Significance of Right hands
In various religious contexts, the Right hand holds significant symbolic meaning. In Jainism, it includes references to deities like Yaksheshvara and Kalika, representing power and protection through their symbolic items. Vaishnavism highlights the Right hand as the dominant hand used for actions and gestures of assistance, symbolizing strength. Purana emphasizes its connection to rituals and promises, marking unity during marriage ceremonies. Other traditions, like Shaktism and Dharmashastra, reinforce the Right hand’s importance in rituals, symbolizing authority, purifying actions, and emotional connections.
Synonyms: Right side
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Right hands'
In Hinduism, the right hand symbolizes purity, power, and auspiciousness, associated with ritual significance, strength, and connection during purification, marriage, and spiritual practices, highlighting its role in actions, gestures, and religious ceremonies.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Symbolic of power and auspiciousness, representing action and intention in rituals.[1] (2) Denotes that all washings and religious acts should be performed with the right hand, emphasizing the importance of this practice in the context of ritual purity.[2] (3) The hand referenced in the context of performing specific rituals, particularly in the act of touching heads.[3] (4) The prescribed hand to be used in various sacrificial acts, emphasizing the importance of direction and proper methodology in rituals.[4]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Indicates the hand used for performing rituals or gestures, significant in spiritual contexts.[5] (2) The hand to which the bridegroom gives the quill of a porcupine, symbolizing the transfer of protection.[6] (3) Traditionally symbolizes power and authority; in this context, it signifies the action of providing guidance or blessings.[7] (4) The hand that the bridegroom uses to seize the bride's hand during the marriage ceremony, signifying union and commitment.[8]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The gesture made by the groom as he touches the bride, reinforcing physical and emotional connection.[9] (2) The hand that should be seized after a person has eaten.[10] (3) The teacher touches the boy with his right hand during the initiation ritual.[11]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that is used to perform specific rituals, particularly touching during the verses.[12] (2) The hand used by both the bride and groom in various ceremonial acts, including touch and sacrifice.[13]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The side of the body where the spoon called Juhu is placed.[14] (2) The dominant hand, which is held uppermost while holding purifiers in ritual practice.[15]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that the teacher holds to guide the boy through the initiation process.[16] (2) The hand that the groom takes from the bride, symbolizing their union.[17]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that is seized by the bridegroom during the marriage ceremony, symbolizing unity and togetherness.[18] (2) The preferred hand used in performing certain rituals unless specified otherwise.[19]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The place where a single pupil must sit, signifying the honor and proximity to the teacher.[20] (2) A reference to the positioning of the palm of the right hand during rituals, which carries specific meanings in offering practices.[21]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The hand designated for specific actions, particularly the voiding of urine and excrements when holding the waterpot.[22]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A significant part of the wedding ritual where her hand is seized as a symbol of happiness and the intention for a long life together as husband and wife.[23]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) Symbolically represents power, authority, and auspiciousness in many cultural contexts.[24] (2) Refers to the hand that is positioned upwards as if in offering and symbolizes freedom from fear to all living beings.[25]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A physical gesture by Duryodhana indicating trust and a serious conversation with Purocana.[26] (2) Symbolically gestures involving the right hand during religious practices, representing purity or auspiciousness.[27]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The hand with which the king prepares to retaliate against the lion, indicating readiness and courage.[28] (2) Symbolically represents the power and commitment behind promises and oaths, crucial in the context of marital and emotional agreements.[29]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) The hand with which the sage touched Matsyagandha, establishing a physical connection.[30] (2) Symbolically associated with authority and power, mentioned in the context of making a solemn vow.[31]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) The hand used to lift the arrow from the quiver, ensuring the arrow is positioned correctly for shooting.[32]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The hand designated for cleansing above the navel during purification rituals.[33]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The hand on the right side of the body, referred to as dakshina-hastena in the text.[34] (2) The hand that is traditionally associated with strength and dexterity, noted in the text for holding the mountain.[35]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The term savya-hate translates to 'right hand,' indicating the hand used to perform an action.[36]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The hand that holds the discus, signifying strength and power.[37]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to the dominant hand, emphasizing a gesture of assistance and control in the act being described.[38]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) The hand used for specific gestures in the indication of caste roles, such as in the Kshattriya and Vaishya castes.[39] (2) One of the arms of the Nataraja figure, specifically the first right hand that is described as holding a drum.[40]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) Refers to the specific attributes or weapons held by the goddess Candika, indicative of her strength and powers.[41]
Jain concept of 'Right hands'
In Jainism, the concept of the Right hand symbolizes power, protection, and auspiciousness through its associations with divine figures like Yaksheshvara and Kalika, and significant attributes held by Sanmukha, encompassing both material and spiritual significance.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The dominant hand utilized for various activities, referenced in the work.[42] (2) The specific hands of Sanmukha that hold significant items such as fruit, cakra, arrow, sword, noose, and rosary, symbolizing power and protection.[43] (3) Refers to the hands of Yaksheshvara and Kalika that hold significant symbolic items; Yaksheshvara's hands hold a citron and a rosary, while Kalika's right hand displays a varada-position.[44]