Significance of Aditi
Aditi, in Hinduism, represents the Earth and is personified as a divine mother figure integral to various sacrificial rites. She symbolizes sustenance, fertility, and nurturing, receiving offerings like rice-pap and ghee-cooked rice. Associated with the new-moon sacrifice and cosmic order, Aditi is revered as the mother of gods and the source of life, embodying cosmic principles and divine motherhood. This multifaceted goddess plays a crucial role in rituals, linking the earthly with the divine.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Aditi'
Aditi in Hinduism is a multifaceted goddess symbolizing motherhood, the earth, and the cosmos. She embodies nurturing, universality, and the divine source of life, revered for her roles in rituals, creation, and mythology.
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Symbolizes the earth, serving as the foundational basis for another aspect of Prajapati’s body, linking earth to the cosmic structure.[1] (2) A divine entity referenced in the Agnihotra, symbolizing earth and maternal aspects.[2] (3) A divine mother figure representing the earth, acknowledged in the sacrificial activity through a mutual understanding with the black antelope skin, emphasizing the relationship between them.[3] (4) Aditi represents the earth and is invoked to skillfully create the fire-pan, symbolizing nurturing and bearing of Agni.[4] (5) The personification of the Earth and the wife of the gods, receiving offerings that symbolize fertility and sustenance.[5]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A deity invoked in the context of the rituals, associated with the concept of freeing or liberation.[6] (2) A primordial mother goddess associated with the heavens and the universe, representing the nurturing aspect of the divine.[7] (3) A goddess invoked in the sarparajni verses, associated with the earth and sky.[8] (4) A deity to whom rice cooked in ghee is offered, indicating the importance of Aditi in the ritual context.[9]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A cosmic goddess associated with the two Punarvasus.[10]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A goddess representing the infinite and the nurturing aspects of the universe, emphasized in relation to the cow's qualities.[11]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A term referring to a guiltless cow, which is venerated, and its significance is emphasized in the ritual discussions about animal sacrifice.[12]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity invoked in the ritual to bless the boy while cutting his hair for vigor.[13]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A significant figure often associated with motherhood and the cosmos.[14] (2) The mother of the gods, representing the divine source of all beings and creation.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) In ancient mythology, a figure who is associated with cooking celebrated food for the purpose of obtaining sons.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The spouse of Sage Kashyapa, who, along with Kashyapa, implored Vishnu to become their son.[17]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The motherly figure whom Krishna honors during his visit to the celestial realm.[18]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A deity included in the group of Vastu gods to be worshipped.[19]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) This is the name of a figure, also known as the Mother of the Gods, who is associated with the moon and is shown kindly.[20]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A reference to a divine figure associated with motherhood and health in ancient texts.[21] (2) Aditi is referred to as a prominent maternal figure, often associated with the nurturing of deities in Hindu mythology.[22] (3) A prominent sage’s wife mentioned in the text, representing motherhood and nurturing qualities.[23]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The mother of Indra and wife of Kashyapa, who embodies a significant role in the cosmic order.[24]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) While prima facie a reference to the Mother of all Devas, the context suggests this term is applicable to Vishnu, indicating His nurturing nature.[25]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A concept personifying the All-Eater, or the creator deity responsible for genesis.[26]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The individual soul that enjoys the fruits of its actions, characterized by association with the vital breath and the deities.[27]