Significance of Bharatavarsha
Bharatavarsha is an ancient term referring to the geographical and cultural region of India, significant in various religious and historical contexts. It encompasses the sacred land where spiritual practices flourished and various life forms were believed to be reborn. This region, often depicted in texts as shaping the Indian subcontinent, highlights its rich history, traditions, and mythology. The term signifies not only the land associated with India's historical narratives but also its spiritual and cultural essence across multiple philosophical perspectives.
Synonyms: India, Hindustan, Bharat, Indian subcontinent
In Dutch: Bharatavarsha; In German: Bharatavarsha; In Finnish: Bharatavarsha; In Spanish: Bharatavarsha; In Swedish: Bharatavarsha; In Malay: Bharatavarsha; In French: Bharatavarsha
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bharatavarsha'
In Buddhism, Bharatavarsha signifies a distinct geographical region recognized as India, emphasizing its importance within Buddhist teachings and cultural context related to spiritual practices and historical narratives.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A specific region of the world identified in the text, representing the area known as India.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Bharatavarsha'
Bharatavarsha in Hinduism is interpreted as the sacred land of India, rich in cultural and spiritual significance, where righteous acts lead to Dharma, and individuals can achieve their life's goals through pious deeds.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the land or region of Bharat, where the discourse is taking place.[2] (2) bharatasya; the term refers to the Indian subcontinent, indicating the geographical and cultural significance of the Lord's forms.[3] (3) The sacred land of Bharata, where performing religious acts during specific times is believed to yield significant spiritual rewards.[4] (4) A geographical and spiritual region considered sacred in Hindu culture, known for its historical significance and spiritual practices.[5] (5) the land of karma; a place considered beautiful and significant for achieving life goals.[6]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the land where various holy places and Deities are situated, including Puri.[7] (2) The land of Bharata, which is referred to as a significant geographical and spiritual region where divine beings may reside.[8] (3) the region or territory referred to as 'Bharata,' associated with India[9] (4) One of the earthly tracts of land where many manifestations of the Lord are present.[10] (5) earth, the realm from which one can attain Svarga through pious deeds[11]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The sacred land where human life is particularly favorable for performing devotional service.[12] (2) Bharata-varsha is considered the best land within Jambudvipa.[13]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The holy land regarded as highly conducive for attaining the highest spiritual pursuits.[14]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The sacred land that is significant in Hindu mythology, especially in relation to key events and teachings.[15] (2) The sacred land of India, where Narayana is present and which is superior to other lands due to the grace of God.[16] (3) The land where devotion towards the Goddess became widespread, highlighting the geographical context of the story.[17] (4) The holy land of India, regarded as a place where individuals can fully experience the results of their Karmas.[18] (5) Another Varsha situated south of Ilavrita, also bordered by the Hemakuta and Himalayas mountains.[19]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The land that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains, where the descendants of Bharata reside and which is considered the best of the divisions of Jambu-dvipa.[20] (2) The name for India that originates from the figure Bharata, signifying the land associated with him.[21] (3) The name given to India, derived from the king Bharata mentioned in the context of the first Manvantara.[22] (4) Another name for India and the regions divided among the descendants of Priyavrata and Bharata.[23]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The overarching land or region referred to in the text, associated with the Yugas and the history of its residents.[24] (2) The land where all creatures apparently live in peace, characterized by one religion and under the protection of the divine.[25]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A significant kingdom situated in the south, known for the natural obtainability of Siddhi.[26]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The land of eternal religion, where spiritual beings and various life forms take birth again.[27]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A prominent holy centre recognized in the Vedas, notable for its spiritual significance in the Indian subcontinent.[28]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The central region from which the countries of the Earth are divided, significant in the context of the study of geographical and celestial phenomena.[29] (2) A term used to describe the historical and cultural land of India, known for its wealth, civilization, and intellectual achievements.[30]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The historical region related to ancient India, referencing the environment where early human habitation occurred.[31] (2) The sacred land described in the text, detailing its area, settlements, kingdoms, and kings.[32]
Jain concept of 'Bharatavarsha'
Bharatavarsha in Jainism represents a significant geographical and cultural region, specifically the Indian subcontinent, characterized by unique natural features, historical events, and spiritual milestones, particularly associated with figures such as Mahavira and various legendary narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The geographic region, described as the southern half of the continent where Vinita is located.[33] (2) A significant geographical area comprised of six parts, as mentioned in the text.[34] (3) The land where the King started to conquer, indicating the broader region known traditionally as India.[35] (4) The legendary continent where the events take place, known for its significance in history and mythology.[36] (5) A geographical region which includes areas bounded by significant natural features, central to the context of the sindhunishkuta.[37]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The geographical region referred to in the text, representing the Indian subcontinent and its conditions during a particular phase of the time-cycle.[38] (2) The region where the events described are taking place, within the larger context of Bharat.[39] (3) An ancient name for the Indian subcontinent, symbolizing its historical and cultural significance.[40]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) The ancient term for the Indian subcontinent, specifically relating to the context of Mahavira's birth.[41] (2) A geographical reference denoting the Indian subcontinent where significant events in Arhat Parshva's life took place.[42]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Bharatavarsha (Bharatakshetra) is described as the country located in the south of the Himavan parvata mountain chain and surrounded by ocean on three sides, and it has the shape of a bow.[43] (2) Bharatakshetra is the country situated to the south of the Himavan parvata mountain chain and surrounded by ocean on the other three sides. It has a bow shape and is divided into six regions by the Vijayardha parvata and the rivers Ganges and Sindhu.[44]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The historical and geographical context of Mahavira's life, commonly recognized as India.[45]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The historical region or kingdom that many kings renounced to pursue spiritual enlightenment.[46]
The concept of Bharatavarsha in local and regional sources
Bharatavarsha signifies the cultural and geographical essence of India, encapsulating traditional ideals in Kalidasa's poetry, linked to Hindu scriptures, and connected to narratives like the Ramayana, highlighting its historical richness.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This is the ancient name of the land, and the text indicates that descriptions of hermitages within this place often contain references to the peacock.[47] (2) A term used to refer to the Indian subcontinent, evoking a sense of national pride and cultural identity.[48] (3) An ancient term referring to the geographical and cultural landscape of India, often used in the context of Hindu scriptures.[49] (4) The historical and cultural region of India that is deeply connected to the narratives of the Ramayana.[50] (5) A reference to the broad cultural and traditional context that Kalidasa鈥檚 poetry encompasses, representing the Indian essence.[51]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the name given to the land known to foreigners as India by the people who live there, representing a cultural or national identity.[52]