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Significance of Ushnisha

Ushnisha is a significant term in Buddhist iconography, referring to the cranial protuberance or top knot on Buddha's head. It symbolizes spiritual attainment and wisdom, highlighting the Buddha's unique physical and spiritual qualities. Additionally, Ushnisha is considered to emit rays, further signifying enlightenment. It is one of the 32 lakshanas associated with the Buddha, embodying the profound spiritual insights that distinguish his character and teachings. In various contexts, Ushnisha also denotes the idea of a crown in different traditions.1
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In German: Ushnisha; In Finnish: Ushnisha; In Spanish: Ushnisha; In Dutch: Oesjnischa

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Ushnisha'

Buddhism Books

Ushnisha in Buddhism symbolizes spiritual attainment and wisdom, represented as a cranial protuberance and topknot on the Buddha鈥檚 head, highlighting his unique spiritual insight and significance among the 32 lakshanas.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Ushnisha is the cranial protuberance noted as one of the 32 lakshanas of the Buddha, essential to understanding his physical and spiritual uniqueness.[1] (2) A topknot on the Buddha鈥檚 head that signifies spiritual attainment and also emits rays.[2]

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) Ushnisha is the top knot of hair on a Buddha's head, signifying their wisdom and spiritual attainment.[3] (2) The protuberance on the head of a Buddha, symbolizing spiritual insight and wisdom.[4]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Ushnisha'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Ushnisha is interpreted as a temple type leading to the Pramadapriya style, and it also signifies a "crown," symbolizing spiritual authority and enlightenment.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)

(1) This temple type from the second series leads to the Pramadapriya type.[5]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.