Significance of Source of fear

According to Purana, the source of fear manifests in various ways, such as Satyabhama's anxiety stemming from Narayana, Rahu's menacing influence over the gods, and the terror caused by demonic figures. The concerns of Kambu highlight that Lord Gadadhara is his primary source of fear. In the perspective of Dharmashastra, fear is also seen as a mechanism for deterrence, where punishment encourages adherence to societal norms and expectations. Overall, the concept of fear is multifaceted in both texts.

Synonyms: Cause of fear, Origin of fear, Source of anxiety, Cause of dread

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

Hindu concept of 'Source of fear'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Source of fear encompasses potential dangers, demonic terror, punishment as a deterrent, Rahu's threat to gods, Usha's father's fearsome reputation, and Satyabhama's anxiety regarding Narayana's change in role from protector to source of distress.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The origin of fear that Brahman-bliss instills in deities like Agni and others.[1] (2) The origin or cause of fear for the gods, specifically attributed to Brahman, as they perform their duties influenced by this fear.[2] (3) An origin or cause for feelings of anxiety or apprehension.[3] (4) The conceptual origin of fear attributed to the perception of separation from Brahman.[4] (5) The concept that indicates where fear originates, which in this context is attributed to Ishvara through the influence of adharma.[5]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad

(1) The text discusses how even if the external being becomes the source of fear only when there exists another auxiliary co-operative cause, it cannot be supposed that such a cause will ever cease to exist, so there would be no cessation of fear.[6] (2) Refers to Brahman as the ultimate cause of fear in sentient beings, despite being the embodiment of fearlessness.[7]

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).

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

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) Describes the overwhelming terror caused by demonic figures in both heaven and earth, emphasizing their malevolence.[8] (2) Satyabhama expresses that Narayana, who was once her protector, has become the source of her anxiety and dejection.[9] (3) Usha's father, the son of Asura Bali, who is a feared warrior among the gods.[10]

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) The indication that punishment acts as a deterrent, instilling fear in individuals to conform to expected behavior.[11]

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.