Significance of Rising sun
The rising sun serves as a powerful symbol across various spiritual and philosophical contexts. In Hinduism, it signifies hope, renewal, and enlightenment, representing new beginnings and the dispelling of darkness. Jainism perceives it as a metaphor for the illumination and knowledge brought forth by enlightenment. Vaishnavism aligns the rising sun with the divine, illustrating its connection to Lord Vishvambhara's radiant nature. Similarly, other traditions attribute meanings of prosperity, vitality, and the awakening of higher consciousness to the rising sun, making it a universal emblem of positivity and transformation.
Synonyms: Dawn, Sunrise, Daybreak, Morning sun, First light, Break of day, Morning twilight
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Rising sun'
In Buddhism, the Rising sun symbolizes new hope and enlightenment, illuminating the world. It also represents a contemplative moment for the peacock, integrating daily observation with spiritual reflection.
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The morning phenomenon that the peacock watched as part of his contemplative routine.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Metaphorically refers to the introduction of new hope or enlightenment, illuminating the world.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Rising sun'
In Hinduism, the rising sun symbolizes enlightenment, hope, and new beginnings. It represents the dispelling of darkness, divine presence, and positive transformations, reflecting the brightness and vitality of various deities and significant figures.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A metaphor illustrating Hanuman's strength and valor as he fights back against the titans, depicting hope and resurgence.[3] (2) Symbolizing new beginnings and brightness, the grove's ambiance is compared to the brilliance of dawn.[4] (3) A metaphor used to describe Saumitri (Lakshmana), signifying hope and strength.[5] (4) A metaphor used to describe Sugriva, symbolizing hope, strength, and readiness for battle.[6] (5) Symbolizes hope and hunger which prompted Hanuman's leap into the sky.[7]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities that come with the dawn, relevant to devotion and spiritual practices.[8] (2) The sun as it appears on the horizon at dawn, symbolizing new beginnings.[9] (3) Symbol of new beginnings and enlightenment brought about by wisdom.[10] (4) Symbolizes the beginning of a new day, a time when activities are resumed.[11] (5) Symbolizes renewal and hope, contrasting the themes of despair and decline witnessed throughout the narrative.[12]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Represents a symbol of new beginnings and prosperity, bringing light and life as it casts its rays upon the world.[13] (2) Symbolizing new beginnings, hope, and the daily cycle of life.[14] (3) A metaphor used to describe the significance and potential of Karna in battle, asserting that he is unstoppable.[15] (4) Represents the dawn signaling the start of the battle, a moment filled with anticipation and significance.[16] (5) A metaphor symbolizing Goodness and its illuminating qualities, contrasting with the fear it inspires in those characterized by Darkness.[17]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Simile used to describe the glory and significance of the son born to Trailokyasundari.[18] (2) A metaphor used to describe the splendour of Shakatayana as he traveled in his cart.[19] (3) A comparison for the Sudarshana discus, indicating its brilliance and strength.[20] (4) A metaphor used to describe the lustrous appearance of the goddess, symbolizing positivity and energy.[21] (5) A metaphorical representation in Vrinda's dream symbolizing something ominous, as it was seen with a hole in the middle and without any lustre.[22]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Describes the color of Prana Shakti's body, symbolizing brightness and awakening.[23] (2) Symbolizes hope and new beginnings, often associated with the kings of the Solar race.[24]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A metaphor illustrating the brightness and hope associated with Shiva's divine presence.[25] (2) A symbol seen by Vrinda in her dream, representing hope but altered by a hole, indicating ominous feelings.[26]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The sun is described as living in the various Rashis (signs of the Zodiac) starting from the time of its rising.[27] (2) Symbolizes brightness and positivity, comparing the woman’s effulgence to the first light of day.[28]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) A metaphor used to describe the brilliance of the crown worn by Bhanda, signifying importance and power.[29] (2) Describes the complexion of the beautiful woman in the garden.[30]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A metaphor illustrating how the appearance of Vishnu in Devaki's womb is like the sun awakening the lotus flower, symbolizing new beginnings.[31]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A symbol of new beginnings, representing the act of offering prayers and libations to deities.[32]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Symbolizes hope and transformation but also poses a threat to the loyal wife’s husband due to the curse.[33]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A metaphor used to describe the beauty of Krishna and Sangkarshana, suggesting their brilliance and vitality.[34]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A metaphor used to describe the child born of Aditi, indicating his brilliant nature and divine origin.[35]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A metaphorical comparison indicating the brilliance and divine presence of Lord Krishna, who resembled this natural phenomenon.[36]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A metaphor for earrings that shine brightly, likening them to the sun as symbols of beauty and radiance.[37] (2) The manifestation of the sun as it ascends in the sky.[38] (3) Symbolizing brightness and vitality, it describes the earrings worn by the goddess, enhancing her radiant beauty.[39] (4) A symbol of brightness and glory, compared to the beauty of Sarasvati.[40] (5) Symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and illumination, describing the crowns worn by the divine figures.[41]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A metaphor often used to symbolize new beginnings, hope, and the radiant qualities of devotion.[42] (2) A metaphor describing Lord Gaura's sudden appearance to the anguished devotees, bringing enlightenment and joy back into their lives.[43] (3) An analogy used to describe the glowing and effulgent appearance of Lord Vishvambhara, portraying His divine nature.[44] (4) His lamenting eyes red like the rising sun.[45]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A natural phenomenon characterized by the sun appearing above the horizon, which is associated with the color resembling the Lord's golden body.[46] (2) A metaphor used to describe the color of his lips, evoking imagery of warmth and beauty associated with sunrise.[47] (3) A celestial body that appears during the morning, symbolizing the start of a new day.[48]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, representing how Bhagavan's presence alleviates distress and brings hope.[49] (2) A metaphor used to illustrate how the glory of Vaikuntha dispels darkness, much like a rising sun dispels darkness.[50]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A symbol of hope, new beginnings, or the emergence of awareness.[51] (2) Symbolizes a new beginning or enlightenment, which in this context is associated with divine presence.[52]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A symbol representing hope and beauty, likened to the Lord’s regal movement.[53]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The sun as it rises to provide heat and light, symbolically represents the dispelling of darkness and ignorance.[54] (2) The rising sun is referred to as the himkara, marking the moment when we first see the sun.[55]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The Sun's ascent, symbolizing the act of dispelling darkness and danger while providing for living beings.[56] (2) The Rising (Sun) is represented by the syllable ‘Him’ and is noted as the first to be seen.[57]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A metaphor indicating the promise of hope and illumination, likening Shankara’s presence to the brightness of dawn.[58]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The sun as it appears above the horizon, a time when the sacrificer prays and performs rituals.[59] (2) The sun that rises with lustre like Mitra, symbolizing the destruction of enemies and the granting of long life.[60]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Symbolizes renewal and purification; looking at it may be a prescribed action when encountering unclean things.[61]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The expected moment when the sun rises, symbolizing enlightenment and the beginning of study.[62]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The rising sun is the time during which an individual approaches with intentions or wishes associated with the graha, particularly in invoking a deity's attention.[63] (2) The rising sun is described as the 'forepart' of the sacrificial horse, symbolizing the onset of a new day and the awakening of life.[64]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The 'rising sun' metaphorically suggests new beginnings, illumination, and the awakening of higher consciousness.[65] (2) Describes the radiant appearance of the deity, comparing it to the brightness of the sun as it rises.[66]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The position of the Sun as it rises, which can affect weather predictions, particularly the likelihood of rain when appearing in specific colors.[67]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Symbolizes enlightenment, renewal, and the Brahman; the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy.[68]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) A metaphor used to describe the growth and positive influence of prince Citrangada on the hearts of people, symbolizing hope and vitality.[69]
Jain concept of 'Rising sun'
In Jainism, the "Rising sun" symbolizes renewal, illumination, and enlightenment, depicting the morning sun's role in dispelling darkness, representing Sagara's return, embodying new beginnings with Nishadha mountain, and highlighting a learned monk's wisdom.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The sun in the morning that removes darkness and brightens regions by its rays.[70]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A metaphor for enlightenment and knowledge, emphasizing the illuminating qualities of a learned monk.[71]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A metaphor used to describe the appearance of Nishadha mountain, representing new beginnings and illumination.[72]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A metaphor for Sagara’s return from the ocean, symbolizing renewal and strength.[73]
The concept of Rising sun in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Rising sun" symbolizes new beginnings and hope, representing positivity, beauty, and creativity. It inspires individuals, conveys a divine presence, and reflects the transformative power of light, as noted in various contexts within the text.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Symbolizes hope and new beginnings; is depicted in a positive manner rather than associated with violence.[74] (2) Symbolizes the brilliant light that sets living things to their tasks according to the Gayatri Mantra.[75] (3) Symbolizes new beginnings and hope, conveying the dispersal of darkness and the arrival of positivity.[76] (4) Symbolic of new beginnings and divine presence, embodying beauty and majesty.[77] (5) The sun appearing to rise, which symbolizes new beginnings or hope.[78]