are given to women by their sire and brothers and father-in-law and husband’s brothers to adorn them if they want to reap benefits.[26] (3) Everyone in Yudhishthira's mansion had access to food, drink, and these, showing the abundance and generosity of the king.[27]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Dashagriva, his limbs loaded with ornaments of gold, silver and emerald, advanced to the very portals, showcasing his rich attire.[28] (2) Valuable decorative items offered by the narrator as a part of his request for deliverance.[29]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Ornament, along with many a gem, was brought by Vashishtha for the installing rite, adding to the ceremonial items.[30]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The narrative mentions that various ornaments came out from the cup given by the Devi Gayatri, providing wealth and comfort to those affected by the famine.[31]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Ornaments are decorative elements used to enrich the building, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and reflecting the architectural style.[32] (2) The passage specifies that many of the deities, including Sarasvati, Savitri, Lakshmi, Mahi, Durga, Manonma (na-unmadi)ni, and the Saptamatri, should be adorned with a variety of "ornaments" such as pearl ornaments, ear-rings, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, rings, and anklets.[33] (3) It should be adorned with corner towers and other assemblage of ornaments, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and architectural complexity.[34] (4) Decorative elements that should be used in the construction of pavilions, which should be decorated with all of these elements.[35] (5) Decorative features used throughout the buildings to enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall appearance.[36]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Items used to deck women with, as well as clothes, unguents, and so forth.[37] (2) Ornament signifies bodily adornment, which is identified as a characteristic assigned to women.[38] (3) The primary subject of discussion is the ownership and disposition of ornaments in the context of marriage.[39] (4) The decorative item worn by a woman during her husband's lifetime is not subject to division by her heirs, and if they attempt to divide it, they are deemed outcasts according to the text.[40] (5) Items like jewelry, such as a bracelet of ivory, which are not forbidden according to some interpretations despite the restrictions on other personal items.[41]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) Decorative items worn for personal adornment.[42] (2) Decorative items, and their acquisition is a positive outcome when Jupiter is strong, indicating material comfort and status.[43] (3) Ornaments are mentioned in the text as an indicator of wealth, and is associated with specific planetary alignments, and is a favorable outcome when associated with the munthaha, the ascendant, and the year.[44]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The text indicates that a person will acquire ornaments if the pimple breaks out in the throat, or lower arms.[45]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) A specific effect mentioned in the text, used as an example to illustrate the relationship between cause and effect, specifically in the context of the causal substance known as gold.[46]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) Items inherited from kings such as Bhagadatta, that crimsoned the heavenly spaces with the light of gems.[47]
The concept of Ornament in local and regional sources
Ornament is a multifaceted concept. It encompasses valuable items coveted by Sokka, a decorative item signifying the Prince's connection to the Princess, and jewelry symbolizing earthly attachments. Each usage highlights a different aspect of value and meaning.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Items sent to a house along with garments, melted butter, rice, sugar, and other materials, bringing joy to the recipient.[48] (2) These were made by a woman, signifying decoration and possibly a special occasion.[49] (3) These, along with garments and adornments, were selected in great number as part of the wedding preparations.[50] (4) Jewelry that Santoba's mother put on her daughter-in-law, symbolizing earthly attachments.[51]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Ornaments of that time included bracelets, ear rings, hair ornaments, rings studded with stones and corals, and even decorations for the teeth were mentioned in the Ramayana.[52]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Valuable items taken from the Princess by the Vaedda King before abandoning her near the river.[53] (2) Valuable items belonging to Sokka's wife, which he coveted while drinking.[54] (3) A decorative item that the Prince searches for which ultimately signifies his connection to the Princess.[55]
The concept of Ornament in scientific sources
Ornament in Mewar paintings receives detailed, lapidary treatment, highlighting the painter's skill. The application of ornament is a key characteristic.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It receives a lapidary treatment in the Mewar paintings, showcasing the painter's talents.[56]
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) These are sexually selected traits that are dependent on health and vigor.[57]