Significance of Pramatha

Pramatha is a term used in the Purana to describe a group of divine beings associated with Lord Shiva, often considered his attendants or warriors. They participate in various contexts, including defending against threats like Durvasas' anger and engaging in battles against Asuras. Additionally, Pramatha includes supernatural guardians enforcing sacred space rules and can be seen as goblin-attendants or a class of demons in service to Shiva. Ultimately, these beings play a crucial role in both worship and conflict narratives central to Shiva's lore.

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

Hindu concept of 'Pramatha'

Hinduism Books

Pramatha in Hinduism represents supernatural guardians, divine warriors in battles against Asuras, and attendants of Lord Shiva. They play significant roles in worship, protecting sacred spaces, and serving as celestial beings and soldiers in various narratives.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) Pramathas is a group of people who Mahadeva stood amongst in the battle-field and Vana wished to be the first of their families.[1] (2) Beings characterized by coppery eyes who consumed sacrificial offerings.[2] (3) The soldiers who remained firm and desired to fight again despite the general panic among the Danava army.[3]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Refers to one of the ten warriors who were sons of an individual, each equal in prowess to Rama, the son of Dasaratha, who began to afflict Bhima.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) This refers to goblins, mischievous and often malevolent beings, present within the context of the provided text.[5]

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’).

The concept of Pramatha in local and regional sources

History Books

Pramatha is identified as the father of Ruru, depicting a character who possesses understanding and emotional awareness, recognizing the inevitability of grief's progression before allowing his son to experience it independently.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) This was the father of Ruru, an understanding man, who knew that this grief would not subside before it raged some more and left him to himself.[6]

Plural form: Pramathas.