Significance of Krittika
In German: Krittika; In Finnish: Krittika; In Dutch: Kritiek; In Spanish: Critica
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Krittika'
Krittika in Hinduism represents a group of nurturing star goddesses vital to the identity of Skanda (Kartikeya). They symbolize maternal care, divine lineage, and are associated with the constellation governing aspects of fire and celestial births.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The six celestial mothers who desired to nurture Skanda and recognized his divine nature, leading them to collectively claim him as their child.[1] (2) The six celestial ladies who bore the seed of Agni in their wombs, nurturing portions of the divine child, which led to the birth of Kartikeya.[2]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The star-characters who are appointed to nurse Karttikeya and regard him as their own son.[3]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Those who approached Karttikeya to relate their plight and seek his assistance in resolving their dire circumstances.[4]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) The asterism present on the second lunar day of the month of Vaishakha in the Shaka year 1571, which is part of the date determined by Balabhadra in the completion date of the Hayanaratna.[5] (2) Krittika, abbreviated as Kri, is one of the twenty-seven Indian asterisms (nakshatra), utilized in Indian astrology for analysis.[6]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A constellation sacred to Agni (fire), influencing the effects felt from Mercury's positioning.[7]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A lunar mansion or asterism in Hindu astrology associated with the deity Agni.[8]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) An asterism associated with Agni; it is the most numerous and favorable for establishing fires under.[9]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Celestial mothers associated with Skanda, reflecting the deity's high lineage and divine heritage.[10]
Jain concept of 'Krittika'
In Jainism, Krittika represents a specific constellation linked to the timing of the Lord's achievement of eternal abode, symbolizing celestial significance in the spiritual journey.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A particular constellation or lunar mansion relevant to the timing of the Lord’s attainment of an eternal abode.[11]
The concept of Krittika in local and regional sources
Krittika relates to the text as a group associated with the stars of Ursa Major, specifically representing figures who were once wives of the Seven Sages but divorced them due to seduction, highlighting their celestial and mythological significance.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) These figures were formerly wives of the Seven Sages who shine in the sky as the stars of Ursa Major, but they divorced their husbands after being seduced.[12]