Significance of Slumber

Slumber, as described in various texts, encompasses multiple interpretations. In Purana, it can refer to Kumbhakarna's enforced six-month sleep, a temporary escape from grief, or a sudden awakening caused by a breaking branch. The Natyashastra symbolizes slumber as a transition in sleep linked to divine awakening. Vedanta views it as a state of unconsciousness tied to mental functions, while Dharmashastra associates slumber with divine inactivity, halting creation and maintenance of the world.1
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Synonyms: Rest, Slumbering, Repose

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

Hindu concept of 'Slumber'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Slumber signifies a state of temporary rest, representing a respite from grief, a transition related to divine awakening, unconsciousness, inactivity in creation, and the unique sleep of Kumbhakarna, highlighting life's cyclical nature.

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

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Slumber is something that is broken when a person wakes on a branch that breaks, according to the provided text.[1] (2) Slumber refers to the state of sleep imposed on Kumbhakarna, as Brahma decreed he would sleep for six months and awaken for a day.[2]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) A state of rest where the king, wearied by grief, is finally able to escape his woes temporarily.[3]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A state desired by Cyavana, who instructs the king and queen to keep awake and press feet while is sleeps.[4]

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 Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Describes a state where the divine being's will is inactive, leading to the cessation of creation and maintenance of the world.[5]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) A state of unconsciousness related to the mind’s functions, representing rest or sleep.[6]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Classical concept of 'Slumber'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Slumbers in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Argonautica (English translation)

(1) The pall of slumber wrapped round the mother whose children were dead, illustrating the widespread peace and quiet except for Medea.[7] (2) A state that had relieved the maiden from her love-pains as she lay upon her couch.[8]

From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)

(1) A state of sleep from which the weary person is awakened to avoid falling into the well, thus averting potential misfortune.[9] (2) A state of sleep, interrupted by the actions of a small creature, leading to anger and a search for the disturber.[10]

From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)

(1) A state of rest that closes people's eyes, causing them to forget good and ill alike, whereas misery haunts in dreams.[11] (2) It describes the state of Penelope when Minerva sends a vision in the likeness of her sister to comfort her.[12]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

Plural form: Slumbers.