Significance of Vetala

Vetala, in various Indian traditions, is depicted as a supernatural being associated with philosophical questioning, storytelling, and moral dilemmas. In Jainism, they are magical entities accompanying the god Analaprabha, while in Vaishnavism, they are linked to spirits of the dead. Puranic texts portray Vetala as a figure that engages in deep questions concerning existence. In the Kavya tradition, Vetala interacts with King Trivikramasena, narrating tales and posing riddles, embodying themes of bravery, life, and knowledge.

Synonyms: Vampire, Ghoul, Phantom, Ghost, Spirit, Demon, Supernatural being

In Dutch: Vetala; In German: Vetala; In Finnish: Vetala; In Spanish: Vetala

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

Hindu concept of 'Vetala'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Vetala symbolizes supernatural beings that engage in storytelling, pose moral dilemmas, and challenge characters like King Trivikramasena, often residing in corpses and linked to themes of bravery, life, and death.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A supernatural being or spirit that communicates with King Trivikramasena, providing him guidance and tales to amuse him while carrying a corpse.[1] (2) A supernatural being who tells noble stories and poses moral questions to King Trivikramasena.[2] (3) A supernatural being accompanying King Vikramaditya, who provides counsel and aids him in his quest for Kalingasena.[3] (4) An otherworldly being that sits upon the shoulder of King Trivikramasena and prompts him with questions and stories.[4] (5) A supernatural being that tells stories and poses moral questions to King Trivikramasena.[5]

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’.

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

From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha

(1) A mythical figure representing a spirit that engages in philosophical questioning concerning existence and knowledge.[6]

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 Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Supernatural entities in Indian folklore, often associated with the dead.[7]

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’).

Jain concept of 'Vetala'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Vetala are supernatural beings created through magic, serving alongside the god Analaprabha, symbolizing spiritual helpers or manifestations that aid in the pursuit of enlightenment and understanding within the Jain framework.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Supernatural beings created by magic that accompanied the god Analaprabha.[8]

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.

Plural form: Vetala's.