Significance of Water-jar
Synonyms: Water container, Water vessel, Water pitcher, Water jug, Aqueduct, Jug, Pitcher, Canteen, Flask, Vessel
In Dutch: Waterkruik; In Finnish: Vesipurkki; In Spanish: Jarra de agua; In German: Wasserkrug; In Swedish: Vattenburk; In Malay: Balang air; In French: Jarre à eau; In Swedish: Vattenkruka; In Italian: Brocca d'acqua; In Polish: Dzban na wodę; In Portugese: Jarro de água
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Water-jar'
In Buddhism, the Water-jar symbolizes both a practical container for water and a metaphor for accumulating goodness in one's character, highlighting small virtuous acts, reliability, and the need for physical support in spiritual practice.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The water pot was put down by the chief of the water carriers when she met the Paccekabuddhas at the city gate, after which she made obeisance and inquired about their purpose.[1] (2) An item carried by the young lady when she left her house, pretending she was going to the river-side, to follow the hunter.[2] (3) These are the things the bhikkhu-elder filled before he sat at the head of the walkway after feeling relaxed mentally.[3] (4) Large containers filled by the villagers in preparation for the Buddha's stay at the guest-house.[4] (5) A vessel set up by the talented pupil to provide drinking water free to the grass-cutters, leading to his financial success.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) This term references an object that was provided with a strainer, which was used for the congregation of monks to provide clean water.[6] (2) A metaphorical representation used to illustrate how small acts of goodness fill an individual's character and virtue, similar to how water fills a jar drop by drop.[7] (3) A physical object used as a symbol of how evil accumulates within oneself, similar to how water collects in a jar over time.[8] (4) A metaphor used for someone consistent and reliable, used in the context of Devadatta's companionship.[9]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) An item mentioned as part of the living arrangements or provisions that monks may have during the rains.[10] (2) An unconventional and criticized choice of shelter for monks during the rains that suggested alignment with followers of other sects, which the Lord denounced.[11] (3) An item prepared by the lay-followers as part of their hospitality towards the Lord.[12]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The water jar is one of the items that Elder Upananda would leave behind at different settlements during the rainy season, along with his shoes and walking-stick, showcasing his movement between locations.[13] (2) An essential part of Ananda's solution to discover the jewel; it represented a practical approach to uncovering the thief.[14]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Vessels for holding water, similar to water jugs, that were also considered unsuitable for Bhikkhus to carry while on alms rounds.[15] (2) A container used to hold water that must be filled up as part of the bathing preparation.[16]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A water pot is used as an analogy to describe the shape of urine inside the bladder, comparing it to the shape of water inside a water pot placed upside down.[17] (2) A four-footed container used to hold water in the meditation practice, emphasizing the need for specific physical supports in the water kasina tradition.[18]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The lay-devotees set this up in the rest house along with seats and an oil lamp to prepare for the Blessed One's arrival.[19] (2) A container for holding water that also needs to be returned to its proper place by the Bhikkhus.[20]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Containers used to hold water that remains still when closed, further illustrating that water does not produce sound unless influenced.[21]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The doe said that Ekashringa and Nalini went round the fire by the right with this.[22] (2) The brahman youth, who is actually Shakra, lord of the devas, carries this, along with a golden staff.[23]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Just as, indeed, a turned-upside-down one of these does but spill (vamati) water, making the container entirely empty and does not accept again, exactly in the same way, you will become Buddha.[24]
Hindu concept of 'Water-jar'
In Hinduism, the Water-jar symbolizes purity and ritual significance, serving various ceremonial purposes such as holding water for purification, offerings, and rites, while connecting deities and representing sanctity in rituals and worship practices.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) It is an item that should not be carried while offering salutation; nor should one be carrying fuel, flowers, or food during salutation.[25] (2) A vessel for holding water, introduced to signify that offerings can vary and are not limited to traditional alms.[26] (3) A vessel used by the Renunciate, specifically defined as not to be confused with the coloring substance 'Kusumbha'.[27] (4) An essential item that a Renunciate carries, which may symbolize their need for sustenance while they remain committed to their spiritual journey.[28] (5) A pot designed for storing water that is mentioned as one of the household items linked to potential sin through their use.[29]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A vessel filled with water that is involved in the marriage ceremony, symbolizing purity and new beginnings.[30] (2) A vessel placed north of the fire to hold water during the rituals conducted for the celestial Serpents.[31] (3) Containers or vessels used for holding water, specifically referenced in the context of filling them for the Manes (spirits of the dead) in the ritual.[32] (4) A vessel used to hold water for rituals, essential for performing specific sacrificial acts.[33] (5) Containers filled with sesamum, scents, and water, used in the Sapindikarana ritual.[34]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A covered water-pot is placed near the mother's head, accompanied by a formula invoking the waters to watch over the house and protect the mother and child, similar to how gods watch over.[35] (2) A vessel from which water is taken to perform rituals, particularly in the context of offering to ancestors.[36] (3) A container used to hold water during rituals.[37] (4) A vessel used in rituals to contain water, significant in the process of performing offerings.[38] (5) An item placed near the head of the wife during the kshipraprasavana ceremony, symbolizing purity and nourishment.[39]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) An object held by a man who stands silently by the fire, used in a ritual to sprinkle water on her head.[40] (2) A vessel used to hold water, which is employed in rituals for purification and offering.[41] (3) An essential item placed during the rites, signifying purity and used in the spiritual offerings.[42] (4) Container used for pouring water during ritual cleansing and offerings.[43] (5) A vessel used in rituals to hold offerings, which can stand in for food when more traditional offerings are unavailable.[44]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) This is a source from which water can be drawn, suggesting a practical approach to obtaining the water required for religious rituals.[45] (2) A container into which the remnants of each oblation are poured.[46] (3) A vessel used in rituals for holding water, often symbolic of purity.[47] (4) A vessel used to hold water, which is involved in the process of offering Balis and performing rituals.[48]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A vessel used in the rituals to pour water, particularly in the context of sprinkling during the Shraddha ceremony.[49] (2) A vessel used to hold water, which is poured on the boy's head as part of ceremonial purification.[50] (3) A ceremonial vessel placed at the child's head during certain rituals.[51] (4) A vessel used in rituals typically containing water for purifying acts or offerings.[52]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A vessel used by a Brahmana during rituals, specifically when standing before the fire in the marriage ceremony.[53] (2) A container used in rituals, typically filled with water for purification and ceremonial acts.[54]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A vessel prescribed for carrying water, which requires personal purification before use.[55]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) An object used in rituals, possibly representing nourishment and life.[56]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A container used in Vedic rituals, possibly for purification or other ceremonial purposes.[57]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Drona took his birth in it from the regenerate saint Bharadvaja.[58] (2) An item depicted on Drona's standard, alongside a golden altar and the figure of a bow.[59] (3) Containers filled with water, arranged decoratively around the lying-in room, signifying abundance and readiness.[60]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Containers that the sages carried, perhaps for ritualistic or refreshing purposes.[61] (2) An object used by Sikhidvaja for sacred functions, representing the connection to his past practices.[62] (3) Containers filled with water, often used for ritual bathing.[63]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) An item held in one hand by Nimishadeva, along with a rosary in the other, symbolizing spiritual practice and purity.[64] (2) Brahma's water-jar represents a vessel for Ganga's essence, serving as a reminder of her continued devotion and bond with the gods even in her absence.[65] (3) An object associated with Brahma that symbolizes Ganga's connection to the gods and her commitment to them, even as she joins Siva.[66]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) An object linked to the sacred water associated with Goddess Ganga, symbolizing merit and purity.[67] (2) A ceremonial jar containing holy water, representing sanctity and the means for atonement of sins.[68]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The water pot is a container that the wise man should never hold while evacuating himself, and if held by mistake, one must perform a penance.[69]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Full water-pots, painted with leaf ornaments, should be placed at the side of the doorways with the Vari-mantra (water-incantation).[70] (2) One of the disciples carries this item, along with an umbrella, items for worship, and cooked food, as they go out of the sanctum.[71] (3) The water-pot is a vessel used in the fire-rite, and it is placed to the North of the fire, and water is poured into it, and it is purified by drawing it three times on it.[72] (4) The kamandala, which Agastya used to carry waters from the Ganges as part of his equipment for his journey south.[73]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A container that the Lord drank water from, symbolizing the glories of devotional service and the purity associated with a Vaishnava.[74] (2) Containers used by the girls to carry water.[75]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Containers for water, included in the decorations of the wedding pavilion.[76]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This refers to a container used for storing or carrying water, and it is mentioned in the context of purification methods.[77]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A clean and sanctified item that is fetched to perform the sacrificial fire.[78]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) Wooden stands surmounted by an array of bustling these to steal away thirst.[79]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An object referenced in an example demonstrating how individuals are grouped under a single term despite differences.[80]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) According to the provided text, the priest shall dip a twig of the glomerous fig tree into the water-jars and rub it over the bodies of the horses.[81] (2) Containers that hold water, used similarly to pleasure tanks for the turtles.[82]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Containers required to be present in significant numbers for various localities as part of public safety and hygiene.[83]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) This is another important piece of equipment, which should be located in the North-East, according to the text provided.[84]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) This is included in the Baruni-yantra and is positioned at the top of the vessel containing the drugs, differing from the Nadika-yantra design.[85]
Jain concept of 'Water-jar'
In Jainism, the Water-jar symbolizes nourishment and life, represents spiritual significance as a mark of the nineteenth Arhat, resembles clay jars for holding pure water, and serves as a vessel for purifying accepted alms.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Describes the resemblance of the water held by the Patala-vessels to large clay water-jars.[86] (2) An object held by Nirvani, symbolizing nourishment and life.[87] (3) A distinguishing mark of the nineteenth Arhat, symbolizing spiritual significance.[88]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A vessel in which a monk or nun should empty an alms-bowl if they have inadvertently accepted impure contents.[89]
The concept of Water-jar in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Water-jar" refers to various vessels used by individuals in diverse contexts, symbolizing essential acts of service, care, and daily routines, while also representing humility, magic training, and cultural practices.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) These are items that are mentioned in the text in the context of Krishna's actions, as he carries them, suggesting servitude.[90] (2) The containers that were secured to the merchant's extremities before he was pushed into the river, facilitating the action of the merchant to submerge in the water.[91] (3) An object symbolizing a gift given from the heart, representing both humility and unexpected generosity.[92] (4) An object that symbolizes the essential act of providing service and care to others, particularly in the context of Jani.[93]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A container used by the young woman to draw water from the stream.[94] (2) The vessel the sister used to collect water from the pond, which would not fill under various circumstances.[95] (3) An object given to the boys to collect dew, representing their training in magic.[96]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These containers are filled and placed in doorways before journeys, a practice associated with the superstitions of the people.[97]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The youngest Princess has her ring of power placed in this container by Kota in an attempt to find her.[98] (2) The Prince helps a widow woman with a water-pot, and he puts his jeweled ring in it.[99] (3) A large container filled with water into which the tusk elephant's trunk is placed as part of the supposed medical treatment.[100] (4) A large container used by the Vaedda’s wife to carry water from a source.[101] (5) An item used by the Hunchback to store water for cooking rice.[102]
Classical concept of 'Water-jar'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) It was full in the south, but when the sun had reached Aquarius, the urn was empty.[103]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) An item that the Paionian sister carried upon her head, along with leading a horse and spinning flax, to impress Dareios with her industry.[104]