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Significance of Kumari

Kumari holds various meanings across different texts and traditions. In Jainism, it refers to a 'daughter,' while the Arthashastra describes it as a young wife awaiting her husband's return. The Puranas mention Kumari as the Virgin goddess Gayatri, the last Dvipa remaining after a flood, and as the beautiful daughter of Shatashringa with a goat-like face. Additionally, Kumari represents virgin girls in rituals and is linked to an herb in charms. In Shaktism, Kumari is a revered entity associated with Kali.1
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Synonyms: Maiden, Young girl, Virgin, Damsel

In Dutch: Kumari; In German: Kumari; In Finnish: Kumari; In Spanish: Kumari

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Kumari'

Hinduism Books

Kumari in Hinduism signifies purity and devotion through the worship of virgin girls, embodies the feminine divine, represents spiritual perfection as the goddess Gayatri, and relates to unique mythological narratives and rituals reflecting feminine energy.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Virgin goddess Gayatri representing purity and spiritual perfection.[1] (2) Virgin girls who are to be worshipped with saffron and ornaments, signifying purity and devotion within the context of rituals related to the Devi Bhagavatam.[2]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) Refers to a young wife who must wait a specific period for her husband to return before considering re-marriage.[3]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) The resultant feminine form derived from the word kumarah when a feminine suffix is applied.[4]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Jain concept of 'Kumari'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Kumari" denotes 'daughter,' symbolizing femininity and familial bonds. It reflects cultural values associated with women within the Jain community while acknowledging their significance in societal and spiritual contexts.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A noun meaning 'daughter,' noted with its references.[5]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Kumaris.