Significance of Right hand
Synonyms: Right side, Dexter, Dominant hand, Stronger hand
In Dutch: Rechterhand; In Finnish: Oikea käsi; In Spanish: Derecha; In German: Rechte Hand
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Right hand'
In Hinduism, the right hand symbolizes power, commitment, and auspiciousness, particularly during rituals, marriage ceremonies, and spiritual acts. It signifies union, authority, and the performance of important gestures within cultural practices.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Symbolic of power and auspiciousness, representing action and intention in rituals.[1] (2) Denotes that all washings and religious acts should be performed with the right hand, emphasizing the importance of this practice in the context of ritual purity.[2] (3) The hand referenced in the context of performing specific rituals, particularly in the act of touching heads.[3] (4) The prescribed hand to be used in various sacrificial acts, emphasizing the importance of direction and proper methodology in rituals.[4]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Indicates the hand used for performing rituals or gestures, significant in spiritual contexts.[5] (2) The hand to which the bridegroom gives the quill of a porcupine, symbolizing the transfer of protection.[6] (3) Traditionally symbolizes power and authority; in this context, it signifies the action of providing guidance or blessings.[7] (4) The hand that the bridegroom uses to seize the bride's hand during the marriage ceremony, signifying union and commitment.[8]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The gesture made by the groom as he touches the bride, reinforcing physical and emotional connection.[9] (2) The hand that should be seized after a person has eaten.[10] (3) The teacher touches the boy with his right hand during the initiation ritual.[11]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that is used to perform specific rituals, particularly touching during the verses.[12] (2) The hand used by both the bride and groom in various ceremonial acts, including touch and sacrifice.[13]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The side of the body where the spoon called Juhu is placed.[14] (2) The dominant hand, which is held uppermost while holding purifiers in ritual practice.[15]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that the teacher holds to guide the boy through the initiation process.[16] (2) The hand that the groom takes from the bride, symbolizing their union.[17]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that is seized by the bridegroom during the marriage ceremony, symbolizing unity and togetherness.[18] (2) The preferred hand used in performing certain rituals unless specified otherwise.[19]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The place where a single pupil must sit, signifying the honor and proximity to the teacher.[20] (2) A reference to the positioning of the palm of the right hand during rituals, which carries specific meanings in offering practices.[21]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The hand designated for specific actions, particularly the voiding of urine and excrements when holding the waterpot.[22]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A significant part of the wedding ritual where her hand is seized as a symbol of happiness and the intention for a long life together as husband and wife.[23]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The hand on the right side of the body, referred to as dakshina-hastena in the text.[24] (2) The hand that is traditionally associated with strength and dexterity, noted in the text for holding the mountain.[25]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The term savya-hate translates to 'right hand,' indicating the hand used to perform an action.[26]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The hand that holds the discus, signifying strength and power.[27]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to the dominant hand, emphasizing a gesture of assistance and control in the act being described.[28]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A physical gesture by Duryodhana indicating trust and a serious conversation with Purocana.[29] (2) Symbolically gestures involving the right hand during religious practices, representing purity or auspiciousness.[30]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The 'right hand' is the hand of Sthulaksha, which was targeted with arrows, implying a specific action taken against the giant in the narrative.[31] (2) Prahasta expressed his willingness, with his right hand, to eliminate the Vanars, ensuring their complete destruction across the land.[32]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The hand designated for cleansing above the navel during purification rituals.[33]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) The hand used for specific gestures in the indication of caste roles, such as in the Kshattriya and Vaishya castes.[34] (2) One of the arms of the Nataraja figure, specifically the first right hand that is described as holding a drum.[35]
Jain concept of 'Right hand'
In Jainism, the "Right hand" symbolizes power and protection, as seen in the hands of deities like Yaksheshvara and Kalika, who hold significant items. It also represents the dominant hand used for various activities.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The dominant hand utilized for various activities, referenced in the work.[36] (2) The specific hands of Sanmukha that hold significant items such as fruit, cakra, arrow, sword, noose, and rosary, symbolizing power and protection.[37] (3) Refers to the hands of Yaksheshvara and Kalika that hold significant symbolic items; Yaksheshvara's hands hold a citron and a rosary, while Kalika's right hand displays a varada-position.[38]
The concept of Right hand in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Right hand" pertains to the right hand side, highlighting its significance in comprehending specific arguments presented in the context according to regional sources. It emphasizes the importance of spatial orientation in the discussion.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This refers to the right hand side, and it is important for understanding the arguments.[39]
The concept of Right hand in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Right hand" pertains to the hand used to carry a bucket of hot water during an accident, indicating its proximity to the patient's face at the time of the incident.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is the hand that was likely used to carry the bucket of hot water, which was closer to the right side of the patient's face when the accident occurred.[40]