Significance of Severe penances
Severe penance in various spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, and Vedanta, encompasses intense forms of self-discipline and rigorous spiritual practices aimed at achieving enlightenment and atoning for past actions. Figures like Senaka, Rama, and many kings engage in prolonged austerities, fasting, and dedicated practices, highlighting the commitment to spiritual growth and purification. These practices not only reflect individual devotion but also serve as significant cultural narratives emphasizing the importance of discipline in the journey toward divine favor and higher consciousness.
Synonyms: Strict discipline, Austerity, Self-mortification, Asceticism, Self-denial, Discipline, Self-restraint
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Severe penances'
Severe penance in Hinduism encompasses various intense spiritual disciplines aimed at purification, divine favor, or achieving spiritual goals, exemplified by figures like Dhara, Jaratkaru, and others who performed rigorous austerities and self-denial.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The intense spiritual effort undertaken by Mandodari for her husband's sake.[1] (2) Extreme forms of self-discipline and suffering practiced for spiritual benefits, particularly by Indra in his quest for purification.[2] (3) A very difficult spiritual discipline performed by Kashyapa for the sake of progeny, showing remarkable control of sense-organs.[3] (4) Strict and demanding spiritual practices aimed at self-purification and ascension.[4] (5) Strict self-discipline and austere practices undertaken for spiritual advancement or to appease divine beings.[5]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) A spiritual practice demanding great discipline and effort, sometimes leading individuals into states of temptation.[6] (2) Refers to intense spiritual practices undertaken by Sandhya in her quest for redemption and spiritual elevation.[7] (3) The intense spiritual practice performed by Virasena, lasting twelve years, to gain the favour of Shiva.[8] (4) A rigorous form of spiritual practice involving intense discipline, often involving fasting and meditation to attain a spiritual goal.[9] (5) An intense and prolonged practice performed by Taraka to gain spiritual power, which he undertook in various physically demanding ways.[10]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The intense spiritual practices Ashokasundari underwent while thinking about Nahusha.[11] (2) Intense spiritual discipline undertaken to atone for sins and seek divine favor, often highlighted as more fruitful when associated with the bath in Magha.[12] (3) An extreme form of meditation and asceticism performed by Pippala, characterized by long duration and resilience against physical challenges.[13] (4) A strict and intense form of ascetic practice undertaken by an individual, demonstrating deep commitment and spirituality.[14] (5) The intense spiritual practice undertaken by Agastya to gain divine blessings.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A practice of rigorous spiritual discipline undertaken to attain higher consciousness or divine favor.[16] (2) Rigorous spiritual practices that Jaratkaru undertook with the aim of honoring his ancestors.[17] (3) Jayadratha underwent intense austerities, seeking forgiveness and the favor of a deity.[18] (4) Strict spiritual discipline and austerities practiced by Manu, demonstrating his commitment and strength.[19] (5) Rigorous ascetic practices undertaken by Rishis, including Ashtavakra, to attain spiritual goals.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The intense spiritual practices undertaken by Sita while yearning for Rama.[21] (2) Rigorous practices aimed at spiritual growth, often involving self-denial or self-discipline.[22] (3) Rigorous self-discipline practices required by those who choose to live in the forest.[23] (4) The rigorous spiritual practices undertaken by the Rishis, indicating their dedication and commitment to their ascetic life.[24] (5) The rigorous spiritual practices undertaken by King Janaka to seek assistance from the gods during the siege.[25]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) Refers to the rigorous practices performed by Ushinara leading to the birth of virtuous sons.[26] (2) Strict or challenging spiritual disciplines undertaken by the sages to attain higher states of consciousness or favor from the gods.[27] (3) Intensive spiritual practices undertaken by the Pracetas, aimed at achieving greater power and control over nature.[28] (4) Rigorous self-discipline and ascetic practices intended to purify the mind and body, often leading to spiritual advancement.[29] (5) The act performed by Devavridha with the intention to beget a son endowed with all good qualities.[30]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) The rigorous spiritual practices performed by Brahma in his attempts to create beings, highlighting the challenges in divine creation.[31] (2) A rigorous form of spiritual practice intended to earn divine favor or boons, exemplified by Upamanyu's actions.[32] (3) The intense spiritual practice performed by Ambarisha, involving repeating the names of Narayana for a thousand years.[33] (4) A form of rigorous spiritual practice undertaken by Narada, lasting a thousand divine years, aimed at gaining divine knowledge and proficiency in music.[34]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) The intense spiritual practice performed by King Nabhi to gain divine favor without disturbing others.[35] (2) The rigorous spiritual practice undertaken by Hiranyakashipu to attain immense powers and ultimate control.[36] (3) The intense spiritual discipline Devahuti undertook to purify herself and focus on her spiritual goals.[37]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) The Pracetas practiced severe penance for ten thousand years in the waters of the ocean, reflecting their commitment to spiritual practices.[38] (2) Intense spiritual practices aimed at self-discipline, often involving physical hardships to attain spiritual goals.[39]
From: The Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Refers to rigorous ascetic practices aimed at spiritual gains, which Uma is undertaking in her desire for Siva as a husband.[40] (2) The intense spiritual discipline and sacrifices performed by Bhagiratha for a lengthy period in order to gain the favor of Ganga.[41]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The difficult spiritual practices Satyabhama intends to undertake, reflecting her determination and need for validation.[42]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The intense spiritual practice undertaken by Satyatapas that exemplifies dedication and self-discipline in pursuit of spiritual goals.[43]
From: The Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A rigorous spiritual discipline that Usha undertook, demonstrating her commitment and devotion.[44]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) The rigorous spiritual practices undertaken by king Suratha and the vaishya to obtain the goddess's favor.[45]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Parvati performed many extreme rituals to win the love of Shiva, who was engaged in penance.[46]
From: The Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The intense spiritual practice engaged in by Tarakasura with the goal of increasing his power.[47]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) An intense form of spiritual practice involving severe disciplines or asceticism.[48]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The intense spiritual practices undertaken by Lakshmi to attain her desires or spiritual goals.[49]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Intense forms of austerity and self-denial undertaken by individuals in the hope of achieving spiritual enlightenment, which are deemed ineffective without devotion to Hari.[50]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The rigorous spiritual practices undertaken by devotees to gain divine favor, as exemplified by Bikasoor.[51]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The requirement for a heavier punitive action, indicated in the text for intentional murder that may include doubling or trebling the standard term.[52]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) Rigorous spiritual practice undertaken by Yajnavalkya to acquire wisdom from the Sun.[53]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) A period during which Rama practiced intense austerities including living only on fruits, leaves, water, and air over a span of four months.[54]
Jain concept of 'Severe penances'
Severe penance in Jainism involves intense self-discipline and rigorous spiritual practices aimed at purification and enlightenment. This discipline, exemplified by various figures, emphasizes self-denial, suffering, and commitment to achieving higher states of spiritual realization.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Intense spiritual discipline practiced by Kulabhushana and Deshabhushana, eventually leading them to their mountainous practice.[55] (2) The practice undertaken by characters in the story to atone for past sins and seek divine liberation.[56] (3) Consisting of many fasts, it is a significant aspect of Padma's journey to becoming a powerful goddess.[57] (4) The rigorous spiritual practices undertaken by Shankha to reach a higher state of existence.[58] (5) The rigorous spiritual discipline that Vishvabhuti practices to gain strength for future endeavors.[59]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Intense self-discipline and practices undertaken for spiritual growth and to attain enlightenment.[60]