Significance of King
Synonyms: Ruler, Monarch, Sovereign, Emperor, Lord, Chief, Leader, Potentate, Regent, Prince
In Malay: Raja; In French: Roi; In Dutch: Koning; In Finnish: Kuningas; In Spanish: Rey; In German: 碍枚苍颈驳; In Swedish: Kung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'King'
The term "King" in Buddhism symbolizes various aspects of authority, governance, and moral scrutiny. It represents rulers who navigate personal concerns, societal norms, and philosophical dialogues, ultimately reflecting the journey towards wisdom and righteousness in the context of leadership.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The king of Benares who is fond of hunting and makes a proclamation about hunting deer.[1] (2) Refers to Brahmadatta, the king of Benares, mentioned in the context of the origins of the story.[2] (3) Referring to the ruler who becomes involved in the investigation of Sundari's murder, representing authority and justice.[3] (4) The person to whom the brahmin makes his request, symbolizing authority and power.[4] (5) Brahmadatta, the ruler of Benares, whose life is threatened by Parantapa and the events that unfold.[5]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The father of the princes who sought to protect Gamani from warfare with his brother.[6] (2) The monarch of the region, who plays a central role in the decision to send for the great Bodhi-tree and in the ceremonial acts surrounding it.[7]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A character who engages in dialogue with Nagasena about the existence of the Buddha and related philosophical ideas.[8] (2) A noble person engaged in a philosophical dialogue with Nagasena.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The ruler who was misled by the accusations and later investigated Sundari's death.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) A character who sits on a high seat and learns a mantra; his actions are scrutinized for their righteousness.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ruler who held authority and was present at the festival where Shariputra sat as a scholar.[12] (2) Referring to Udayana, the sovereign who acted violently and displayed feelings of anger towards the rishis for their desire.[13] (3) A term that signifies the Bodhisattva after attaining Buddhahood, highlighting the transformation of status.[14] (4) One of the five classes of beings that represent a source of danger to wealth.[15]
Hindu concept of 'King'
In Hinduism, the concept of "King" encompasses varied interpretations: from rulers like Dasharatha鈥攕ymbolizing loss and wisdom鈥攖o figures like Trishanku, reflecting ambition and struggle, embodying authority, integrity, and the protector's role within society.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The text mentions the king, which suggests a ruler or monarch, indicating a position of authority, implying a connection to royalty or governance.[16] (2) The individual who is to be kept to his promise, and whose word is to be maintained, by pursuing the path of right.[17] (3) This refers to the ruler, emphasizing his position of authority, and the significance of his decisions and actions in the narrative, and the impact on the characters.[18] (4) The king is described as exclaiming in loud tones, indicating a speech or statement.[19] (5) King was made.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The ruling monarch or sovereign of a kingdom.[21] (2) A title for Indrajita, acknowledging his royal status and leadership among the warriors.[22] (3) The ruler who is grieving over the separation from his son and shares his tale of misfortune.[23] (4) Refers to Rama, who has authority and commands the actions of others, particularly his brothers.[24] (5) The monarch who is deeply distressed over his son's departure to the forest.[25]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the ruler observing the events of the battle, likely Duryodhana or another Kuru leader.[26] (2) The one man who governs the world and whose favor is sought by many, as described in Yudhishthira's questioning of Bhishma.[27] (3) A reference to the ruler or leader, addressed in the narrative, signifying the hierarchical nature of the characters' interactions.[28] (4) The ruler who governs a kingdom and must consider the behaviour and actions of his ministers.[29] (5) The monarch who commanded his subjects and later addresses his brothers.[30]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ruler who expresses doubt regarding the theft of Shri Krishna by the Asura Shambara.[31] (2) The ruler who, facing the death of the young boy, was ordered by the Candala to kill the queen.[32] (3) Refers to Mahisha, who is the target of Maha Lakshmi's wrath and the ruler of the Daityas.[33]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The ruler who is involved in the sacrificial rites and performs ceremonial actions.[34]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A male sovereign, designated as k.[35]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Vena's father, who was deeply disturbed by Vena's actions and chose to leave his kingdom.[36]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A character in the story who undergoes transformation through Ribhu's teachings, symbolizing authority intertwined with a path to truth.[37]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A royal figure or leader, whose presence is significant in the context of governance.[38] (2) Symbolizes earthly authority or rule, contrasted with the spiritual liberation experienced by the people.[39] (3) The ruler observed in the moment described, who saw Lord Caitanya.[40] (4) Refers to the ruler or sovereign who realized the truth about the divine identities of Lord Jagannatha and Lord Caitanya.[41] (5) A reference to a royal figure who holds power and authority, mentioned in a questioning context.[42]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Noble rulers who hold power and authority.[43] (2) 'nripa', a term used to address the listener, emphasizing the royal audience receiving the narrative.[44] (3) Referring to the male monarch involved in the narrative, specifically King Raivata.[45] (4) Refers to the recipient of the sage's blessing, who falls at the feet of the sage in reverence.[46] (5) A title signifying authority, leadership, and sovereignty over a realm or people.[47]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ruler of the kingdom that is being referred to in the context of the passage.[48] (2) Refers to the ruler of the kingdom from whom the affairs of state derive their authority.[49] (3) The king is an esteemed figure who is devoted to Lord Vishnu and actively participates in the worship and management of grand celebrations.[50]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A ruler who initially feels unqualified to be a friend of Krishna, showing humility in response to Krishna's jest.[51] (2) A title of respect and authority, addressing the listener in the context of the speech.[52]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The ruler who has a duty towards his subjects, specifically regarding their protection and welfare.[53] (2) The ruler who metes out punishment properly and prospers in his aims.[54] (3) The ruler who, when pardoning an offender, becomes associated with the latter's guilt, particularly relevant if he fails to punish a thief.[55] (4) The authority figure responsible for administering justice, who has the power to punish or acquit the thief.[56] (5) The sovereign who is responsible for establishing laws, dealing punishment, and maintaining the welfare of his people.[57]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The ruler who has the authority to punish individuals based on their actions.[58]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The ultimate authority in inheriting property if no Sapindas or Sakulyas are available, illustrating the role of royal governance in civil matters.[59]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The ruling authority responsible for upholding the sacred law and ensuring the wellbeing of his subjects.[60]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A sovereign ruler who has the authority to govern and make decisions, often with the assistance of ministers.[61]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A ruler whose sacrificial rituals involve specific invocations in the Vedic context.[62]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This refers to the ruler or monarch, and success in the king's hunt is associated with the strength of Mars and Mercury, which determines hunting success.[63] (2) A figure of authority and power, whose favor or disfavor is often predicted based on the astrological influences during the month.[64] (3) The favor of the king is a positive outcome mentioned in the text, often associated with specific astrological configurations, such as the ruler of the descendant in the ascendant and Jupiter occupying the ascendant.[65] (4) This is associated with the periods of the moon, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn, and can bring honour, happiness, and danger.[66] (5) This individual's position is linked with high rank and wealth. The association of certain planets with the tenth house, such as the sun, Jupiter, or Venus, can lead to a high rank.[67]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Individuals predicted to gain power based on favorable physical features which indicate strength and valor.[68] (2) Refers to the ruling class that is stated to suffer due to the thunderbolt's fall at sunrise.[69]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ruler who speaks to the subjects and imparts wisdom or judgments.[70] (2) The ruler who is going to perform a sacrifice, potentially employing Ushasti.[71]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This refers to the individual who assigns intelligent people to guide travelers, providing an example of how conductors are appointed in ordinary life.[72] (2) The text provides an example where a king applies the word 'Self' to some servant who carries out all the king's intentions, which illustrates the figurative use of the word.[73]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A term of authority and respect, used in the context of the dialogue to denote the importance of the self.[74]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The primary subject who is associated with being befit by the umbrella.[75] (2) In the context, the king is described as someone who conducts himself in a manner befitting his royal status.[76] (3) the ruler in the context, whose status affects the meaning of 'son' in the sentence.[77]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The ruler who, upon learning of the birth of a son, experiences delight but refrains from giving away his kingdom due to concerns about propriety.[78] (2) A character who embarks on a rescue mission to save the woman from danger after the return from the island.[79] (3) The ruler who orders the introduction of the lad who claims to know how to make gold from copper through a certain device involving powder.[80]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A ruler achieved through the Rajasuya sacrifice, considered to have a lower status than an emperor.[81] (2) The central figure being anointed in the rituals described, representing authority and leadership.[82]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The king is among the key roles described in the NSh, illustrating the hierarchies and governance in the context of the Arthasastra.[83] (2) The ruler characterized by intelligence, good character, and mastery of various skills and policies.[84]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The presiding authority at the court, possessing noble qualities and shrewd judgment, responsible for ensuring justice.[85]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The primary ruler who holds authority over the kingdom and its affairs.[86]
Jain concept of 'King'
In Jainism, the term "King" encompasses multiple interpretations, symbolizing power, authority, folly, reflection, divine interaction, and ultimate virtue, ultimately representing grandeur, benevolence, and significant influence in both material and spiritual realms.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The central figure of the text, symbolizing grandeur and benevolence, who brings joy and prosperity through generous rewards.[87] (2) The central character who follows the cakra-jewel and performs various royal duties, including worship and service.[88] (3) The central figure in the narrative who interacts with the goddess Sindhu, undertakes a fast, and receives divine gifts.[89] (4) The role Vishnu held for a substantial period, indicated by the extensive time mentioned.[90] (5) A male monarch or ruler of a kingdom.[91]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Symbolized as the big white lotus, representing ultimate authority and virtue among the lotuses in the pool.[92]
The concept of King in local and regional sources
The text presents multiple facets of "King," depicting him as an authority figure resolving disputes, a ruler facing war, a character displaying reverence, and central to various conflicts, showcasing the complexities of his role in narrative dynamics.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Refers to numerous figures throughout the narrative suggesting higher authority and control over magical items.[93] (2) The ruler of the country and Matalana's father, who is determined to catch the thief stealing his belongings.[94] (3) The ruler who hears the case involving the blind man, the Hettiya, and his wife, ultimately deciding their fates.[95] (4) The ruler who owned the giant and offered a reward to anyone who could defeat it in battle, thereby invoking a challenge.[96] (5) The ruler who issues a proclamation regarding the lion and challenges the Gamarala to confront it.[97]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Refers to the leadership of Su-tu-li-sse-na, implying that the country has been ruled since the establishment of its monarchy.[98]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The king, in this context, is Eadbald, who, upon hearing about Laurentius's experience, embraced the faith of Christ and supported the Church's endeavors.[99] (2) Egfrid, king of the Northumbrians, was slain, and Hlothere, king of Kent, also died, marking significant events in the narrative.[100] (3) The person who assented to the Gospel.[101] (4) The title is used in the context of King Naiton, and it is said that he will for ever observe this time of Easter, together with all his nation, and he will decree a specific tonsure.[102] (5) A reference to King Egfrid.[103]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The king is a character in the story, and he possesses knowledge that is not known to the priests, and this knowledge is about what happens after death.[104] (2) The King of kings is the presence that we are striving to come into, and the text suggests that we cannot enter it in a beggar's dress.[105] (3) This is the highest realization, where the man of highest realization exclaims, 'I am the King of kings; there is no king higher than I.'[106] (4) This is the central figure who exemplified compassion by choosing to stay with his devoted companion, even when facing the allure of heaven.[107] (5) The king is in the palace, and you are the king enjoying in the palace, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings.[108]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The ruler who sent officers to call Surdas and requested the retrieval of district money.[109] (2) The ruler who ordered Bhanudas to be punished without fully understanding the situation surrounding the theft.[110] (3) The ruler who, after performing his bath, commands his servants to invite Sena.[111] (4) The ruler who arose early and performed a bath before bowing to the god.[112] (5) The sovereign ruler who holds authority and commands subjects, in this case, acting on reports related to Kanhopatra.[113]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The male leader in the story. The King is the main character.[114] (2) The king was a ruler in China, to whom Chu Yuan was loyal, serving as a statesman and counselor, and whose kingdom eventually fell due to political conflicts.[115] (3) A central character who experiences profound grief over Savi's death, representing authority and the weight of loss.[116] (4) The central figure of the state whose primary responsibilities include protecting the people, defeating enemies, and maintaining state finance.[117]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The king chooses the tree for the banner of Indra, and he should stay nearby with his ministers, and a mass of citizens, following the banner during the ceremony.[118] (2) This is the ruler.[119] (3) The king's interest in phanjika was not solely in the game itself, but rather in its ability to evoke emotion in the women who played it and as a pretext for intimate encounters.[120]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Another term for the Raja, who lays awake on the bedstead and hears the legs talking.[121]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This word denotes a male ruler of a country or territory, a monarch, which is also referenced in the provided text.[122]