365betÓéÀÖ

Significance of Astonishment

Astonishment is described across various traditions and contexts, emphasizing deep feelings of surprise, awe, and wonder. In South Asia, it pertains to the reactions of royal figures and commoners alike upon witnessing remarkable events, such as the revealing identity of a prince or divine displays. Tibetan Buddhism associates astonishment with enlightenment experiences, while Vaishnavism highlights emotional responses to divine occurrences. This theme extends to arts and history, illustrating the profound impact of unexpected events across cultures and narratives.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Amazement, Surprise, Wonder, Shock, Awe, Disbelief, Bewilderment, Admiration

In Dutch: Verbazing; In Finnish: ±áä³¾³¾Ã¤²õ³Ù²â²õ; In Spanish: Asombro; In German: Erstaunen

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

Hindu concept of 'Astonishment'

Hinduism Books

Astonishment in Hinduism embodies a profound sense of surprise or wonder, evoked by divine manifestations, artistic expression, and significant events, reflecting emotional responses from characters like the Pandavas, Brahma, and the inhabitants of Vraja.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) An emotional reaction experienced by Lord Brahma, characterized by surprise and awe, elicited by the display of divine power from vishnu-murtis.[1] (2) A term used to express surprise or amazement regarding the situation of the shameless person, emphasized in the narrative.[2] (3) Something that causes a great sense of surprise or amazement; an effect produced by the extraordinary events being described.[3] (4) A strong emotional response to an unexpected event or calamity, often accompanied by a physical reaction indicative of surprise.[4] (5) Causing surprise or wonder; remarkable in a way that is hard to believe.[5]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The feeling of great surprise or wonder experienced by the onlookers as they listened to the boys' conversation.[6] (2) The emotional state of Mother Shaci as she observes her son at the temple door.[7] (3) The state of being amazed, which is dismissed when understanding the mechanisms of divine grace in the act of remembrance.[8] (4) Describes the speaker's incredulity regarding one's reluctance to accept material blessings, emphasizing the unexpected nature of this attitude.[9]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A strong feeling of surprise or wonder experienced by the gopis upon seeing the form.[10]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) A feeling of great surprise or wonder, particularly in relation to the divine capabilities of the Pandavas as implied in the text.[11]

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�).

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

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) The feeling experienced by the flower-seller upon seeing Krishna and Rama.[12]

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 Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) A strong feeling of surprise, represented through specific head movements in the performance.[13]

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).

The concept of Astonishment in local and regional sources

History Books

Astonishment encompasses the feelings of surprise and amazement experienced by individuals in various scenarios, including miraculous revelations, unexpected behaviors, and striking identities, highlighting human reactions to unforeseen events and experiences.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The feeling experienced by people upon witnessing the miraculous event of the boy's revelation.[14] (2) The feeling experienced by the leaseholder and others witnessing the elephant’s unexpected behavior.[15] (3) The surprise felt by the citizen upon discovering Eknath lying fainted in his yard.[16] (4) The feeling experienced by Eknath upon witnessing the Muhammadan's arrival and interactions, indicating surprise and fear.[17]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A feeling of great surprise or amazement, often in response to unexpected events.[18]

From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages

(1) The word refers to causing great surprise or wonder; amazing.[19]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The reaction of the King and other Princes upon witnessing the flower-mother's son reveal his true identity as a handsome Prince.[20]