Significance of Sura
Sura, as described in various texts, primarily refers to divine beings or deities in Hinduism, often depicted as protectors of righteousness and engaged in spiritual battles. While it signifies celestial beings known as Devas who embody virtue, it also refers to a type of liquor deemed impure and avoided by spiritual practitioners. This duality highlights the contrast between the divine essence of Sura and its representation as an intoxicating beverage, reflecting cultural attitudes towards spiritual and moral purity.
Synonyms: Verse, Passage, Unit, Scripture, Text
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sura'
In Buddhism, Sura denotes celestial beings or gods who recognize and praise the attributes of perfect Buddhas, embodying divine acknowledgment and reverence within the spiritual hierarchy of the Buddhist cosmos.
From: The Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Celestial beings or gods in Buddhism who acknowledge and extol the qualities of the perfect Buddhas.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Sura'
Sura in Hinduism signifies both divine beings, particularly the Devas, and a type of prohibited liquor, symbolizing spiritual purity. These beings seek divine blessings, embody virtue, and frequently engage in battles against evil forces like the Danavas.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The celestial beings or Devas who engage in worship and seek the blessings of the Nagacandeshvara Linga.[2] (2) The groups of Devas who were driven out of Svarga by Hiranyaksha and sought refuge in Brahma.[3] (3) Divine beings or Devas who are eager to see Lord Shiva and seek initiation through Brahma's instructions.[4] (4) The group of Devas headed by Brahma, who sought intervention from Lord Shiva to defeat the wicked Daitya Tripura.[5] (5) The heavenly beings who faced conflict with the Danava, particularly during the ensuing war.[6]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Another term for the Devas, representing the good celestial beings in the battle against evil.[7] (2) Another name for the celestial beings or Devas, often in opposition to the Asuras.[8] (3) The third ocean, known as the wine ocean.[9]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term for celestial beings or gods, used to contrast mortal prowess with divine capabilities.[10]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) Spirituous liquor that emerged from the churning, adorned with auspicious marks.[11]
From: The Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A type of spirituous liquor that is generally condemned in Brahmana texts and discussed in relation to its impure nature.[12]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) The divine deities, also known as the gods, who embody virtue and goodness.[13]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to liquor distilled from grains, associated with wine-drinking and considered an unworthy indulgence.[14] (2) The specific name for liquor that is distilled from grains, which is explicitly forbidden for the higher castes.[15] (3) A type of liquor that is recommended to be avoided by all twice-born individuals, signifying a substance that is prohibited for spiritual purity.[16]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A type of alcoholic beverage or spirit that is provided during the rituals.[17]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The suras are another group of deities in Vedic literature, transformed into people who follow Vrishabhanu.[18] (2) He is heroic.[19] (3) the demigods[20]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Wine, considered in Tantric texts as representing Shakti and playing a crucial role in the ritual practices as part of the Panch Makara.[21]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Denizens of Svargaloka, who are misled by the mayic powers and unaware of their true spiritual nature.[22]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Refers to divine qualities associated with Krishna, as he embodies the traits of valor and divinity.[23]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) An ancient poet associated with the Buddhist tradition, noted for his work Jatakamala.[24]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A type of liquor that is collected by women and children under the guidelines provided in the text.[25]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Divine beings or deities mentioned in the text, who serve and worship the Great Void in secret.[26]