Significance of Prajapati
Synonyms: Brahma, Creator, Hindu deity
In Dutch: Prajapati; In German: Prajapati; In Finnish: Prajapati; In Spanish: Prajapati; In Swedish: Prajapati; In Malay: Prajapati; In French: Prajapati
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Prajapati'
Prajapati in Hinduism embodies the ultimate creator and lord of all beings, symbolizing fertility, creation, and the governing principle of existence. He is integral to sacrificial rites, representing the source of life and time across Vedic narratives.
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A deity addressed during the offerings, representing the lord of creatures and creation.[1] (2) A deity mentioned as the primary owner of the horse in the sacrifice; exclusivity to Prajapati would deprive other deities of their offerings.[2] (3) Prajapati is the deity associated with creation and procreation, representing the concept of everything and serving as a vital element within the Purushamedha.[3] (4) The creator deity referenced in the text who is believed to have created living beings and enclosed them between heaven and earth.[4] (5) A principal deity in Vedic literature, representing creation and the lord of all creatures, significant in the context of sacrificial rites.[5]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A deity related to creation and fertility, referenced in prayers associated with the sacrificial cakes.[6] (2) A deity representing creation, invoked in the context of blessing and support during the sacrificial rite.[7] (3) A deity associated with creation, who plays a role in bringing rain by making clouds fall from the ocean.[8] (4) A deity referenced in the context of protection and nourishment linked to the offerings being made.[9] (5) A deity referenced during the rituals, associated with creation and sacrifice.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The creator being responsible for assigning characteristics and functions to living entities at the beginning of creation.[11] (2) The entity referred to as the source from which the letters 'a,' 'u,' and 'm' were milked.[12] (3) A deity or figure often regarded as the creator and caretaker of the universe, associated with the exposition of Dharma.[13] (4) The creator or deity responsible for establishing distinctions in actions and their moral implications.[14] (5) The Father; a figure associated with the middle region and recognized as a protector of humanity.[15]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity to whom offerings are made silently after the morning and evening oblations.[16] (2) A significant deity in Vedic texts representing the lord of creatures, invoked during rituals for blessings.[17] (3) The deity to whom offerings are made when an animal is dedicated to the father-in-law, symbolizing progeny and creation.[18] (4) A deity and creator figure in Hinduism, associated with the star Rohini.[19] (5) A divine figure referenced in the verses of the ritual, embodying creation and reproductive aspects.[20]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity to whom sacred practices and rituals are dedicated, particularly concerning marriage.[21] (2) A deity considered as the lord of creatures, mentioned in the rituals.[22] (3) A Vedic deity representing creation, to whom silence is attributed and whom the student aligns with.[23] (4) A significant deity mentioned in the verses recited, symbolizing creation and progeny.[24] (5) A deity to whom the couple prays for the creation of offspring.[25]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A deity associated with creation and the origin of beings, significant in various Vedic rituals.[26] (2) Refers to the lord of created beings, a significant deity representing creation in Hindu belief.[27]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity to whom the final oblation of the sacrifice is offered, significant in the ritual.[28] (2) The deity to whom sacrifices and worship are directed during the rituals being described.[29]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity associated with creation and procreation in Hinduism, referenced in the context of invoking him during the sacrifice.[30] (2) The creator god in Hinduism, acknowledged in the prayers for blessings on the couple.[31]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity to whom sacrifices are made during the Simantonnayana ritual, signifying the importance of divine blessings.[32] (2) The lord of creatures or progenitor in Hindu belief, associated with creation and the sustenance of life.[33]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity to whom oblations and offerings are directed, symbolizing creation and progeny.[34]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The creator, who imparts teachings on the nature of the Self.[35] (2) A divine figure who received teachings from Brahma and then instructed Manu in the knowledge of the Self.[36] (3) A figure who instructs that the true essence lies within individuals, as opposed to mere physical appearances.[37] (4) Prajapati is a spiritual teacher mentioned in the text, who provides instructions about the nature of the Self.[38] (5) A term often used to denote a creator deity or the Lord, who imparts wisdom and guidance.[39]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The teacher who guides the pupils in their understanding of the Self and the nature of reality.[40] (2) The deity or divine figure representing creation and the source of profound teachings about the Self and existence.[41] (3) A teacher or deity in the Upanishadic texts, who imparts knowledge about the Self to Indra.[42] (4) The one Deity who absorbs and protects the universe, symbolizing the Self and generator of deities and beings.[43] (5) A deity who brooded over the Regions, extracting the essences of different elements and deities, such as Fire, Air, and Sun.[44]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The term designating the creator god or the source of all beings, representing the divine essence in the context of the sun.[45] (2) The name for the presiding deity of the heart, representing a deep connection to all beings.[46] (3) A key figure embodying creation and the universe, with reference to the duality of identity and attachment.[47] (4) A term used to describe the heart (intellect) that is the instructor and projector of all beings.[48] (5) The deity representing the creative aspects of Brahman who presides over the horse sacrifice, symbolizing the generative forces of the universe.[49]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Prajapati comes after Varuna, as there is no other place for them, and according to the force of the text, as it stands, and should be inserted at the end, according to the provided text.[50] (2) The creator deity in Vedic literature, who is described as originating the world from the word through a creative process.[51] (3) A significant figure referenced in the text who speaks about the nature of the individual soul and its relationship to Brahman.[52] (4) A deity or being credited with the creation of the worlds, distinct from the highest Self, referenced within the philosophical discourse.[53] (5) A creator figure mentioned in the text who reflects on himself and initiates the process of creation, particularly concerning the mind.[54]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Prajapati is a figure who signifies universal creation and empowerment, indicating that the soul has the capacity to realize its wishes based on his declaration.[55] (2) A deity referred to in the text, symbolizing the year and embodying the Mahavrata.[56] (3) A figure in spiritual teachings, representing a being that initially has a body due to karman.[57] (4) A being with extraordinarily great merit, mentioned in the context of discussing capabilities related to creation and bliss.[58]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The creator or lord of creatures in Hindu philosophy, associated with the sustenance of life.[59]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The creator deity who is responsible for the protection of all creatures and their existence.[60]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The lord of creatures or the governing soul of the universe, often equated with Brahman and identified as a universal manifestation.[61]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A progenitor figure in Vedic literature, connected to creation, and the father of the Vasus.[62] (2) Prajapati is a powerful creator associated with the manifestation of the universe, born from the mind.[63] (3) Another name for Egoism, often associated with the deity who is the creator of deities.[64] (4) A powerful figure in mythology, to which Jaratkaru is compared, highlighting his strength and virtues.[65] (5) The twenty-one primordial beings who were first created and serve to uphold the eternal laws of the universe.[66]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The creator god, whose form Vishvamitra resembled as he took on the role of creator during the events surrounding Trishanku's ascension.[67] (2) The chief of the Gods who addressed Ravana in conciliatory tones.[68] (3) Ancient beings mentioned by the vulture, responsible for creation and lineage.[69] (4) The creator god from whom the great Being claims to have come.[70] (5) A creator deity in Hindu belief, indicating the king鈥檚 exalted position and capabilities.[71]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The divine being who addresses Ananda during his austerities, emphasizing the importance of mastering consumed actions for achieving final emancipation.[72] (2) Refers to a created being or deity, specifically noted in the correction concerning Brahman.[73] (3) A title given by Brahma to Ruci, signifying that he would have the role of a creator of human beings.[74] (4) A term referring to a lord or creator figure, used to denote the respect owed to guests in the context of hospitality.[75]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A deity associated with creation, reflecting the roles and realms to which certain individuals aspire.[76] (2) Patriarchal figures characterized as the progenitors or ancestors of living beings in Hindu genealogical narratives.[77] (3) Divine beings created in the Bhagavata narrative, representing the progenitors of humanity.[78] (4) The creators or celestial beings overseeing various aspects of creation and the progeny of Brahma.[79]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The creator deity, Brahma, who is found seated on the lotus of the navel of Bhagavan Hari.[80] (2) The Creator of the Universe, whom Vritrasura meditated upon during his austerities to seek strength and immortality.[81] (3) A sacred title for the lord of creatures and the creator god, often referring to Brahma.[82]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A deity in Hinduism considered the progenitor of all beings; directly linked to the concept of creation and production.[83] (2) The creator deity who is considered to have created everything by the power of the mind.[84]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Often referred to as Brahma, the creator god representing the mind.[85] (2) A creator deity associated with the procreation and sustenance of life in the universe.[86]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Prajapati is a title for the creator deity tasked by Brahma to control the destructive Rudras.[87]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Refers to the creator deity Brahma, or personification of Lord of Creatures, whose status is linked to creation and preservation.[88]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A term denoting the progenitors of beings; often associated with significant figures in Hindu cosmology.[89] (2) the forefathers whose happiness is significantly inferior to that of the celibate residents of Tapoloka.[90] (3) Forefathers whose happiness is significantly less than that of the lifelong celibate residents of Tapoloka.[91] (4) Progenitors of living beings who occupy significant posts during the cycles of creation.[92] (5) A term referring to the progenitor or lord of creatures; often considered a divine figure responsible for creation.[93]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A group of progenitors in Hindu mythology, including Kardama, Daksha, and Bhrigu, responsible for the creation of life.[94]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A term referring to the ancient Sage deeply absorbed in the task of creation and the propagation of life.[95]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to a class of deities considered as progenitors or creators, indicating the status achieved by the couple.[96]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Divine beings or progenitors in Hindu cosmology who were among the first to receive the teaching of Dharma.[97]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A group of deities responsible for creation and the progenitors of humankind.[98]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) The god representative of the organs of generation, one of the spiritual entities governing processes in nature.[99]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The progeny or sons of Brahma tasked with the stewardship of creation.[100]
Jain concept of 'Prajapati'
In Jainism, Prajapati is interpreted as a divine father figure linked to the first Vasudevas, a title for king Ripupratishatru post-marriage reflecting his karma, and a symbol of procreation and creation.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A title spread over the king after marrying his daughter, signifying a connection to procreation and creation.[101] (2) The title given to the king Ripupratishatru by the people after he married his daughter, reflecting the gravity of his karma.[102] (3) The divine father figure mentioned as the lineage reference for the first Vasudevas.[103]
The concept of Prajapati in local and regional sources
Prajapati is a prominent deity in Hindu mythology, associated with creation through sacrifice, linked to Daksha, and represents the cosmos. Additionally, this creator god connects to Delta Aurigae in the constellation Auriga.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A deity often identified with Daksha and associated with the creation of the universe through sacrifice.[104] (2) A deity linked to Delta Aurigae in the constellation Auriga, integral to Hindu mythology.[105]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is the creator god, who is identified with the sacrificer, and the fire altar is an image of this deity, representing the cosmos and the year.[106]