Significance of Makara
Synonyms: Crocodile, Alligator, Mythical creature, Sea monster, Water monster
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Makara'
Makara in Hinduism symbolizes a powerful amphibious hybrid, often depicted as a crocodile or sea monster, associated with deities, prosperity, and unique formations in sacred geometry, embodying both terrifying and majestic qualities.
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) A reference to the essence or root of spiritual practice that involves the unification of energies in meditation.[1] (2) The carrier of Varuna on which the Bija is seated, and which is depicted with a noose in its hand.[2] (3) Ma-kara is described as shining in its form of Bindu, situated above the half Moon in the Cakra.[3] (4) A mythical creature, often depicted as a crocodile or sea monster, upon which the Varuna-Bija 'Vam' is seated.[4]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) Ardha-candra hands enclosing each other, associated with various meanings including prosperity and solidity, with Mahendra as the patron deity.[5]
The concept of Makara in local and regional sources
Makara, meaning Capricorn, is significant in astrology as it relates to determining the accurate positions of planets. The text emphasizes its importance in understanding celestial alignments associated with this zodiac sign.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This refers to the zodiac sign of Capricorn, which is used within the provided tables and is part of the calculations.[6] (2) Capricorn, and the verses describe the process of getting the true position of planets in Makara (Capricorn).[7]