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Significance of Earthen jar

The concept of the Earthen jar is explored across various disciplines, symbolizing both physical and metaphorical meanings. In Purana and Vedanta, it represents effort, personal identity, and the illusion of separation from one's true essence. Historically in India, it signifies humble offerings to God and serves practical purposes like storing water. Scientifically, it is associated with uses like fermentation. Overall, the Earthen jar embodies the transient nature of goals while reflecting deeper truths about existence and connection.1
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Synonyms: Clay pot

In Dutch: Aarden pot; In Finnish: Saviruukku; In Spanish: Jarra de barro

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

Hindu concept of 'Earthen jar'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the "Earthen jar" symbolizes the physical body as a transient container, reflecting the illusory nature of the self, representing shared essence among beings, and illustrating how goals may lose significance post-achievement.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Mandukya Upanishad

(1) An illustrative metaphor used to represent individual bodies that enclose the same essence, similar to how earthen jars enclose space.[1] (2) A physical container made from clay that symbolizes the body of an individual, which when dissolved, reveals the unchanged nature of the surrounding space.[2]

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) A metaphor used to illustrate how beings see themselves as distinct from their true substance, akin to pots made from clay.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A metaphorical representation of a goal or objective that is created through effort but whose significance may diminish after its completion.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Earthen jar in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Earthen jar" symbolizes both the poet's creations providing solace and humble offerings to God, while also representing physical objects, like the washerman’s vessel, that remain separate from divine significance.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) A container made of clay, mentioned alongside the washerman's vessel to signify physical objects that do not become entwined with the divine.[5] (2) Symbolizes the humble offerings made to God, contrasted with the higher rewards received.[6]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The jars that keep the refreshing water cool, symbolizing the poet's own creations that offer consolation.[7]

Plural form: Earthen jars.