Significance of Purushottama
Purushottama is a significant term across various Hindu traditions, representing the supreme being or the ultimate person. In Jainism, it refers to different figures, including deities and characters linked to divine essence. In Vaishnavism and Purana texts, Purushottama denotes Lord Krishna or Vishnu, embodying the highest virtues and spiritual significance. It is used in philosophical contexts to highlight the divine's ultimate form, emphasizing the attributes of salvation, compassion, and transcendence, ultimately referring to the essence of God and cosmic order.
Synonyms: Supreme being, Best of men, Highest spirit, Perfect person, Excellent man
In Dutch: Purushottama; In German: Purushottama; In Finnish: Purushottama; In Spanish: Purushottama; In Swedish: Purushottama; In Malay: Purushottama; In French: Purushottama
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Purushottama'
Purushottama in Hinduism represents the supreme being, epitomized by Lord Vishnu and Krishna, embodying ultimate divinity, salvation, and cosmic authority as the highest existence, revered in worship and philosophical discourse for his divine qualities.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A name for the Supreme Being, conveying His exalted status and the impact of His incarnations in the world.[1] (2) A disciple of Jayadharma, furthering the chain of spiritual teachings.[2] (3) The supreme enjoyer, viewed by a maha-bhagavata as the ultimate source of pleasure.[3] (4) A term referring to the supreme person, used within the philosophical discussions presented.[4] (5) An alternative name for Nilacala indicating its revered status.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) An epithet for the Supreme Lord, meaning the highest or greatest being, often used to signify His exalted status among all forms of existence.[6] (2) The Supreme Person or the ultimate male figure in the spiritual context, embodying the essence of God.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An exalted or supreme being; often refers to a person of great virtue.[8] (2) A Sanskrit term that emphasizes the concept of the Supreme Being or the ultimate person.[9]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) O Supreme Person.[10]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A term denoting the Supreme Person or Lord Krishna, who is considered the highest of all beings.[11]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A title denoting the Highest Being, celebrated in the world and in the Veda.[12] (2) A name signifying Krishna as the ultimate being who creates, preserves, and destroys.[13] (3) The Supreme Being, deemed the highest of all Purusha, embodying the ultimate reality and cosmos.[14]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Another name for Krishna, representing his supreme status.[15] (2) The Supreme Person, a title often referring to Lord Vishnu, depicted with divine attributes of strength and protection.[16] (3) The supreme person who possesses knowledge of the gods and the entire universe.[17]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The tenth figure in the series described.[18] (2) The eighth entity referenced in the text, signifying the supreme person or the highest being, often associated with Vishnu.[19] (3) A title for Vishnu, signifying him as the supreme person.[20]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A name for Vishnu denoting his supreme nature and his attributes of being both the beginning and the end.[21] (2) The supreme person, representing the highest manifestation in the spiritual hierarchy and associated with Vishnu.[22]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The Supreme Person or the highest divine consciousness in Hindu philosophy, encompassing all living beings.[23]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A supreme divine entity, often referred to as the ultimate representation of God, to whom worship and dedication are directed.[24]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A blessed deity whose essence is pure knowledge and who is free from bondage.[25]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The Supreme Being or Lord of Souls, representing the highest spiritual attainment.[26]
Jain concept of 'Purushottama'
In Jainism, Purushottama encompasses various meanings: a messenger of the Arhat, Sagaradatta's son alerting King Ashvasena, a representation of divine essence, a narrative catalyst, and a notable figure facing a destined fate.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The individual who receives news about the Arhat being present in the samavasarana.[27] (2) The son of the minister Sagaradatta, who delivers news of Yavana's threat to King Ashvasena.[28] (3) A prominent figure who addressed another character in the narrative, setting events into motion.[29] (4) The name assigned to the child, which denotes a supreme being or divine essence in various spiritual philosophies.[30] (5) A black Vasudeva identified by his height of fifty bows, son of Soma and Sita, who is destined for the sixth hell after living for thirty lacs of years.[31]
The concept of Purushottama in local and regional sources
Purushottama, meaning 'Good Being', designates Vishnu's benevolence and elevated status among deities, highlighting his significance within regional texts and the broader spiritual canon.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An epithet attributed to Rama, signifying distinction and universal approval among devotees.[32] (2) Represents the supreme individual or the highest form of consciousness from which all purushas emerge.[33] (3) A term indicating Sri Rama's exalted status as the supreme person.[34] (4) The supreme Person emphasized in the Gita who deserves loving worship and humble devotion.[35]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A name designating Vishnu as the 'Good Being', emphasizing his benevolence and high rank among deities.[36]