Significance of Gandharva
Synonyms: Celestial musician, Heavenly bard, Celestial being, Heavenly being, Divine musician, Demigod, Celestial singer, Divine artist
In Dutch: Gandharva; In German: Gandharva; In Finnish: Gandharva; In Spanish: Gandharva; In Swedish: Gandharva; In French: Gandharva; In Malay: Gandarva
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Gandharva'
In Buddhism, Gandharvas are celestial musicians and divine artists known for their enchanting music and aesthetic contributions. They symbolize spiritual qualities, embodying both sensory experiences and the transient nature of existence within Buddhist cosmology.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Mythical beings referred to in the sutra, included in the Preta destiny, but debated regarding their placement in the gati framework.[1] (2) Mythical celestial beings; their city is used as a metaphor for the non-reality of certain experiences.[2] (3) Mythical beings often depicted in ancient texts, used here to symbolize the ephemeral and illusory characteristics of experiences.[3] (4) Divine artists who accompany gods and are seen as having gentle qualities but limited merits compared to higher beings.[4]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A celestial being or nature spirit often associated with music and enjoyment, reflected as a comparison to the Bodhisattva's revered appearance.[5] (2) Celestial musicians and beings in Buddhist cosmology, mentioned here in the context of Pancashikha, who had significant beauty.[6]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Musical spirits in Buddhist cosmology; Guan Yin can appear as one of these beings to aid those wishing to escape their destiny.[7]
From: 础产丑颈诲丑补谤尘补办辞艣补
(1) Gandharvas are celestial beings associated with desires and sensuous experiences, often depicted as indulging in music and enjoyment.[8]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Celestial musicians and beings in Buddhist mythology known for their spiritual and artistic qualities.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Gandharva'
Gandharva in Hinduism refers to celestial beings celebrated for their musical and artistic talents, playing significant roles in divine celebrations and spiritual narratives, embodying the essence of creativity and worship in the cosmic realm.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Supernatural beings involved in a past battle with Arjuna, showcasing the hero's formidable combat experience.[10] (2) Celestial beings that King Kusika saw amidst his wondrous experiences.[11] (3) Celestial beings, known as deities of music and arts, who praised the Lord during his preparation for battle.[12] (4) Celestial beings skilled in music and dance, present during the sacrifice to entertain the participants.[13] (5) Divine musicians who are skilled in both sacred and profane music, entertaining the celestial beings.[14]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Mythical beings depicted as divine musicians or warriors, who defended a fertile country along the Sindhu River.[15] (2) Mythical celestial musicians known for their beauty and artistry.[16] (3) Mythical celestial beings that witness and praise Hanuman's feats.[17] (4) Celestial musicians and beings known for their artistic abilities, who pay homage to Indra.[18] (5) Celestial musicians, with whom the princes were compared due to their beauty and talent.[19]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Refers to celestial musicians or beings within traditional texts.[20] (2) A celestial being associated with music and love, with Visvavasu being the king of this race.[21] (3) Celestial musicians in Hindu mythology who play a role in the afterlife experiences of righteous souls.[22] (4) One of the nine divisions described by Markandeya in Bharata.[23] (5) A class of celestial beings created from Brahma that are associated with music and the arts, symbolizing harmony in the universe.[24]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The word refers to a specific group or type of being, indicating the presence of a particular entity within the environment.[25] (2) Gandharvas are beings of lofty thought, who, along with Gods, had unsuccessfully fought against Ravan, demonstrating his strength.[26] (3) Gandharvas are people who loved to meet in a place with crystal waters and level sands, according to the provided text.[27] (4) The Gandharvas are described as beings that can change their forms at will, and are present in the lovely hill, and they also raised their voices in gladness.[28] (5) These beings, along with the serpent brood, were subdued by Kumbhakarna's arm, showcasing his vast power and control over various entities.[29]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Celestial beings related to music and arts, who played a role in the lives of Pururavas and Urvashi.[30] (2) Heavenly beings created by Brahma, associated with melody and music, borne from the goddess of speech.[31] (3) Celestial musicians in Hindu mythology, often associated with beauty and artistic expression.[32] (4) Celestial musicians and significant beings believed to be progeny of the sage Kashyapa.[33]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Beings known for singing, created as part of the divine creation narrative, symbolizing beauty and art.[34] (2) Celestial musicians who sing before the sun.[35] (3) A class of celestial beings born from Aristha, known for their music and dance.[36] (4) A divine being among the listed deities for Vastu worship.[37]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Celestial beings associated with music and arts, who were sent by Indra to create obstacles in Vritrasura's penance.[38] (2) Celestial musicians and spirits who act on Indra's orders to retrieve Urvashi by stealing her sheep.[39] (3) Celestial beings who are known for singing and music; the King Revata was captivated by their performance.[40]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Celestial musicians who are often depicted in divine assemblies, associated with music and dance.[41]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) Celestial musicians in Hindu tradition, often associated with heavenly realms.[42]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Celestial musicians and beings that were part of Brahma's creation, alongside Yakshas and Rakshasas.[43]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Celestial musicians and beings known for their charm and skills, involved in the gambling scene with Pramati.[44]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Celestial beings born from Sinhika, regarded as musicians and enjoyers of celestial pleasures.[45]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A type of celestial musician and dancer, associated with the heavens.[46] (2) Celestial musicians who are among the divine beings that attended the yajna.[47] (3) Celestial musicians and beings known for their artistic skills, who are mentioned as part of the group singing in the text.[48] (4) Heavenly musicians known for their skills in music and dance.[49] (5) A celestial being from ancient Indian literature, typically associated with music, arts, and the heavens.[50]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Celestial beings known for their musical skills; Tumburu is one of their leaders.[51] (2) A celestial being or musician in Hindu mythology, often associated with the arts and considered to serve the divine.[52] (3) Mythical celestial beings who were defeated by Hanuman.[53] (4) Mythical beings that the boys were imitating by dressing as them.[54] (5) Celestial musicians who are among the divine entities expressing devotion to Lord Balarama.[55]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Celestial beings or musicians who sing and join in the praises of the Lord, contributing to the devotional atmosphere.[56] (2) Divine beings that Shri Hanuman defeated after demonstrating his extraordinary strength.[57] (3) Celestial musicians who contribute to the glorification of Shri Bhagavan through song and dance.[58]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Celestial musicians released from within the trees after Krishna breaks them, representing spiritual and musical beings.[59]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A celestial musician, often associated with divine melodies and the arts of pleasing the gods.[60]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A type of marriage distinction from the Asura form, where both partners are willing and consent to the union.[61] (2) The Gandharva is one of the eight forms of marriage that are noted in the text.[62] (3) Divine beings that represent a high state among those partaking of 'Rajas.'[63] (4) Represented as a disregarded term for fine clothing, suggesting a move away from materialism to focus on the inner self.[64] (5) Followers of the Gods known primarily for their skills in singing and dancing.[65]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Supernatural beings or celestial musicians mentioned in Vedic literature.[66] (2) A divine being associated with music and love, mentioned in the context of the bride鈥檚 multiple husbands.[67]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A celestial being related to the act of marriage, invoked in the wedding chants.[68]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A celestial musician or a type of deity worshiped during marriage rituals, symbolizing the blessings of divine harmony.[69]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A celestial musician recognized in Vedic texts, associated with harmony and the divine aspect of love.[70]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A celestial being in Hindu mythology, referenced in rites involving acquiring a bamboo staff.[71]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A type of celestial being associated with music and joy, invoked during the sacrifice.[72]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Celestial musicians in Hindu mythology, often depicted as handsome, who play a role similar to nymphs or supernatural beings in love stories.[73] (2) Divine beings who observe and participate in the events surrounding Naravahanadatta's quest.[74] (3) Celestial musicians and divine beings associated with music and artistic expression, inhabiting the city of the Gandharvas.[75] (4) Mythical beings associated with the gods, often involved in the conflicts against Vidyuddhvaja.[76] (5) Heavenly beings associated with music and the air, recognized as witnesses in gandharva marriages.[77]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) An ancient Indian concept associated with the celestial musicians and singers; referenced in the context of Dhruva performance.[78] (2) A celestial musician in Hindu mythology, often related to the arts and performing arts.[79] (3) A traditional term reference to music, particularly in classical contexts where melodic structures are paramount.[80] (4) A type of music made from stringed instruments and other forms, that includes notes, time-measure, and verbal themes, and is desired by gods and enjoyed by Gandharvas.[81] (5) A term denoting musicians in ancient India, particularly associated with proficiency in music and verse, occurring as early as the 4th century B.C.[82]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A deity form associated with beauty and preservation, exemplified by Agni, the moon, and wind throughout the text.[83] (2) A celestial being who stole Soma from Gayatri, thus hindering the gods' attempts to obtain it.[84] (3) Supernatural beings mentioned in the text who play a key role in the narrative, particularly in relation to Urvashi and Pururavas.[85] (4) Celestial beings associated with music and pleasure, mentioned as having an interest in the sacrificial offerings.[86] (5) Spiritual beings assigned by the sacrificer as the custodians of the objects that constitute the purchase price for Soma.[87]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A celestial being who possesses Patancala Kapya's wife and speaks of the Sutra and the Internal Ruler.[88] (2) Celestial beings associated with music and the arts in Vedic literature, representing an aspect of the spiritual journey.[89]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Celestial musicians and beings that came into existence from apana, indicating a diverse creation.[90]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A class of celestial beings known for their extraordinary powers and bliss exceeding human happiness.[91]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This refers to a group of people that, along with the Gods, the Fathers, the Asuras, and the Rakshas, are meant to explain the word pancajanah.[92]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) A site where an Ashvashala should ideally be constructed, indicating a location associated with auspiciousness in the Vastu-Shastra.[93] (2) Celestial musicians or semi-divine beings included among the various categories of beings described in the chapter.[94]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A site specification mentioned for where the stable should ideally be laid out.[95]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) The traditional arts focusing on music, dance, and entertainment as part of cultural expression.[96]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Divine musicians who will be afflicted if Marici, one of the Rishis, is affected by adverse celestial events.[97]
Jain concept of 'Gandharva'
In Jainism, Gandharva signifies celestial beings linked to music and poetry, overseen by Gitarati and Gitayasha, playing vital roles in festivities and the rebirth cycle, embodying a unique subclass of deities related to entertainment and artistry.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Mythical celestial musicians and warriors associated with the king of Khecaras, present in the context of Hanumat's quest.[98] (2) Celestial musicians and entertainers, who played significant roles in the festivities surrounding Sanatkumara.[99]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) This specific entity is overseen by Gitarati and Gitayasha.[100] (2) A type of peripatetic deva recognized for its distinct role among the subclasses.[101]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Mythical celestial beings associated with music and poetry, also part of the rebirth cycle.[102]
The concept of Gandharva in local and regional sources
Gandharva refers to celestial beings in Hindu mythology renowned for their musical and artistic abilities. They embody beauty, engage romantically, and are associated with divine music, playing significant roles in both myth and regional poetry.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Demi-gods from Indian mythology whose art reflects beauty and harmony, significant during the age of Ashoka the Great.[103] (2) Mythical beings known for their arts of music and dance while serving as warriors, as described in Indian mythology.[104] (3) Mythical celestial beings associated with music and dance, thought to embody beauty and art, and are the inhabitants of the Emerald Kingdom.[105] (4) Celestial beings in Hindu mythology known for their musical talents and association with love.[106] (5) Demi-gods in Indian mythology, known for their musical talents and often involved in romantic escapades.[107]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Heavenly beings noted for their musical talents, singing at the temple door.[108] (2) A celestial musician in Hindu mythology, suggesting a state of heightened musical appreciation.[109] (3) Heavenly singers who became absorbed in Surdas's music, illustrating its enchanting quality.[110]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a heavenly playboy, compared to the moon joining the nakshatras, who has sexual intercourse with heavenly dancing girls (apsarases) in the Shatapatha-Brahmana.[111]