Significance of Vardhamana

Vardhamana holds significant meanings across various philosophies and traditions. In Jainism, it refers to Mahavira, symbolizing growth and positive impact, and highlights his teachings associated with the five vows. Additionally, it serves as a name linked to worldly aversions and prosperity. In Tibetan Buddhism, Vardhamana relates to omniscience debates, while in Vastushastra, it represents growth types. Other disciplines like Natyashastra and Kavya highlight Vardhamana's connection to performance art and notable cities, illustrating its multifaceted significance across cultures.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Mahavira, Jina, Tirthankara, Great hero, Conqueror, Enlightened one, Vardhaman

In Dutch: Vardhamana; In German: Vardhamana; In Finnish: Vardhamana; In Spanish: Vardhamana; In Swedish: Vardhamana; In Malay: Vardhamana; In French: Vardhamana; In Portugese: Vardhamana; In Italian: Vardhamana; In Polish: Vardhamana

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

Buddhist concept of 'Vardhamana'
Buddhism Books

Vardhamana in Buddhism symbolizes a prominent figure associated with discussions of omniscience, indicating his involvement in important philosophical debates and highlighting his relevance in the discourse surrounding knowledge and enlightenment.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Vardhamana and others are associated with the doctrine of no-soul, and it is suggested that if certain knowledge belonged to Vardhamana, they might also be considered omniscient.[1] (2) This is another of the individuals that the 'Suppressor of Mara' is superior to.[2] (3) A significant figure mentioned in the context of discussions about omniscience, suggesting a position within contentious philosophical debates.[3]

Hindu concept of 'Vardhamana'
Hinduism Books

Vardhamana in Hinduism can represent Shaktideva's city, a referenced scholar, a hand formation symbolizing glory, a royal residence, or various cultural performances, showcasing themes of growth and increase across multiple contexts.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A sculptor who carved a figure of Kalingasena, which the king sees in the temple, and is from Vardhamana.[4] (2) Shaktideva's native city, contrasting his experiences in the Golden City and serving as the backdrop for his return[5] (3) The city from which the young Brahman Shaktideva sets out on his journey to find the Golden City.[6] (4) The city known as the ornament of the earth where King Paropakarin ruled and where Kanakarekha was raised.[7]

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) Vardhamana is a combined-hand gesture formed by two Hamsapaksha hands turned down, used to represent the opening of latticed windows.[8] (2) A specific type of performance in dance and music that involves various styles and rhythms, often culminating in a gradual increase in complexity.[9]

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) Hands turned together facing upwards, symbolizing increased glory, linked to Narasimha and his accomplishments.[10] (2) A type of hand formation included in the twenty-seven Combined Hands.[11]

Significance in Shilpashastra (iconography):
Shilpashastra Books

Shilpashastra represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

From: Manasara (English translation)

(1) The Vardhamana is one of the six kinds of storeyed mansions, representing a distinct architectural type with its own specific features and construction methods.[12] (2) This is a type of phallus that is considered particularly suitable for the Kshatriyas to worship.[13]

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)

(1) Vardhamana is one of the eight-fold varieties of Mandapas, along with Bhadra, Mandana, Mahendra, Svastika, Sarvatobhadraka, Mahapadma, and Griharaja.[14]

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) A name found in the list of Meru varieties, possibly representing growth or increase.[15]

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha

(1) The great doctor Vardhamana is quoted as explaining the meaning of Panini's sutras, noting that while secular utterances allow for more freedom, minute accuracy of speech should be employed when following the Vaidic paths.[16]

Jain concept of 'Vardhamana'
Jainism Books

Vardhamana in Jainism represents Mahavira, symbolizing growth and prosperity. His name means 'one who increases,' reflecting his positive legacy, teachings on the five vows, and his aversion to worldly life.

Significance in Jainism (general):

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Songs were commenced in vardhamana and other meters by the musicians, showcasing a variety of musical styles during the festival.[17] (2) The prince who is the intended husband of Yashoda and is known to have an aversion to worldly life.[18] (3) The name given to the Lord by Siddhartha, meaning 'one who increases' or 'growth,' linked to the prosperity associated with his presence.[19]

From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)

(1) The name given to Mahavira by his parents, meaning 'one who increases,' symbolizing his positive impact and legacy.[20]

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) The third type of clairvoyance that rapidly increases and expands in knowledge.[21]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) The prophet of the Law known in the world, emphasized for his teachings and association with the five vows.[22]

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) The name given to Mahavira at birth, meaning 'the Increasing,' reflecting his family's prosperity.[23]

The concept of Vardhamana in local and regional sources
History Books

Vardhamana, a village in Bengal, is noted in regional sources as a point of origin for certain migrating Vedic Brahmanas, highlighting its significance in the cultural and historical context of Brahmanic heritage.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Vardhamana was the younger son of Siddhartha, a nobleman of the Kshatriya race, and at the age of thirty Vardhamana now known as Mahavira or 'Great Hero' left his home.[24] (2) A period referring to Mansoor's time in solitary contemplation and penance as he prepared for the challenges ahead.[25]