Significance of Parashara
According to the Purana, Parashara is a revered sage known for his extensive teachings on time, existence, and Brahma, making significant contributions to Hindu cosmology. He is credited with the authorship of the Vishnu Purana and offers insights into various cosmic events, particularly during the Kali age. Additionally, he is recognized as a spokesperson for the Munis concerning the appointment of Vyasa and plays a prominent role in discussions surrounding Krishna in the Vishnu Purana, highlighting his importance in Hindu tradition and teachings.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Parashara'
Parashara in Hinduism is a multifaceted sage associated with various roles, including authorship of the Vishnu Purana, teachings on cosmology, and expiation practices, while representing significant social and spiritual themes within the tradition.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An authority whose description of the Santapana Kricchra aligns with that of Manu.[1] (2) A figure referenced in relation to expiation practices following the unintentional consumption of various forbidden foods.[2] (3) Another ancient sage mentioned in relation to the reproduction of Manu's words, contributing to the discourse on learning and its importance.[3] (4) An author whose expiatory instructions align with those of Manu regarding offenses against a Brahmana.[4] (5) An alternative name for the Nishada, the child born from a Shudra maiden, indicating its social classification.[5]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) An illustrious sage providing detailed accounts of cosmic events, particularly the Kali age and dissolution.[6] (2) A sage noted for his teachings about time, existence, and the nature of Brahma, contributing to Hindu cosmology.[7] (3) The sage attributed to the authorship of the Vishnu Purana, who elaborates on various duties in the text.[8]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Another significant figure who is to compose the Vishnu Purana as part of the contributions delineated by Valmiki.[9] (2) The spokesman for the Munis who expressed the group鈥檚 feelings and concerns regarding the proposal to appoint Vyasa.[10]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A derogatory term for the son born to a Brahmana and a Sudra, implying a lowly status akin to being born of a corpse.[11]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A historical figure or sage in Hindu tradition known for writing Smriti texts.[12]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Another disciple of Atreya who wrote a medical treatise that is not currently available but was respected in various ages.[13]
The concept of Parashara in local and regional sources
Parashara is associated with both a geographical term, referring to maximum latitude, and as a significant author of astrology texts, underscoring his contributions to both regional geography and astrology literature.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is the maximum latitude, which is the result of the division.[14] (2) The term para-shara refers to the maximum latitude, as described in the text.[15] (3) This is the name of an author, who composed books on astrology, as mentioned in the provided text, along with other authors.[16]