Significance of Pangs of separation
Pangs of separation in Vaishnavism signify the intense emotional pain experienced by devotees when distanced from the Lord. This theme resonates deeply across various expressions of devotion, as it encapsulates the distress felt by Gopis, Alvars, and other characters due to their longing for Krishna or other divine figures. It illustrates the profound attachment and suffering that arise from such separations, symbolizing the devotees' deep yearning for divine unity and connection, a central aspect of their spiritual experiences.
Synonyms: Anguish of parting, Sorrow of separation, Heartache, Longing, Yearning, Sorrow, Anguish, Grief, Pain
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Pangs of separation'
Pangs of separation in Hinduism encapsulate profound emotional pain and longing experienced by devotees during the absence of cherished divine figures, like Krishna. This theme pervades various narratives, indicating deep attachment and devotion.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The intense emotional pain experienced due to being apart from a loved one, particularly a divine figure.[1] (2) The intense emotional suffering experienced by the Alvar due to the perceived distance from the Lord.[2] (3) Describes the emotional pain felt due to being apart from a beloved figure, a central theme in the context of devotion.[3] (4) Emotional distress experienced by the Gopis when anticipating Krishna's absence, highlighting their deep attachment to him.[4] (5) The emotional suffering experienced by the Alvar when distanced from the Lord, comparable to the Gopis’ experiences.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) feelings of distress caused by being apart from the Lord[6]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The intense emotional feelings experienced by the devotees when apart from Mahaprabhu, akin to the residents of Vraja's feelings when Krishna left for Mathura.[7]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The intense emotional suffering arising from the perceived distance from and longing for Shri Radha.[8]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The emotional distress felt by the inhabitants of Dwarka during Krishna's absence, highlighting the deep affection they hold for him.[9]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The intense emotional distress experienced by Rama due to the absence of his wife, Sita.[10] (2) The emotional distress experienced by Shiva before seeing Parvati.[11] (3) The emotional distress experienced due to being apart from a loved one, highlighting the deep connection between characters.[12] (4) The emotional distress experienced by Parvati due to her longing for Shiva, illustrating her deep attachment and desire.[13] (5) The intense feelings of pain and loss experienced by Parvati due to her son’s absence, which also affected Shiva.[14]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The emotional turmoil experienced by Shiva due to his distance from Girija, highlighting themes of love and loss.[15] (2) The emotional suffering experienced when separated from loved ones or the divine.[16] (3) The feelings of longing and distress experienced by those separated from Krishna.[17] (4) The emotional turmoil experienced by divine beings due to their separation, motivating their actions.[18]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The emotional distress experienced by characters upon parting with loved ones or dear friends.[19] (2) The suffering and distress that Bharata experienced due to his longing for the young deer.[20] (3) The emotional distress experienced by the Gopis due to their separation from Krishna, illustrating deep longing.[21]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The emotional distress caused by longing and desire between Parvati and Shiva.[22]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The intense emotional suffering expressed by Bhadra due to the death of her husband.[23]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) The emotional pain and distress felt by the ladies because they could not be with their beloved Krishna.[24]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The intense emotional pain experienced due to the loss of his wife.[25]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) Emotional distress experienced due to the absence of a beloved, as demonstrated in Bhavabhuti's work.[26]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Emotional pain experienced due to being apart from a loved one.[27]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Emotional distress or longing experienced when apart from a beloved person.[28] (2) The intense emotional pain experienced by the heroine, conveyed through the metaphor of the lotus.[29] (3) The emotional distress experienced by someone feeling the absence of connection, as illustrated in the example involving a lotus and related elements.[30]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) An emotional state described in the verses of the Hanumannataka, reflecting sorrow associated with distance from a loved one.[31]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The emotional distress Rama feels due to the absence of his wife Sita.[32]
The concept of Pangs of separation in local and regional sources
"Pangs of separation" describes the profound emotional anguish felt by lovers when apart, symbolizing deep longing for divine connection, as exemplified by Shah Saheb’s yearning for his Beloved and the distress from parting with loved ones.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The intense emotional pain experienced when lovers are forced apart.[33] (2) The intense emotional distress experienced by Yaksha due to his physical separation from his wife.[34] (3) The emotional distress experienced by lovers when separated, often used by poets to convey the depth of their longing for divine connection.[35] (4) The deep emotional distress experienced due to the impending separation from loved ones.[36] (5) The intense emotional distress experienced by Shah Saheb when longing for the presence of his Beloved.[37]