Significance of Three cities

The keyphrase "Three cities" in Vaishnavism refers primarily to the invulnerable cities created by Maya for the Asuras, associated with powerful entities and symbolic representations of ignorance and entrapment. These cities, crafted from gold, silver, and iron, are significant in mythological narratives as focal points of conflict between the gods and the Asuras. Additionally, the term relates to divine cities that have faced destruction, highlighting themes of ambition and the cyclical nature of wakefulness, dreams, and deep sleep in various philosophical interpretations.

In Dutch: Drie steden; In Finnish: Kolme kaupunkia; In Spanish: Tres ciudades; In German: Drei Städte

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

Buddhist concept of 'Three cities'

Buddhism Books

The "Three cities" in Buddhism symbolizes the realms of ambition and desire, representing a king's insatiable quest for control that ultimately results in discontent and suffering, highlighting the consequences of greed.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The kingdoms that the greedy king sought to conquer, which led to his discontent and subsequent illness.[1] (2) The specific locations the king seeks to gain control over, representing his unchecked ambition.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Three cities'

Hinduism Books

The "Three cities" in Hinduism symbolizes the fortified domains of the Asuras, subject to destruction by divine forces like Shiva. They also represent metaphorical states of existence, including wakefulness, dreams, and deep sleep, reflecting spiritual entrapment and enlightenment.

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The cities constructed by Maya for the Asuras, made of gold, silver, and black iron, which had formidable power.[3]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The cities associated with Devas: Indra, Yama, and the Moon, illuminated by the Sun's presence.[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 Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Kaivalya Upanishad

(1) A metaphor for the states of wakefulness, dream, and deep sleep, from which all diversity and material creation spring.[5]

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 Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The invulnerable cities granted to the Asuras by Shiva, intended to remain airborne and not to touch each other.[6]

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’).