Significance of Elephant
In Spanish: Elefante; In Malay: Gajah; In Dutch: Olifant; In Finnish: Norsu; In German: Elefant; In Swedish: Elefant; In French: 脡濒茅辫丑补苍迟
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Elephant'
In Buddhism, the elephant symbolizes death, representing its inevitable nature. Additionally, elephants are powerful beings, tied to the downfall of Sabbadatha after they were startled by a lion's roar, illustrating the unpredictability of life.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Powerful creatures that ultimately caused the downfall of Sabbadatha after being frightened by the lion's roar.[1] (2) Another animal observed by the young brahmin, also incorrectly compared to a plough鈥檚 shaft.[2]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Symbolizes death in the parable, representing the danger and inevitability of death that one must face.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Elephant'
In Hinduism, the elephant symbolizes strength, loyalty, and significant challenges, representing both literal and metaphorical adversaries. It plays crucial roles in warfare, mythology, and rituals, reflecting divine intervention, emotional depth, and royal grandeur.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Gajah symbolizes the elephants that are metaphorically said to uphold the directions of the universe.[4] (2) A large animal, ten thousand elephants were given as part of the wedding present.[5] (3) gajan鈥攖he massive animals that were knocked down in the battle.[6] (4) Indicated by the term 啶︵啶掂た啶� (dvipa), referring to the large animals used as mounts in the army.[7] (5) The elephant symbolizes another being that has attained a higher, divine form due to the same divine intervention.[8]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Large mammals, recognized in the context as significant animals that may have a specific role or purpose requested from the King.[9] (2) Large animals given away in charity by the Digvijayi.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Metaphorically or literally representing significant challenges or adversaries that can cause mental confusion.[11] (2) In this context, bhava is also compared to an elephant, representing strength and substantial presence in emotional depth.[12]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A creature often used metaphorically to represent strength and grandeur, which also connects to the themes of care and nurturing in the text.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Elephants are part of a large procession, specifically mentioned as nine thousand elephants streaming along behind the priests and lords in their chariots.[14] (2) Large animals of noble stature that had strayed through certain areas, known for their gentle might and great size.[15] (3) Elephants are animals not found in the described desert, along with buffaloes, deer, tigers, and other creatures of the wood.[16] (4) Elephants are large animals whose roars were heard during the battle.[17] (5) Elephant is a type of animal that, along with other animals, will flee upon seeing Rama's form, and is one of the many animals that live in the forest.[18]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A symbol of royalty and strength, which Bhagiratha mounts as he is escorted to his throne.[19]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Large animals used in warfare, significant to both armies and mentioned for their opposing reactions.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Large animals that the monkey warriors captured during their wanderings in the forest.[21]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is one of the sahamas, a set of concepts that aid in the outcomes of all the houses, in the same manner that fate supports the endeavors of people.[22] (2) This is one of the sahamas, representing the large mammals, indicating a specific element, as stated in the text.[23] (3) This sahama is found by subtracting Jupiter from the moon at all times and adding the ascendant, according to the text.[24]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A wild creature that wreaks havoc during the festival of the giving of water.[25]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The elephant is one of the five creatures that signifies heavy attachment to sensory perceptions.[26]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A participant in the discussed scenario, benefiting from the shade, which serves to illustrate the concept of shared outcomes in actions.[27]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A large animal that may also be ritually involved in the ceremonies, specifically mentioned for sacrificial purposes.[28]
Jain concept of 'Elephant'
In Jainism, the elephant symbolizes royalty, grandeur, and strength, representing the stature of characters and the majestic entry of Shripati into Potanapura, underscoring its significance in royal contexts and narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A symbol of grandeur and strength associated with Shripati鈥檚 entry into Potanapura.[29] (2) A symbol of royalty and power, used to symbolize the stature of the characters in the story.[30] (3) A recurring symbol in the story representing strength and majesty, as well as a venerated animal in royal context.[31]
The concept of Elephant in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Elephant" signifies strength, wisdom, and majesty in Indian culture, represented in art and mythology, functioning in various narratives from ancient armies to allegorical tales, highlighting its cultural and symbolic importance.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A symbol of majesty and auspiciousness, often used in decorative art to signify strength and grandeur.[32] (2) Referring to the symbolic representation of strength and wisdom in Indian culture, often featured in decorative arts along with motifs like Kirtimukha.[33]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This noun refers to a part of an ancient army, along with chariots, cavalry and infantry, as mentioned in the provided text.[34]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The subject is used to illustrate the limitations of incomplete understanding, as individuals perceive it based on limited sensory input.[35]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An animal given to the boy in exchange for the cloth tree; it was later made to eat gold coins.[36] (2) A large animal that the quail asked to make muddy the water-pot, after the water-pot did not quench the fire.[37]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A creature that was drawn out of the way by Ananda and others, demonstrating interaction with significant events.[38]