Significance of Purva

In Jainism, Purva encompasses several meanings related to ancient teachings and time. It refers to significant religious texts and knowledge held by a select group of monks and nuns, as well as a lengthy period of 84 million years. Additionally, Purva indicates knowledge of previous lives and reincarnation, and it is associated with fourteen ancient texts that reveal spiritual insights. This term illustrates the profound understanding of spiritual progression and the concept of time in Jain philosophy.1
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In Finnish: Purva; In Spanish: Purva

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

Hindu concept of 'Purva'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Purva signifies direction, particularly 'east', and implies mutuality in regions or temporal divisions, despite potential contradictions in orientation. It encapsulates concepts of directionality and spatial relations within spiritual and temporal contexts.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A word invariably used to denote Direction (Dik) but can also imply mutual requirement when applied to Regions or divisions of Time.[1] (2) A term used to refer to something 'in front' or 'east' despite possible directional contradictions.[2]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) It signifies 'before', indicating a prior or previous relationship or encounter between the subject and Lord Hari.[3]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) Purva refers to something that is previous, as indicated in the verse where the influence of past practice is discussed.[4]

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 Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Purva, also known as the first quarter, is the name given to the east because it was overspread by the Suras in the earliest of times, establishing its primacy.[5]

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 Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine

(1) This term is used to describe a time for medicine administration, and it is associated with a specific disease, as mentioned in the text.[6]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Jain concept of 'Purva'

Jainism Books

Purva in Jainism signifies ancient teachings and lost scriptures, encompassing knowledge understood by a select few. It relates to spiritual insights, time measurement, and the influence of prior existences on spiritual progress within Jain philosophy.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Purvas is a unit of time used to describe the age of the seven, with their age being eighty-four lacs of purvas old.[7] (2) The Purvas were created with the twelve Angas in accordance with the ‘three steps,’ and they resembled a picture made in conformity with a line.[8] (3) The Lord passed twelve and a half lacs of these from birth while immersed in pleasure, similar to an Ahamindra.[9] (4) Fifteen hundred individuals knew these, as part of the Lord of the World's congregation.[10] (5) A unit of time mentioned in the text, with eighty-four lacs of them remaining in the third spoke of time.[11]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) Specific categories of knowledge relating to spiritual insights, mentioned in the context of agama-vyavahara.[12] (2) A lengthy period of 84 million years, as illustrated in Jaina philosophy for representing substantial durations.[13]

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) Earlier sacred texts mentioned in Jaina tradition that are believed to have been lost over time.[14]

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.

Plural form: Purvas.