Significance of Dense forest
Dense forest is a significant motif across various philosophical and cultural texts, symbolizing complex challenges and trials in different narratives. In Jainism, it represents the struggles of Asurakumaras and saints during transmigration. Vaishnavism characterizes it as daunting terrain surrounding Kanai Natashala. In Puranic texts, the dense forest is a setting of conflict and refuge for various figures like the Pandavas and kings, while Vedanta uses it as a metaphor for life's confusions. Overall, the dense forest serves to embody various layers of struggle, transformation, and spiritual quest.
Synonyms: Thick forest, Wooded area, Jungle, Dense woodland
In Dutch: Dicht bos; In Finnish: Tiheä metsä; In Spanish: Bosque denso; In German: Dichter Wald; In Malay: Hutan tebal; In Swedish: Tät skog; In French: Forêt dense
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Dense forest'
In Hinduism, Dense forest symbolizes both physical and psychological challenges, representing confusion in life and serving as a refuge or trial setting for various characters' journeys, such as the Pandavas and King Suratha.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The habitat where wild animals, such as elephants and deer, fled in response to the approaching army.[1] (2) A thick, closely-grown area of trees where Guha dwells.[2] (3) Thickly wooded areas that the monkeys searched in their quest to find Sita.[3]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A thickly wooded area that serves as a refuge or hiding place for characters, filled with various wildlife.[4] (2) A setting that represents both physical and psychological challenges for the Pandavas, symbolizing the dangers they face in their journey.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The setting where the Muni resides, indicating the challenging environment Sukanya would enter.[6] (2) The wild, natural setting that King Suratha entered, which symbolizes uncertainty and a refuge amid danger.[7]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The place to which King Suratha retreated after being deprived of his sovereignty.[8] (2) The setting where the brahman's wife was held captive by the Rakshasa and where King Uttama comes to find her.[9]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The location where Uma is performing her Tapasya, representing both a physical and spiritual wilderness in her quest.[10] (2) The location near the Himalayas where Sati goes after leaving her father and her physical body.[11]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A multitude of large trees and plants, representing the richness and diversity of creation.[12]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The natural surroundings that encompass Kanai Natashala on all sides.[13]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Describes a thickly wooded area filled with trees, creating a sense of density and difficulty in navigation, which poses a threat.[14]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A metaphor for the confusion and challenges faced in life due to ignorance and attachment.[15]
Jain concept of 'Dense forest'
In Jainism, "Dense forest" metaphorically represents the difficult struggles faced by saints during transmigration and symbolizes the challenging environments that Asurakumaras must navigate in their ascension journey.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Symbolizes the complex and challenging environments that the Asurakumaras must navigate as they ascend.[16]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A metaphorical representation of the complex struggles saints face in the process of transmigration.[17]
The concept of Dense forest in local and regional sources
Dense forest symbolizes complexity and challenges in various narratives: Rama's search for Sita, Shankar and Parvati's journey, and the wild travels of the madcap and his wife, reflecting confusion and isolation in their quests.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A thick, wild area where the madcap and his wife travel, devoid of human life.[18]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The location where Rama is searching for Sita, symbolizing confusion and complexity in his quest.[19]