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Significance of Crocodile

Crocodile across various texts in South Asia symbolizes formidable challenges and dangers. In narratives, such as those involving a Prince battling a crocodile or Gajendra's appeal to Shri Krishna, it represents threats faced during quests. The creature also signifies transformation and serves as a character embodying antagonism in conflicts, such as in the tale of Nityananda and the Deva-sarovara. Overall, the symbolism of crocodiles encompasses both literal and metaphorical representations of adversity and struggle in different cultural contexts.1
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Synonyms: Alligator, Reptile, Lizard

In Dutch: Krokodil; In German: Krokodil; In Finnish: Krokotiili; In Spanish: Cocodrilo

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

Buddhist concept of 'Crocodile'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Crocodile symbolizes destructive desires that threaten spiritual growth. As an antagonist in Buddhist narratives, it represents the consuming nature of these desires, which can lead to one's downfall and suffering.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) An antagonist in the story, representing destructive desires that consume and ultimately destroy.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Crocodile'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the crocodile symbolizes formidable challenges and antagonism, as seen in encounters with figures like Hanuman and in the struggle against Gajendra. It embodies transformation and danger within various mythological narratives.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The crocodile refers to a creature that underwent a transformation, having had its head severed.[2] (2) a type of creature present in the Deva-sarovara.[3] (3) graha; large aquatic reptiles, representing a transformation or a metaphorical concept in this context.[4] (4) A character in the struggle described in the text, which represents an antagonist to the regal elephant amidst the conflict.[5]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A reptile that was defeated by Hanuman in their encounter.[6] (2) The animal that Nityananda tried to catch.[7]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) A creature that symbolizes the challenges and dangers one might face, as illustrated in the story of Gajendra's call for help to Shri Krishna.[8]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The predator in the struggle against Gajendra, representing formidable challenges.[9]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A type of oviparous animal that includes the Porpoise and similar species.[10]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) An example of a creature depicted through gesture in the Bharata Shastra, used symbolically in performance.[11]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya鈥攖heatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

The concept of Crocodile in local and regional sources

History Books

Crocodile serves as a pivotal character in the narrative, initially saved by a man, later threatening the youngest Prince while guarding a lotus flower, ultimately becoming an adversary the Prince must defeat to assist an elderly woman.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) A creature residing in the pool where the lotus flower grows, which ultimately swallows the Prince.[12] (2) A reptile that becomes the central character in the tale, initially saved by a man, but later tries to eat him.[13] (3) A creature that the Prince battles in the river, overcoming it to help the old woman.[14] (4) A formidable creature that poses a threat to the youngest Prince as he attempts to fetch a flower.[15]

Plural form: Crocodiles.