Significance of Heavenly light
Heavenly light in Hinduism encompasses various meanings across different beliefs. It symbolizes immortality and divine connection through sacrifices, represents unique rewards and punishments in Vaishnavism, and signifies enlightenment upon self-realization according to the Puranas. In Shaivism, it denotes divine presence and guidance. Dharmashastra connects it to spiritual qualities associated with milk, while traditionally, the sun is seen as the chief heavenly light. Historically, it also reflects the civilizing mission of colonizers and divine illumination for guidance.
Synonyms: Divine light, Celestial light, Radiant light, Angelic light, Celestial glow, Divine radiance
In Dutch: Hemels licht; In Finnish: Taivaallinen valo; In Spanish: Luz celestial; In German: Himmlisches Licht
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Heavenly light'
Heavenly light in Hinduism symbolizes divine presence, enlightenment, spiritual qualities, and the sun's significance. It represents immortality through sacrifices and serves as a metaphor for rewards and punishments based on one's actions.
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The sun is referred to as the chief of the heavenly lights in an expression of appeal during a sacrificial context.[1]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) An aspect linked to the spiritual and divine qualities that the milk symbolizes or invokes.[2]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A unique splendour that is dealt out as rewards and punishments for good and bad acts.[3]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) A metaphorical representation of divine presence and guidance in the Caiva worship context.[4]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A metaphoric destination representing immortality and divine connection achieved through sacrifices.[5]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The illumination or enlightenment experienced upon realizing one's existence.[6]
The concept of Heavenly light in local and regional sources
Heavenly light symbolizes divine guidance and comfort for the weary, while also serving as a metaphor for the civilizing mission of colonizers, reflecting both spiritual illumination and colonial justifications in various contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The divine illumination that offers guidance and comfort to the weary soul.[7] (2) A metaphor for the civilizing mission that colonizers believed they were bringing to indigenous populations.[8]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Heavenly light is the brightness observed at the monastery after the relocation of the bones, signifying divine presence.[9]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) These move, set in motion by a wheel of wind, and go around everywhere whirled by a wind.[10]