Significance of Purushottama

Purushottama is a multifaceted term in Hindu philosophy, primarily denoting the Supreme Person or ultimate reality across various traditions, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Vedanta. It encompasses divine figures such as Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, highlighting their highest status among beings. This title signifies the embodiment of ultimate reality, purity, and divine essence, reflecting the worship expectations and spiritual aspirations of devotees. Purushottama captures the rich tapestry of meaning associated with supreme beings in cultural and religious contexts.

Synonyms: Supreme being, Best of men, Highest spirit, Perfect person, Excellent man

In Dutch: Purushottama; In German: Purushottama; In Finnish: Purushottama; In Spanish: Purushottama; In Swedish: Purushottama; In Malay: Purushottama; In French: Purushottama; In Portugese: Purushottama; In Italian: Purushottama; In Polish: Purushottama

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

Buddhist concept of 'Purushottama'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Purushottama may refer to an individual, also known as skyes mchog bsarn gtan dpal ba, encountered while teaching the Doctrine.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) An individual also called skyes mchog bsarn gtan dpal ba who was met while preaching the Doctrine.[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Purushottama'

Hinduism Books

Purushottama in Hinduism signifies an exalted supreme being, embodying virtues and divine essence, often associated with Lord Vishnu. It denotes the ultimate goal of liberation, protecting devotees, and serving as the revered focal point of worship and spiritual fulfillment.

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

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) Purusottama is another name for Krishna, who is quick-handed and highly powerful, using his weapon Jrimbhana to stupify Rudra.[2] (2) Purusottama is a title used to address Krishna, who is sought for knowledge of his true self.[3] (3) Another name for Krishna, representing his supreme status.[4] (4) The Supreme Person, a title often referring to Lord Vishnu, depicted with divine attributes of strength and protection.[5] (5) The supreme person who possesses knowledge of the gods and the entire universe.[6]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) The text describes this as the most exalted of male beings, referring to the Lord.[7] (2) The tenth figure in the series described.[8] (3) The eighth entity referenced in the text, signifying the supreme person or the highest being, often associated with Vishnu.[9] (4) A title for Vishnu, signifying him as the supreme person.[10]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A title denoting the Highest Being, celebrated in the world and in the Veda.[11] (2) A name signifying Krishna as the ultimate being who creates, preserves, and destroys.[12] (3) The Supreme Being, deemed the highest of all Purusha, embodying the ultimate reality and cosmos.[13]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) Purushottama is described as eternal and should be propitiated by those who seek virtue, wealth, enjoyment, or liberation, highlighting a key aspect of the narrative.[14] (2) A name for Vishnu denoting his supreme nature and his attributes of being both the beginning and the end.[15] (3) The supreme person, representing the highest manifestation in the spiritual hierarchy and associated with Vishnu.[16]

From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)

(1) The Supreme Person or the highest divine consciousness in Hindu philosophy, encompassing all living beings.[17]

From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya

(1) He dwells in the Gauda country, and by just seeing him, men go to heaven.[18]

From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha

(1) Purushottama, the supreme of all Purushas, disappeared like a wave in the vast ocean after blessing Prahlada, emphasizing the transient nature of divine manifestations.[19]

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: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A name for the Supreme Being, conveying His exalted status and the impact of His incarnations in the world.[20] (2) A disciple of Jayadharma, furthering the chain of spiritual teachings.[21] (3) The supreme enjoyer, viewed by a maha-bhagavata as the ultimate source of pleasure.[22] (4) A term referring to the supreme person, used within the philosophical discussions presented.[23] (5) An alternative name for Nilacala indicating its revered status.[24]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) This is a name to address a deity, signifying the Supreme Person within the context of the verse.[25] (2) This word is a title referring to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, addressed in the text.[26] (3) This refers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, indicating the highest divine being.[27] (4) This is the term for 'O Supreme Person', an address that acknowledges a high position, possibly of divine status, in the presented content.[28] (5) This is a term used to address the Supreme Person, as revealed within the Sanskrit text and emphasized in the English translation of the verse.[29]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) The Supreme Lord, who is considered the most magnanimous of all beings.[30] (2) This term designates the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and it is the ultimate recipient of the type of devotion that is described within the provided text.[31] (3) An exalted or supreme being; often refers to a person of great virtue.[32] (4) A Sanskrit term that emphasizes the concept of the Supreme Being or the ultimate person.[33]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) An epithet for the Supreme Lord, meaning the highest or greatest being, often used to signify His exalted status among all forms of existence.[34] (2) The Supreme Person or the ultimate male figure in the spiritual context, embodying the essence of God.[35]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) A term denoting the Supreme Person or Lord Krishna, who is considered the highest of all beings.[36]

From: Chaitanya Mangala

(1) One of the many devotees who took birth on earth.[37]

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’).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The Supreme Being or Lord of Souls, representing the highest spiritual attainment.[38]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa):
Pancaratra Books

From: Parama Samhita (English translation)

(1) As being the cause of all that is good, the Supreme Being is called this.[39] (2) A supreme divine entity, often referred to as the ultimate representation of God, to whom worship and dedication are directed.[40]

Pancaratra represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Significance in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):
Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) A blessed deity whose essence is pure knowledge and who is free from bondage.[41]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Jain concept of 'Purushottama'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Purushottama is interpreted as a pivotal character in narratives, the son of a minister, a representation of divine essence, a notable Vasudeva, and a recipient of significant spiritual news, reflecting varied spiritual roles.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Purushottama went to Dvaravati after receiving a reception from the ocean with high waves, implying his journey and a welcoming event that occurred before reaching his destination.[42] (2) The individual who receives news about the Arhat being present in the samavasarana.[43] (3) The son of the minister Sagaradatta, who delivers news of Yavana's threat to King Ashvasena.[44] (4) A prominent figure who addressed another character in the narrative, setting events into motion.[45] (5) The name assigned to the child, which denotes a supreme being or divine essence in various spiritual philosophies.[46]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Purushottama in local and regional sources

History Books

Purushottama denotes Sri Rama’s exalted status as the supreme person, highlighted in the Gita for devotion, and symbolizes Vishnu's benevolence, representing the highest consciousness from which all beings emerge, earning universal reverence among devotees.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) I was a room filled is a collection of poems by Purushottama (Dr. P. P. Sharma).[47] (2) This is another name for Parabrahman, considered the highest entity, and served by Aksharabrahman.[48] (3) An epithet attributed to Rama, signifying distinction and universal approval among devotees.[49] (4) Represents the supreme individual or the highest form of consciousness from which all purushas emerge.[50] (5) A term indicating Sri Rama's exalted status as the supreme person.[51]

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A name designating Vishnu as the 'Good Being', emphasizing his benevolence and high rank among deities.[52]

Plural form: Purushottamas.