Significance of Pushkara

Pushkara is a multifaceted term with diverse meanings across several traditions. In Jainism, it signifies geographic divisions and the first rain cloud; in Vastushastra, it refers to auspicious house types and continents indicating diversity. Vaishnavism associates Pushkara with sacred bathing sites and places like Pushkararanya. The Purana links it to Krishna's lake, ritual benefits, and significant holy locations. Additionally, in Natyashastra, it denotes specific drum types. Overall, Pushkara embodies spiritual and cultural significance across various contexts.

In Dutch: Pushkara; In German: Pushkara; In Finnish: Pushkara; In Spanish: Púshkara

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

Hindu concept of 'Pushkara'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Pushkara is interpreted as a sacred lake and holy site significant for purification, ancestor remembrance, and spiritual merit, known for its legendary associations with rituals, pilgrimage, and divine presence in various texts.

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

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The location to which Vedavati traveled to practice hard tapas for one Manvantara.[1] (2) A holy site for performing austerities and worship, significant in the context of the Devi Manasa's devotion.[2] (3) A sacred place that serves as the seat of Gayatri.[3]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The son of Varuna, described as possessing great beauty and wisdom.[4] (2) A lake where Krishna is said to have lived for many years during his ascetic practices.[5]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) The name given to the lotus originating from Narayana's heart, which signifies its sacred and eternal nature.[6] (2) The location where Madhu’s overthrow took place.[7]

From: Nilamata Purana

(1) A sacred lake or body of water that holds significance in Hindu rituals.[8]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) A lake revered as a place of pilgrimage within the legends articulated in the Padma Purana.[9]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) The seventh insular continent.[10]

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) A place referred to as Pushkararanya, noted for its association with pious results.[11] (2) A significant site for sacred bathing, believed to enhance spiritual purity.[12] (3) A specific identity that may pertain to a locale, concept, or character within the context of the text.[13]

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 Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)

(1) The final continent in the enumeration, suggesting diversity in nature and culture across the geographical spectrum.[14] (2) The last of the four special varieties of auspicious houses that are discussed in this chapter.[15]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) Nala's brother who challenges him to gamble, ultimately leading to Nala's downfall.[16]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) A term referring to various types of drums, specifically those mentioned in the context of performance.[17]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Jain concept of 'Pushkara'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Pushkara may symbolize the initial nurturing cloud for the earth, a significant geographic area akin to Dhataki with substantial divisions, or a term denoting a specific region linked to celestial observations.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A geographic entity being compared to Dhataki, which has divisions known to be larger in size.[18] (2) The first cloud that will sow the earth.[19]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A term referring to a specific region or part, mentioned in relation to celestial observations.[20]

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: Pushkara's.