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Significance of Mount Meru

Mount Meru is a sacred mountain in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology, often regarded as the center of the universe. It symbolizes a monumental challenge and represents the cosmic axis connecting various realms. Revered across various traditions, Mount Meru is depicted as immensely high and made of precious materials, serving as a pivotal point in spiritual and geographic contexts. This mythical mountain is essential in illustrating concepts of stability, spiritual achievement, and the organization of the universe in religious texts.1
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In French: Mont Meru; In Dutch: Berg Meru; In German: Berg Meru; In Finnish: Meru-vuori; In Spanish: Monte Meru; In Swedish: Berget Meru; In Malay: Gunung Meru

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

Buddhist concept of 'Mount Meru'

Buddhism Books

Mount Meru in Buddhism symbolizes the universe's center, representing spiritual achievement, stability, and endurance. It serves as a key location for significant events and teachings, emphasizing enlightenment and the indestructible essence of reality.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A significant mythical mountain representing stability and endurance, analogous to the lasting prosperity of the Sangha.[1] (2) A significant location mentioned in the context of the Buddha producing an apparition for those assembled there.[2]

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) A sacred mountain in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology, symbolizing the center of the universe where the Buddhas convened to find the Water of Life.[3]

From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra

(1) In Buddhist cosmology, a metaphor for the concept of self or being, representing obstacles to enlightenment.[4]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The central mountain in Buddhist cosmology, serving as an important symbolic location in the confrontation between the Buddha's disciples and the naga king.[5]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) A location mentioned as the summit associated with heaven, symbolizing a place of high spiritual significance.[6] (2) Mount Meru is described as the place representing 'Heaven', symbolizing a peak of spiritual achievement.[7]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha鈥檚 words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) A sacred mountain in Buddhist cosmology, around which significant events, including those involving Nandopananda, take place.[8]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) A central mountain in the universe, submerged partially in the ocean with surrounding rivers.[9]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) A sacred mountain in Buddhist cosmology, symbolizing the center of the universe and often referenced to emphasize the magnitude of a comparison.[10] (2) The supreme mountain described in the text, made of precious substances, symbolizing a central feature in the cosmos and its relation to various realms.[11]

Hindu concept of 'Mount Meru'

Hinduism Books

Mount Meru in Hinduism is viewed as a sacred, mythical mountain and cosmic axis, symbolizing spiritual significance and divine authority. It's central to cosmology as the abode of gods, origin of rivers, and a site for penance and gatherings.

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

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The celestial mountain described in the text as a significant and sacred region, acting as a hub for divine beings and treasures of the universe.[12] (2) A symbolic mountain used to illustrate a state of being unaffected by deceptive perceptions.[13] (3) A mystical mountain regarded as the homestead of the gods, where Kacha resided during his spiritual journey.[14] (4) A mythical mountain often referenced in Indian cosmology, symbolizing an ultimate abode or elevated state, contrasted with the dilapidation observed by Gadhi.[15] (5) A mythical mountain described in the text, which serves as the setting for the scenery and allegorical interpretations.[16]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) A sacred mountain in ancient texts, symbolizing high status or spirituality, used for comparison to the golden car during its description.[17] (2) A metaphor for the supreme radiance and grandeur of Kamsha's pavilion.[18] (3) A sacred location referenced as the site for a consultation regarding the earth鈥檚 plight and the kings鈥� responsibilities.[19] (4) The sacred mountain where Manu conducts his penances, reaffirming his status.[20] (5) A sacred mountain where the foremost of Purushas, Daksha, assumed a female form, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the material world.[21]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The legendary mountain mentioned as the origin for the mother of the daughters of Himavat.[22] (2) A sacred mountain where the three sons of Sukesha went to practice penance.[23] (3) A sacred mountain in mythology, representing stability and majesty, compared to the King.[24] (4) A sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, often regarded as the axis of the universe, symbolizing height and divinity.[25]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) A golden mountain said to be the center of the universe, with specific dimensions and boundaries outlined in the sacred text.[26] (2) A key geographical feature in the mythological system of the Puranas, often considered central to their cosmology.[27] (3) A sacred mountain, central to Hindu cosmology, around which many regions are organized.[28] (4) A sacred mountain mentioned where assemblies of Munis were held, critical to the story.[29]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Mount Meru is a significant location where king Marutta performed sacrifices and celebrated his virtues.[30] (2) The first mountain in Sakadvipa, revered as the abode of deities, Rishis, and Gandharvas.[31]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) A mountain in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the great scale of accumulated sins.[32] (2) Mount Meru is located in the insular continent of Jamvu and is characterized by specific measurements in yojanas, drawing a persistent parallel to a lotus.[33]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The beautiful mountain summit where Vyasa Deva performed his tapasya.[34]

From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya

(1) The sacred mountain mentioned as the peak where Amaravati is located, symbolizing a heavenly realm.[35]

From: Markandeya Purana

(1) A sacred mountain from which the River Ganges descends and divides into four streams.[36]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Mount Meru is mentioned in the text as a mountain that the giant claims to have overthrown, indicating his strength and power.[37]

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 Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) One of the mountain kings mentioned, serving as a head among the mountains offering respect to Govardhana Hill.[38] (2) A mythical mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, symbolizing greatness and the highest point of merit or virtue.[39] (3) A sacred mountain in Hindu mythology, symbolizing magnificence and grandeur.[40] (4) A sacred mountain in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology, often considered the center of the universe.[41] (5) A sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, representing the center of the universe.[42]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) A symbolic representation of the ultimate spiritual goal, often considered difficult to reach, illustrating the challenge of spiritual ascent.[43]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Brihat Samhita

(1) A grove rendered agreeable by nature, associated with the abode of the Devas where celestial beings like birds and fairies reside.[44]

Jyotisha (啶溹啶啶むた啶�, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to 鈥榓stronomy鈥� or 鈥淰edic astrology鈥� and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, often referenced in discussions of divisions.[45]

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.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The central mountain upon which the circular path of the Sun is said to lie, influencing the perception of its rising and setting based on regional visibility.[46]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Jain concept of 'Mount Meru'

Jainism Books

Mount Meru in Jainism is envisioned as a sacred cosmic mountain at the center of Jambudvipa, symbolizing the connection between realms, serving as a reference for time and spiritual navigation, and representing the universe's core.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, serving as a central point in the spiritual universe.[47] (2) A sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, considered the center of all physical and spiritual universes.[48] (3) A sacred mountain in Jain cosmology, regarded as the center of the universe where various phenomena occur.[49] (4) A central, significant geographical feature in the isle of Jambudvipa used as a reference point for measuring day and night spans.[50] (5) A cosmic mountain referred to as the center of the universe, with specified distances relevant to soul departures.[51]

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) A sacred mountain in the cosmological hierarchy that serves as a pivotal point connecting the realms below and above.[52] (2) A cosmic mountain central to the universe, extending deeply into the earth.[53] (3) A significant celestial mountain around which the luminary deva and Stellar deva revolve, representing a central point of celestial navigation.[54] (4) The central mountain located in the middle-universe (madhyaloka), which divides the lower-universe and upper-universe.[55] (5) Mount Meru (Meru parvata) is at the centre of Jambudvipa, likened to the navel in the body and signifies the core of this region.[56]

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A significant sacred mountain described as being immensely high and made of precious material, representing a cosmic center in the spiritual tradition.[57] (2) A significant geographic feature described within the middle world, often considered a sacred mountain.[58]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) A metaphor used to describe the steadfastness a monk should have in the face of life's challenges.[59]

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.

The concept of Mount Meru in local and regional sources

History Books

Mount Meru is a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, symbolizing the center of the universe and spiritual achievement, depicted in manuscripts and highlighted in spiritual texts as a divine and metaphorical peak.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) Symbolizes a spiritual peak, representing Matsyendranath's elevation above worldly concerns.[60] (2) A sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, regarded as the center of all physical and spiritual universes, thus distinguished from an ordinary mountain.[61] (3) A metaphorical peak symbolizing spiritual achievement or significant accomplishments enabled by divine intervention.[62]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Mount Meru is a part of Jambudvipa, which is included in the golden replica of the earth that the king should make as recommended by the Krityakalpataru text.[63] (2) This is a central element in the traditional cosmography of the Hindus, and is represented in the manuscript's paintings.[64] (3) The text mentions the golden Mount Meru as the center, around which directions and enormous trees are located.[65]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology, said to be the center of the universe and the abode of gods.[66]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The location beyond the Himalayas, where heaven is located, representing the ultimate destination.[67]

Plural form: Mount Merus.