Significance of King Nanda
King Nanda is a multifaceted figure in various traditions. In Jainism, he is known as a wealthy king who interacts with the Master, symbolizing earthly authority. The Purana describes him as a righteous ruler from the Lunar race, fathering Dharmagupta and providing for his subjects until he faced illness. Kavya presents him as a character involved in magic narratives and identity manipulation. Theravada portrays him as royalty grappling with the balance of spiritual integrity and material wealth.
In Dutch: Koning Nanda; In Finnish: Kuningas Nanda; In Spanish: Rey Nanda; In German: König Nanda; In Malay: Raja Nanda; In Swedish: Kung Nanda; In French: Roi Nanda
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'King Nanda'
King Nanda in Buddhism symbolizes the struggle of royalty balancing spiritual integrity with the temptations of material wealth, illustrating the challenges one faces in pursuing enlightenment while surrounded by opulence.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A character who represents royalty and the challenges of maintaining spiritual integrity amidst material wealth.[1]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The father of prince Sumana, known for his wealth and respect for the clergy.[2]
Hindu concept of 'King Nanda'
King Nanda in Hinduism symbolizes a righteous ruler of the Lunar race, revered for his wisdom and benevolence. His narrative includes themes of ritual, body possession, and ultimately, a tragic fall into illness.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The noble-hearted king being referred to in the text.[3] (2) A character in the text who is referenced as being emotionally expressive during his conversation.[4] (3) The ruler referred to in the text, around whose circle the events take place.[5] (4) King Nanda refers to the ruler of Mithila who is depicted in the text as taking offerings.[6] (5) The father of Krishna who, upon reflecting, asks Krishna a question with respect.[7]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The monarch who Upakosha seeks to appeal to regarding her financial misfortune.[8] (2) A character involved in the narratives surrounding Indradatta's magic and the motifs of body entering.[9] (3) The royal figure in whose house the shraddha ceremony is to take place.[10] (4) A character used in a story to illustrate the concept of body possession and the manipulation of identity.[11]
Jain concept of 'King Nanda'
King Nanda in Jainism symbolizes earthly authority and devotion, interacting with the Master. He is renowned for his immense wealth, particularly noted for having deposited significant gold in sacred stupas.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A famous king known for his wealth, reputed to have deposited much gold in the stupas.[12] (2) A figure who interacts with the Master, representing earthly authority and devotion.[13]