Significance of Indradhvaja
Indradhvaja, in Jainism, signifies a divine banner representing victory and sovereignty associated with the Supreme Lord and Tirthakara's birth, symbolizing authority and auspiciousness. It also refers to a decorative emblem displayed during significant events. In astrology, it relates to discussions on tree cutting, while in Mahayana Buddhism, Indradhvaja identifies a Tathagata from an ancient era. Historically, it denotes a festival outlined in the Brihatsamhita that predates Varahamihira, highlighting its significance in India's ritual calendar.
In Dutch: Indradhvaja; In German: Indradhvaja; In Finnish: Indradhvaja; In Spanish: Indradhvaja
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Indradhvaja'
In Buddhism, Indradhvaja signifies a specific Tathagata from an inconceivably distant time, embodying profound wisdom and enlightenment, representing the timeless nature of spiritual attainment across countless ages.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A specific Tathagata who lived an incalculable infinite kalpa ago.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Indradhvaja'
Indradhvaja in Hinduism symbolizes a chapter addressing the consequences of tree cutting, shedding light on ecological and spiritual implications, emphasizing the sacredness of nature within cultural practices and beliefs.
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A reference to a chapter that discusses various topics related to tree cutting and its implications, relevant to this context as well.[2]
Jain concept of 'Indradhvaja'
In Jainism, Indradhvaja symbolizes victory and divine authority through its depiction as a flag-staff bearing an auspicious banner that represents the grandeur associated with the birth of Tirthankaras, highlighting celebration and sovereignty.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A divine banner that served as a symbol of authority and celebration for the Tirthakara's birth, contributing to the overall grandeur of the event.[3] (2) (इनà¥à¤¦à¥à¤°à¤§à¥à¤µà¤œ), denotes flag-staff with a large banner.[4] (3) A divine banner or flag that accompanies the Supreme Lord, symbolizing victory and sovereignty.[5] (4) A decorative flag or emblem representing auspiciousness placed in front of the Lord.[6]
The concept of Indradhvaja in local and regional sources
Indradhvaja is a festival with deep roots in regional traditions, noted in the Brihatsamhita. It illustrates a divergence in ritual calendar structure, indicating potential innovations introduced by Varahamihira compared to earlier practices.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The Indradhvaja is a festival that was largely established prior to Varahamihira and would carry on into puranic sources, which can be seen as a node within an integrated ritual calendar.[7] (2) This is a ritual described in the Brihatsamhita, and Garga's chapter on it occurs after the Yatra, which does not reflect Varahamihira’s calendrical ordering, suggesting Varahamihira might be an innovator.[8]