Significance of Sangama

Sangama has various meanings across different traditions. In Jainism, it denotes the third founder in a lineage. In Vaishnavism, it symbolizes the anticipated union with Shri Krishna by the gopis, representing deep devotion. The Purana interprets Sangama as a sacred site where the Sabhramati Ganga meets the ocean, associated with purification. In Shaivism, it highlights the importance of community through the company of holy individuals. In Kavyashastra, Sangama emphasizes the joyous aspect of coming together.

Synonyms: Confluence, Junction, Meeting place, Union, Meeting, Merging

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

Hindu concept of 'Sangama'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Sangama signifies the union with Shri Krishna, symbolizing devotion fulfillment, a joyous meeting, a sacred site for purification where Sabhramati Ganga meets the ocean, and the importance of community in spiritual practice.

Significance of Sangama in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Padma Purana

(1) A term referring to a holy place where the Sabhramati Ganga meets the ocean, considered a site for purification and salvation.^[1]

From: Skanda Purana

(1) A place where a holy dip is taken, marking an important step in the pilgrimage.^[2]

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 of Sangama in Kavyashastra (science of poetry):

Kavyashastra Books

From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana

(1) The meeting or coming together, emphasizing the joyous union.^[3]

Kavyashastra refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.

Significance of Sangama in Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy):

Shaivism Books

From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)

(1) The company of holy persons, emphasizing the importance of community in spiritual practice.^[4]

Shaiva or Shaivism (shaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Significance of Sangama in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) The union or meeting with Shri Krishna that the gopis yearn for, symbolizing the fulfillment of their devotion.^[5]

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’).

Jain concept of 'Sangama'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Sangama is interpreted as the third founder among a lineage of family founders, highlighting his significant role and contributions within the religious tradition.

Significance of Sangama in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The third founder in the series of family founders.^[6]

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.

Last Updated: 30 October, 2024